As you may know I travel a lot by myself and one of the great joys are the people I meet along the way. As the talker that I am, and need to talk, I often start the conversation. My youngest son says I talk to everyone. When someone does not engage in the conversation I do stop talking… most of the time!
Where have you met interesting people along the way? Airports and airline flights are a great place to meet. Your new ‘friend’ knows you will only meet for a short while. It is amazing what you hear. I can tell a story from most every trip. Coming home from Florida the young man who was wearing a Seattle Seahawk shirt and hat, yet lives in St. Louis. Flying to Arizona chatting with a woman who was dying of cancer and wanted one more visit to their second home. Flying home from Seattle and the young man who said he spent some time in the military, only to discover he went to West Point and was a Seal! He was remembering trips with his grandparents.
Then there are the restaurants and other gathering spots. One morning at breakfast in Florence a young man at the next table started talking to me. After some point I said, “Are you traveling by yourself?”and he replied “Yes!” We laughed and talked about how most solo travelers feel lonely or that nobody loves them at one point or another in their travels, but most of the time we are pleased to be by ourselves. When I returned from my day of touring, I slipped him a note inviting my new friend to dinner. We shared a nice dinner together.
It is also fun to tell my story and watch and hear the responses. We often exchange business cards. Only once have I had a follow up connection. And that was from an Amtrak ride. I do know people who meet people around the world and do keep in touch. I am not so good at corresponding. Even when I try, sometimes the emails are just not correct. But the stories are correct and stay with me always.
What is your story? Call so you can begin another one!
AlwaysHarriet 