Oh, the Places You Will Go, and Oh, the People You Will Meet
August 10, 2013
The Dr. Seuss book that high school grads often get as gifts is called "Oh, the Places You Will Go," but there should really be a sequel book called "Oh, the People You Will Meet." Every time I travel I meet so many interesting people, but I think this trip has outdone the others. Between excavating in Greece and getting to know 100 other people on the project, and traveling alone in Germany, meeting people at hostels, I can honestly say that this year's crop of new friends is pretty darn good. When you are planning a trip you are mostly focused on destinations, sights, and activities. You don't think about the people you'll encounter along the way who will enhance your experiences throughout the journey. Whether these people are locals or fellow travelers, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you've made a meaningful and lasting connection with someone who was a stranger just a day or even five minutes ago.
It seems that many people are afraid to travel alone. Okay, you're right, it's scary going to a new place by yourself, especially if you don't speak the language, but that's where these other travelers come in. I've met more people traveling solo than with friends. Solo travelers seek out other solo travelers. It works out. Trust me! That being said, I have made new friends while traveling with "old" friends, as well, however, when you're traveling with a friend you don't always feel the need to be extra-extraverted. After all, you've already got someone to travel and hang with, right? And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! But in my experience traveling alone "forces" you to be extra social and leave your comfort zone. You start up a conversation with someone and suddenly you're off to grab a meal with them, joining their next museum visit, or make plans to visit a city or travel on together. Maybe I'll write my own addendum to "Oh, the Places You Will Go" and remind all those high school grads that it's not only the places that can have a strong effect on you; it's the people too! Each person you meet has some effect on you, small or big, and has permanently changed your experience on this planet. I would like to say thank you to everyone I've met this summer, both during the excavation and during my travels - mostly solo ones - in Germany. You have all enhanced my travel experience this summer and are now part of important memories of the past and will hopefully be part of memories in the future. Thank you! Tonight I sign off from Innsbruck with a toast to all my new friends: to meeting again and making more memories in the future!
