"No hay tierras extranjeras. Solo el viajero es extranjero."

People often talk about going to foreign countries and feeling out of place. But think about it – is the land really foreign, or is it just that you feel out of your element because you're not used to it? This idea flips the script. When you travel, it's not the land that’s foreign. It's you. You're bringing your own experiences, culture, and expectations into a new setting, and that's what makes you feel like an outsider.

This perspective was articulated by Robert Louis Stevenson, a famous Scottish writer. Back in the 19th century, people didn't travel as easily as we do now. When Stevenson said this, he was challenging the common notion of the time that travel was about exotic, unknown places. Instead, he suggested that it's our own sense of unfamiliarity and our own mindset that makes a place feel foreign.

Take, for example, a modern-day traveler like Alex. Alex loves exploring new countries and learning about different cultures. On his trip to Japan, he initially felt completely out of place. The language barrier, the food, the customs – everything was so different from what he knew. But instead of thinking of Japan as a foreign land, Alex began to understand that it was his own unfamiliarity that made him feel like an outsider. As he spent more time there, integrating and learning from the locals, he realized that the 'foreignness' started to fade.

So, how can you apply this idea to your own life? Whenever you find yourself in a new place or situation, remind yourself that it's your own perspective that needs adjusting. Start by immersing yourself in the local culture. Talk to people, try the food, learn a few phrases in the local language. Be open to new experiences. You’ll find that the more you adapt, the less 'foreign' the place feels.

Here’s a scenario to bring it closer to home. Imagine you just moved to a new city for a job. Everything feels strange – the streets, the people, the way things are done. At first, you might feel like you don’t belong. But think of it like this: the city isn’t foreign, you are. Start small – try a local coffee shop, strike up a conversation with your neighbor, join a community group. Over time, you'll start to see the city as less of a strange place and more like a new home.

Remember, it's all about perspective. The next time you feel out of place, whether you're traveling to a distant land or just navigating a new life situation, think back to Stevenson’s insight. It’s not where you are that’s foreign – it’s how you see it. Adjust your mindset, embrace the unfamiliar, and you’ll start to feel at home wherever you go.