People I’ve Met On Travel

As my time abroad is coming to a close, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. I’ve been thinking a lot about all the people I’ve met, especially on travel. I’m glad I came out of my comfort zone to get to know these wonderful people.

Lucas: Lucas (an American) was the first person I met on travel on my last day in Nice, France. I don’t remember why, but I was feeling a bit down that day, but with Lucas’s eager energy, I didn’t spend my last day sulking. Instead, we walked from our hostel through Old Town and the port to watch the sun set. It was especially gorgeous that night.

Meghan and Kara: This is kind of a funny story how we met, actually. I noticed them on my train on the long journey from the airport (in Budapest) and they looked kind of lost when we had to make a connection. I told them the ticket booth is on the other side of walkway and they replied with, “Cheers.” I assumed they were British and probably on my flight from Gatwick. Moments later, we happen to be on the same carriage on the train into the center of town and get talking again. As it turns out, we were staying in the same hostel and they were actually Americans studying in Reading, England, about two hours north west of Brighton. We went out for dinner that night for some delicious goulash.

Monica and Paul: Monica and Paul are two Americans I met in Berlin, Germany. Although they were in a large group that let me tag along with them, they were the only two I really spoke to. They were both studying abroad from America, Monica in London and Paul in France.

Fernanda and Khalid: I met Fernanda (a Chilean) and Khalid (a Bahraini living in Scotland) in Rome. I had been a bit ill for the last week and when I got to the hostel in Rome, one of the first things Fernanda said to me was, “It sounds like you have bronchitis.” I thought to myself, “What is she, a doctor?” As it turns out, she was, but thankfully, when she examined me further, she diagnosed it as only allergies. Although Fernanda was always on the move, Khalid and I had a nice dinner the night before I left. I also met up with him when I went to Edinburgh so we can catch up on our travels.

Sophie, Ella, Fernando and Evan: Sophie, Ella (Australian friends living in London), Fernando (Mexican studying in Pisa), myself and a few other people all went out to dinner in Naples. It was so interesting to have people from all around the world sitting at one table all sharing the same experience. I met Evan (an American studying in Liverpool) the following morning and we went to Pompeii together. It was such a gorgeous day and neat to share such a sight with someone else.

George and Ronja: In Newquay, during our surf lesson, Alex and I were joined by a group of twenty or so college students who were also staying in our hostel. Alex got a chance to speak with one called George, who joined us for drinks later that night. Ronja (a German) came into our room the following day and she, too, joined us for drinks. They were both really fun and gave Alex and I several nights to remember (or maybe not… the double spirit drinks were only £3!).

Additionally, I’ve met about a dozen more people on travel who I held good conversations with, but never bothered to get their Facebook. Regardless, I’m thankful to get to share my travel and study abroad experiences with these amazing people!

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