Taking a break from the usual photo-stream, I've decided to participate in an initiative which the travel blog BootsnAll has created. Starting November 1, they launched a project called 30 Days of Indie Travel. They’re inviting bloggers from around the world (including you!) to join us in a daily blogging effort reflecting on our past travel experiences. Each day, they'll post a new prompt on BootsnAll articles. Bloggers can follow the prompts as strictly or loosely as they like, interpreting them in various ways and responding via text, photos or video posted on their own blogs.
Today's theme: Meaningful Connections
Travelers meet dozens, if not hundreds, of new people on every trip. They may become friends, enemies, lovers, and resources; they may stay in your life forever or be forgotten the next day. Tell about a time you felt a powerful connection – for however long – to another person while traveling.
Today's theme: Meaningful Connections
Travelers meet dozens, if not hundreds, of new people on every trip. They may become friends, enemies, lovers, and resources; they may stay in your life forever or be forgotten the next day. Tell about a time you felt a powerful connection – for however long – to another person while traveling.
Ordo & Mits take on Thailand
I've definitely made some incredible connections with people and places in my travels. Some which were all but forgotten shortly after, like that guy who operates the Hookah shop in a back alley in Luxor, and other connections which will last a lifetime, like one made during my most recent travels through Thailand with one of the G2 Crew, Miss Mittie Roger.
I'd have to say one of the most meaningful connections I've made while travelling was actually with someone I already knew. Having worked in the travel industry with an "adventure travel" tour company for the past 6 years came with some perks - the best of which was the annual discounted tour, anywhere in the world they operated. In speaking with a work colleague, Miss Erin Schildermans ,we both expressed an interest in travelling to Antarctica around the same time. We figured it would be nice to go knowing someone, and so why not try travelling together. We were good enough acquaintances at the time to be considered friends, though most of our associating happened down at the local watering hole and hadn't yet ventured much deeper than that.
I'd have to say one of the most meaningful connections I've made while travelling was actually with someone I already knew. Having worked in the travel industry with an "adventure travel" tour company for the past 6 years came with some perks - the best of which was the annual discounted tour, anywhere in the world they operated. In speaking with a work colleague, Miss Erin Schildermans ,we both expressed an interest in travelling to Antarctica around the same time. We figured it would be nice to go knowing someone, and so why not try travelling together. We were good enough acquaintances at the time to be considered friends, though most of our associating happened down at the local watering hole and hadn't yet ventured much deeper than that.
Erin and Ian - Ngorogoro Crater, Tanzania
Our dream trip was in the final stages of being approved and confirmed when a tragic accident actually caused the vessel to sink after hitting an ice burg. Once assessing the situation and knowing that all passengers were safe, it began to sink in that our possibilities of doing such a unique voyage lay 20 leagues below the sea along with the ship that was intended to take us there. IN a frantic last minute scramble, we asked each other where the other had intended to travel next. We both then realized that travelling around eastern Africa was actually a common goal and desire. With some last minute arrangements, less than a month later we took off on what would be a life changing experience for both of us.
Necessary Fries-Cones in Amsterdam
Two 20 hour flights with 8-12 hour layovers (at least they were in Amsterdam and Johannesburg) , 90+ hours of driving 12 hour days, and 3 weeks in a tent will either make two people want to kill each other, or will make them better friends than ever before. Fortunately for Erin and myself, it was the latter. After surviving this crucial test, we became travelling buddies, and decided to take all of our annual trips together, in addition to several other independent ones as well.
Peace out from Takayama, Japan
Together, we've now conquered 6 continents together, including most recently Antarctica. Oceania is our last stop on our world domination tour, though we've both been independently thus knocking it down a few notches on the to do list. This is a feat I'd say few have accomplished in their lifetime, let alone being able to do so with the same person.
Chillin in Buenos Aires
Having seen each other at our best... and worst (oh the stories I'm leaving out - maybe save them for another blog), we've been through a lot together. This of course means that all those other "connections" one thinks of with travelling, we've both shared. Facebook would tell you we have the most "Common Friends" out of any other - I could have told you that without a doubt in my mind. Perhaps unexpectedly at first, Erin has become the Pinky to my Brain(I know I'll get punched for that one - it's probably the other way around), a best friend through thick and thin, and as close to a sister as I'll ever know.
I'm curious to think where our friendship would be now had we not taken the leap of faith in travelling together all those years ago - all that matters is that it did happen, and this connection was able to be made. For that I'm grateful.
Bottom of the world (or Top if you're standing on it) - Antarctica!
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