Whilst traveling, it is inevitable that you will meet a host of eclectic people (even if you don’t particularly want to). Some you will have an instant connection with and some you won’t. Some you will keep in touch with for years to come and some will become a fading memory.
It’s incredible to contemplate that, at this very moment there are millions of people all travelling in one way or another. It’s even stranger to think that some of these people maybe sharing very similar experiences to what you have in the past. Its mind-blowing if you think about it… I recently have had some of my Wandering Memory’s jogged by bloggers who have virtually identical stories to us, or even stranger, what appears like identical photos (only years apart).
It is our opinion that when you do meet people who make an impression on you, people who you share an experience with, or create a memory with – it is a necessity to keep in contact. In this day and age creating a real connection with people is becoming harder and harder. Who goes out and actually meets anyone these days? It’s all now done online… or through friends – I hear that it’s exhausting. Traveling opens you to a unique experience where people like to connect, be it for an instant, a single day or even a lifetime. I feel that by taking that chance, and interacting with people can reap the benefits – here’s a few of A Wandering Memory’s connection stories…
Whilst studying in an American college, I was thrown completely out of my element. I didn’t know anyone, and all I seemed to do was eat, sleep and go to lectures! That wasn’t what American college was all about, was it? I had seen the films, it was about the experience, partying, drinking and creating lifelong friends. It was by mere audacity that I left my dorm room and ended up in a strangers. Out of the blue I introduced myself to these strangers and was immediately offered a beer! That audacious move was completely out of character for me at that time, I took a chance and because of that, my experience changed. We met people, we went places, and we embraced the experience. Some of my craziest Wandering Memories are from that time in my life – it literally redefined me. Initial connections with Nils and Erik opened up a whole new world of connections, so much so that 20 years on I still consider many of them as friends.
This trend continued throughout my travels, especially when traveling solo. Rocking up to a dorm room and being invited out consistently occurred, and these were incredible spontaneous experiences. I occasionally became the inviter instead of the invitee – it’s very true that the more you travel, the more you get used to that. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t! But every new location offered a new experience, be it by a BBQ on a beach, climbing a mountain with a six-pack to watch sunrise, or just snuggling under a duvet with someone special. They all started with some sort of connection…
In Sydney Australia, I arrived having no contacts or friends. Embracing the travelers lifestyle I made 2 significant connections within the first few hours of arrival with Liza and Tuire. We formed a strong bond and shared a number of adventures, from Bondi beach, to the evenings out at the local backpacker bar. These 2 ladies, who I no longer have constant contact with, were something special, they were huge influencers in what was to be the time I truly ‘found’ myself. Anytime I think of that trip – I always think of these two first. That’s a connection and a memory that is undeniable.
When I returned from my solo venture around the world, I was constantly planning reunions with people I connected with whilst travelling. It actually kept me sane whilst I was readjusting to normal life. I actually still meet up with a number of travelers I traveled the East Coast of Australia with back in 2006! We shared and still do share some incredible stories – that’s a true connection.
Now I travel with my essential travel companion, things have changed, but not necessarily as much as you think. As we have one another to share every experience with, we rarely meet random connections; we tend to meet people we stay in contact with. I assume this is something to do with the requirement for interaction. However when we do meet people, these are usually people who are stuck with us for life – I apologise now especially to Mindy & Ewan, Ange & Drew, Meredith and Lucy.
We reaped the rewards of all of these connections, and as such are visible in all of the stories on A Wandering Memory. It really has been the people who we shared these experiences with that contributed to them becoming truly unforgettable!
Here’s to another 35 years of crazy memorable stories and Wandering Memories.
We hope this influences you to get out there and make connections for yourself.
A Wandering Memory 