Cinque Terre

It's no doubt that I love traveling. I grew up constantly traveling, because my family loved traveling; it's evident because so many of us are scattered all across the world! But one thing I have always enjoyed about traveling is the interesting (and sometimes strange) people I encounter in the process, and what it is that I learn from meeting them.

- Krakow, Poland: Walking on the street towards dinner, I crossed paths with an elderly man who came up to me speaking perfect Japanese; it was probably even better than what I can manage! I was so stunned I could actually understand the words coming out of this old man's mouth; up until this point I was so used to only hearing Polish all around me. He said he taught himself whilest riding the train and reading language books as a kid. But not only did he learn Japanese, but he also taught himself Russian and French as well! This man is not only an inspiration, but he made me realize the unique connection that a common language can create between strangers.

- Singapore: Heading to a meeting along the hip Quay area, a young Indian man dressed in a suit walked up to me, commenting on my forehead. I thought this was a very strange way to greet a person so, semi-freaked out, I proceeded to maneuver around him to continue on my way. Before I could escape, however, he started saying things about me that no stranger could ever know; he told me things about my personality ('you think too much, so you don't do much'...uh, how did you get that by reading my forehead!?), my relationships (and in all their their complicated glory that only a best friend would know), and then proceeded to tell me about my future ('you will have success, but not this year; you will find success in love with someone you have yet to meet' ...okay, cool). Then... he asked me for money. End magical intrigue. Not only did he give me a reason to re-evaluate myself and my life, this Indian fortune teller also taught me never to appear like an obvious tourist!

- Cinque Terre: Staying at a teeny, tiny hostel, I met the cutest Aussie couple. Being only 19 and 20, they had essentially run away from home to be together. It was such a romantic idea; they were traveling with this Australian travel group that bussed all around Europe, so by the time I met them, the pair had already spent quite a bit of time all around the continent. To raise money, they would work at bars or cafes; once they'd saved up enough, they would go on to their next destination. It takes guts to embark on such a bohemian and carefree adventure like that, which was something that I had always wanted to do; but they made me realize it's definitely not for me.

- Cinque Terre: Also at this same hostel, I met a girl from the US. She is a really great girl, and we had a great conversation... until the moment she lifted her arms to stretch, thus showcasing a lovely thick coat of unkept hair growing from her armpits. In that moment, I learned I needed a more convincing poker face.

There have been many more, but these were the few that really stuck out in my mind. I think that's because unintentionally, they each taught me a lesson. Have you ever met some interesting (or strange) people, either at home or during your travels? What did they show you or teach you?

xo