Wanderlust Bedtime Stories: Places and Faces
Traveling to a new destination is great but even better are the people that we meet along the way. It’s always a surprise because that is one part you can hardly predict. Some totally random but some will leave a lasting impression in our lives because of what they said, how they made us feel or the lessons they taught. Here are a couple of outstanding people I met while traveling. (Wanderlust Bedtime Stories: Places and Faces)
The Caplan-Matlow Twins in Brussels, Belgium
I met the Caplan-Matlow twins on a trip from Netherlands to Belgium. I traveled solo to Brussels because I wanted to experience what it was like to go somewhere alone. We bonded over how much food and chocolate we wanted to eat. It was so easy with these girls. They are adopted twins from Ireland and adopted by Canadian parents. They were so bubbly and full of life. We immediately added each other on Facebook even though we haven’t really kept in touch since then.
The Lifelong Friend in Peru
I met Valeria in Lima, Peru. She at the time had relationship issues with an English man she was dating. She needed an English-speaking friend who could really understand what was going on in her boyfriend’s head. I was up for the task as I wanted to sharpen my Spanish too. Little did I know a valuable friendship was brewing. We bonded very quickly! We will talk late nights, she will vent to me, I will give her amateur relationship advice and we will laugh and laugh and laugh. We took a few exciting trips together and safe to say, I made a great friend. Told her I will only be back in Peru to attend her wedding with that same boyfriend. Let’s hope that happens!
The Beautiful Kids in Lima, Peru
During my time in Peru, I volunteered for a bit and I met these kids whose only access to education was free classes on the weekend. Despite that, they were still a happy bunch. You know, you do not need the entire world to be happy. I used to be a bit upset when they asked questions like, “So, do you have a lion at home.” “Wow, how come you have a phone?” “Is that your real hair” but I quickly snapped out of it when I realized it was coming from an ignorant but genuine place. They taught me to be happy even in little. You should see them dancing! It’s like the world is at their feet.
The Waiter in Nassau, Bahamas
This waiter in Nassau said something that struck me: “I am not in a relationship because everyone is selfish. We cannot truly give up ourselves for someone else. At the end of the day, we are only seeking our best interests. You’re picking a great person because you think they are great for YOU. It is a selfish world we live in.” Not to say I agree with him, or I don’t, but he definitely got me thinking. What do you think about what he said?
The Old Man in the Netherlands
Perhaps the most outstanding person I have met? I was at a coffee shop in Amsterdam and my friend has stepped out briefly and then he approached me after spotting the vacant seat in the very crowded coffee shop. He asked if he could sit and I said sure. After conversing and finding out I was visiting, he said,” I love what you are doing but I wish I could go back in time and live my life again. I will fill it with adventures, I will take risks and I will be fearless. I wish I cared more about the people in my life than the people outside my life. You know, we care so much about the people who don’t give a s%$t about us!” Isn’t that so apt?
I couldn’t possibly write about every single person that I have met. Might do a part two of this- just maybe. I want to hear from you though, who are some of the most outstanding people you have met while traveling. What lessons did you pick up from them? Let me know in the comments!
How far we travel in life matters far less than those we meet along the way
-Mark Twain
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I really enjoyed reading this lovely post (and I’m happy to see it’s a series now!) Thank you for sharing this reminder to connect with the people we meet everywhere and hold their words and stories to heart.
Thank you Kemi. It’s a reminder we all need every now and again.
Hey Ufuoma,
Stalker alert! lol. I just wanted to say you have really reminded me to take in where we are at all times, enjoy the ‘now’ and let go.
I typically run away from pictures or talking to people, I would rather be knee deep in my books, but you just reminded me that I need to switch that up.
Thank you!
Thank you Desire!!! Yes you should totally switch it up. Haha! Not stalking at all. I’m glad you are here and commenting so don’t stop. Thanks girl.
This made me smile so much! I recently met someone at a coffee shop in my city and we hit it off immediately! We have plans to meet up soon. I love this post. It made me think about when I wrote about people I’ve met on planes and how rich and interesting people we meet on our travels really are! :0)
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The world is one sweet small village really. The way you describe and tell our stories just took my spirit at that moment to all these places you visited. Nice post girl. Keep it up
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It really is a small village. Glad I was able to take you to those places with me, virtually.
Thank you Brenda.
This post struck a nerve and made me reminisce about the wonderful people I have met along the way. And what the man from Amsterdam said – man, I hope we get to do all we can with the time we have now…
My honest prayer to be honest. So scary to be in that position where you look back and wish your whole life happened differently. Good thing is, we can make it happen right now so we do not have to be in that position. By God’s grace, of course!
Thanks Amarachi.
This post is EVERYTHING. EVERYTHIIIIIIIIIING!
Ayyyeeee! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great piece; best one yet! YES to part 2!!!
Thank you! Haha. Definitely considering a part 2!
Fingers crossed.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Your blog is a breath of fresh air. New subscriber here!!!
Thank you so much for reading and subscribing, Ronke. Welcome to the family! 🙂
Indeed! A part two is highly requested. What the waiter in Peru said is quite true. I see major truth in it but then again, you can’t blame anyone for wanting to look out for themselves. Tough world we live in.
Nice one, Ufuoma.
Sorry, I meant waiter in Bahamas. Cheers.
I figured! Lol.
Thank you David. Seriously gonna consider doing a part two. I hope you subscribed so you don’t miss it.
Ufuoma.
I love this post and I like how you tell your stories, it is very inspiring. It makes me want to go somewhere and experience life. The best part is, you keep it different all the time. never know what to expect from you. Keep it up girl. The sky is your limit.
Thank you so much Seni. Happy to hear that these stories are inspiring, that is the goal.
Thanks for the kind words! And for stopping by.
Love this post! Yes to Part 2!
While writing my blog post on the Malaysia trip, I came across this photo in the pool of myself and the Australian babe I met there. While taking the photo she said “Haha, you’ll look through your photos later and think who is this random Aussie in my photos”. It was just so funny. I often think of all the people we met randomly.
And what that waiter said reminds me of Phoebe in FRIENDS, when she said no one does anything for purely altruistic motives. It was an interesting episode!
pS: I really like your blog!
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WorkCation – 7 Fun Days in Malaysia!
Haha! I love that too! When I find random pictures of “strangers” I meet while traveling. I really liked your post on Malaysia too. Looks like a place to definitely visit.
Thanks Kachee! Thanks for stopping by, as usual.