There is something enlightening about sharing stories with people you know you’ll never see again. We are constantly enslaved by our phones that we forget to look up to acknowledge the scenery around us as well as each other. This occurs amongst travelers as well, whether it be constantly taking photos and videos or searching the internet for the nearest coffeeshop. I believe that nothing can truly prepare you for the adventures that await you no matter how much research you do beforehand.
This past summer I traveled to the Pacific Northwest and explored parts of Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Canada. I ended up making it a point to befriend a stranger at each location I explored if the opportunity presented itself. I introduced myself, shared my story, and then listened to theirs. I found myself connecting with each individual in a unique way. By doing so it reminded me of how amazing humans are and how sad it is to not be interacting with people in person more frequently due to how often we’d rather look down at our phones instead. These are three people that made my trip memorable, and although I may never see them again, their life stories stay with me and will always remind me of my time in that region.
Kai: I had met Kai just a block down from the Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. Seeing that he had an extra guitar, I walked up and asked if I could play with him. He said yes and I began to improvise chord progressions to accompany his rhythm voice. He is a talented individual who has made the streets of Seattle his home. Drifting form block to block with his dog and two guitars. Sometimes he likes to write and sing his own songs. Homeless, yet never failing to uplift tourists with his lyrics.
Jeremiah: I met Jeremiah during a whale watching tour in Juneau, Alaska. His beach bum vibe made it hard for me to believe that he had a home for himself in Alaska, so I asked about his story. It turns out he grew up in my city, Virginia Beach. In fact, we were zoned for the same high school. After graduating, he packed his bags and left on his own towards the west coast, somehow ending up in Hawaii where he found his passion. For the past 6 years, Jeremiah has tracked down whales off of the coasts of Maui and other Hawaiian islands and following them all the way to Juneau, Alaska during their seasonal migrations.
Taha: Is a boy a met in Canada while visiting the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia. Taha is from San Diego and is the friendliest and least annoying fourth grader you’ll ever meet, whose appreciation for math and desire to learn is surpassed only by his love for soccer. He wants to grow up to be a professional player or a coach; but I told him that he should get a soccer scholarship and then go to school to become an aerospace engineer. He was fascinated by the thought of flying to outer space.
I enjoyed the social experiment and I look forward to opening up more to those around me during my travels. I challenge you to turn your phone off for day or just leave it in your pocket during your next trip for a few hours. Lose yourself in your surroundings and talk to strangers around you. You will learn more things about yourself and the city you’re in than from any travel guide you might find. Go explore!
