Emma Joyner- American Camino Chapter 2

 Chapter 2 of American Camino is entitled “Spiritual Journey versus Aesthetic Tourism”. In this chapter, Redick dives into the differences between hiking and going into nature for a spiritual journey. In which case, a more purposeful and intentional endeavor. On the other hand, aesthetic tourism is a more surface-level experience that can potentially be harmful. I say that it has the potential to be harmful and reckless if not careful. Redick, however, doesn’t explicitly discuss these negative aspects, rather he focuses on the idea that you’re essentially ‘missing out’ on all the benefits of a spiritual journey. On the journey itself, he argues you get into a rhythm that stimulates self-reflection and spiritual growth – something you won’t get from aesthetic tourism. Though to be fair, I think engaging in aesthetic tourism could potentially be helpful and I think it’s better than having no engagement with the environment. Moreover, aesthetic tourism could be the building blocks to desiring a spiritual journey in nature.

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