Connection comes in different packages. Of course, this year I have missed my friends and family back home in the United States. I miss seeing familiar faces on a daily basis. While time abroad has weakened some friendships, it has also allowed others to strengthen. I now have a better sense of which relationships will truly stand the test of time. And, it has made me thankful for the connections we’ve had, wherever they are found.
I have been especially thankful for the time I have been able to share with friends from the US who we were able to see during our travels. Old neighbors who are living a similar year abroad. Former coworkers traveling and living abroad. Friends who let me crash family trips and graduation parties. Treasured time with an old roommate who’s visit was especially cherished after the tragic loss of a mutual friend. You all know who you are! And, of course, family who elected to spend valuable vacation time with us. Each moment, no matter how small, was special and appreciated.
I am also appreciative of the small, sometimes minute, connections with strangers. When we go extended periods of time without seeing a familiar face, small connections are magnified. It almost feels like home, when the girl at the French bakery next door lights up with a familiar smile and treat for the dog when we walk in. A shared conversation with an extremely well-traveled animal lover at the pet store in Visp, Switzerland made us feel like we ran into an old friend (if you read this, we want to hang out!).
I recently read a blog post that used the term “transient friendship” to describe similar instances of intense, yet short, relationships. I wasn’t familiar with this term, but thought it aptly described a unique category of relationships cultivated while traveling. Meaningful interactions with people you will likely never see again. Once, when traveling in Morocco my husband and I met a couple from Germany. We instantly connected while waiting for a transport van to pick us up on the side of a dusty road and during the beginning of a haphazard, disorganized tour. About an hour into the tour, we were abruptly separated from the couple. Rich and I simultaneously lamented their loss as well as how absurd it felt that we were so shaken by being separated from our new BFFs. Our BFFs that we had known for, let’s be honest, less than two hours! Somehow, despite the short amount of time we spent together, they made an exceptionally strong impression on us. It was a reminder that friendships don’t always need to be lifelong or life-changing. Sometimes, you cross paths and enjoy another’s company at just the right time!
And sometimes we strike gold! Just this week we had a fabulous time meeting friends of a friend for the first time. Who invites strangers traveling with a cousin and a dog to stay at their house a mere 2 hours after meeting? Kind and generous people, that’s who! We left Prague will full hearts and 4 new friends – 2 humans and 2 canines.
We’ve tried to savor every interaction. Each of these connections makes me feel a little less alone when I am far from home.
Read my other travel lessons here.
