Mexico. My first international trip, where my wanderlust began. I was 17, had just graduated, and my high school Spanish Club, from a small, northern Michigan town, was headed there for a 9-day adventure. Seven students, our Spanish teacher and one extra chaperone—my mom. 

Because we were such a small group, we paired up with another Spanish Club and shared the itinerary. They were from South Point, Ohio. How do I remember that? Because to this day, I’m still very good friends with someone I met on that trip! Hi, Bob!

Our group visited extravagant cathedrals and historic sites in Mexico City. We saw The Pyramids of the Sun and Moon in the ancient city of Teotihuacan, although, if I’m honest, I can’t remember which one we climbed. In Guanajuato, we joined a callejoneada, a musical walking tour where we followed a mariachi band through narrow alleys and plazas, singing and dancing. We shopped for souvenirs and gifts in small shops, and in flea markets where I found bargains and learned the art of haggling for deals. In Puerto Vallarta, our merry band of seven was allowed to parasail and go to a discotheque called Cristina’s. (To this day, Bob is still mad because he was 17 and their chaperones wouldn’t let him parasail or go to the discotheque. Sorry, Bob.) Goodness, the stories I remember! For those who were part of the golden arches escapade, I’ll just say crazy rain, table umbrella escort, seven-teenager taxi pile-in and no driver’s side wiper!

England. My first transatlantic flight, and the solidification of this travel concept as incredible. I was 20 and headed to Kingston Polytechnic (now Kingston University) on a one-month exchange program through Grand Valley State University. Talk about a grand adventure for someone who graduated high school with only 40-some other students! Our classes included field trips to explore iconic landmarks in London, a daytrip to Bath and Stonehenge, and outings to Oxford University and Stratford-Upon-Avon. We were steeped in history, art and culture.

As incredible as all of this was, the best take-away of the trip is reserved for someone who was also on a study abroad - from France. Jean-Marc and I kicked around a soccer ball and spent many wonderful hours listening to music, sharing details about where we were from and learning about each other’s lives “back home”. He joined us on a class outing to Windsor Castle, and he and I strolled around the grounds together taking in the sights and sounds while enjoying each other’s company. One day we even bought tickets to hear the London Symphony Orchestra play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. He later became a world-class French horn player, and Four Seasons was my other friend, Janice’s, favorite piece of music, so I had as much fun watching them as I did listening!

At the end of the month, we went our separate ways. We wrote letters for some time, but as happens, lives shifted, and we lost touch for a number of years. Then, through the wonders of the internet, voilà, we reconnected! And when my flight home from Ireland (a story for another time) was going through an airport near where he and his wife live, I was able to get an extended layover. We saw each other for the first time in almost 15 years! Since then, I’ve been back to the East Coast a few times to visit. And in 2023, when we were going to be in Italy at the same time, they changed their plans and came to stay at the villa where I was housesitting, and I finally got to meet their amazing kids!

It’s these trips, and the friendships I gained, that were big catalysts in kickstarting my love of journeying to new places. And I’m so fortunate to have many stories like this. Incredible people who in a very short time became a lasting part of my life. Sometimes it’s a few days together, sometimes a few weeks, and occasionally it only takes a few hours. You never know where that next long-time friend is, so whether you’re thinking of your dream destination or you want to explore somewhere closer to home, go! Dream. Explore. Live. You just might find someone amazing waiting for you.