My Christmas present to myself each year is to see how much air travel can open up the world and take me to places as far from sheltered California and Japan as possible.

In this quote, Pico Iyer reflects on how he uses air travel as a way to broaden his horizons and escape the more sheltered environments of California and Japan. For Iyer, his Christmas present is not something material, but an experience—one that allows him to explore new places and cultures that are far removed from the familiar. The idea of air travel as a gift represents a deeper desire to experience the world in its full diversity, stretching beyond the comfort zones that might limit personal growth.

Iyer’s choice of Christmas as the time for this gift suggests that he sees the holiday as a moment for self-reflection and personal growth, rather than just traditional celebrations or material exchanges. His journey is about pushing boundaries and stepping out of the comfort of familiar surroundings. By choosing to travel to places far from his life in California and Japan, he aims to immerse himself in cultures and experiences that challenge his understanding and open his mind.

The phrase “as far from sheltered California and Japan as possible” suggests a yearning for experiences that contrast with the more controlled, comfortable environments he has known. It implies a sense of curiosity and adventure, where Iyer actively seeks to explore unfamiliar and often challenging parts of the world. His goal is not just to visit these places, but to engage with their complexity, contradictions, and richness, expanding his perspective in the process.

Ultimately, Iyer’s quote highlights his desire for personal enrichment through travel and exposure to new ideas and cultures. By giving himself the gift of travel, he embraces the transformative power of exploration, which goes beyond sightseeing to challenge preconceived notions and foster a deeper understanding of the world. This approach to Christmas reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of a broader worldview.