There are countless opportunities when we travel, both in terms of the places we may visit and the relationships we can form. I’ve met people from all walks of life during my travels, and some of the most surprising friendships have influenced me the most.
One such friendship started when I was having a peaceful morning with my coffee in a little café in Lisbon. I had just sat down with my book in the busy café with both residents and visitors when an Australian woman started talking to me. Before I knew it, we were exchanging travel anecdotes and day plans once we started discussing the city. In the end, we spent the whole afternoon together exploring Alfama’s winding streets. Long after our paths diverged, that chance meeting developed into a friendship.
Another memorable encounter took place in a far-flung Thai village. I met a young local artist who was enthusiastic about both his painting and his community’s culture while I was lodging in a small guesthouse. Despite the language barrier, our shared love of art helped us to communicate. Through gestures, drawings, and a few useful apps, we conversed for hours, and I gained a great deal of knowledge about Thai culture and its rich artistic heritage. We kept in touch after exchanging contact details at the conclusion of my visit.
Travel has a wonderful ability to unite people, frequently under the most unlikely of situations. My trips have been enhanced by these friendships, which have also served as a reminder that there is kindness and shared experiences all around us, just waiting to be found.