Neha asked Rick Riordan:

I've been a big fan over the years. Seeing how brave fictional teens can be while living in two worlds helped me taking a brave step & permanently move from India to Canada at 18. I was curious, do you find that travelling to different countries & seeing different cultures help in your creative journey? Do you tend to lean towards travelling or do you tend to rely on internet/other books to help with research? Thanks!

Rick Riordan That is a big move, and I wish you every success! As for your question, travel absolutely helps me. I rely on it greatly, although yes, I also read extensively when I am researching. Mark Twain has a famous quote about travel, which I will quote below. It is, along with reading, one of the best things a person can do expand their world view and develop empathy for others. I realize that travel is a privilege many do not have, however, while reading is (relatively, at least) much easier and cheaper!

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

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