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Travel opens your eyes to the world. I’ve seen incredible places and met so many interesting people on this trip. But by far the highlight has been re-connecting with lifelong friends, made years ago on a different solo trip.
It’s hard to define friendships made while travelling. Over the last 30 years I’ve made English friends in the south of France, French friends in Wollongong and American friends in New England. I’m not even sure if these friends realise how significant their impact has been on my life and that of my children.
They have opened their homes and lives to us, as we have done with them, creating a bond that survives time, distance and generations.
Twelve years ago I went to a writers’ course in New England. I was trying to be ‘five star’ so I booked a private room. When I arrived, it turned out that I was sharing a room. I’m sure I complained but my room mate graciously decided to be my friend. Since then she has treated me and my children as her family.
The past week has been filled with winery visits, movie marathons and snow angel creation during a winter storm. Every minute was precious. More than that, I left with renewed inspiration to finish my half-cooked novel.
It was a five-star experience that I would have missed out on, if my plans had worked out 12 years ago.
It’s the opposite of that motto from the A-team: “I love it when a plan comes together.” I love it when a plan goes completely off the rails and the outcome is better than anything I could have dreamed up.
Whew! We did get the five stars — it was touch and go there for a bit. We miss you already! Love you! Sherry
Sounds so wonderful: first time around, all through the intervening years, and then this catch-up time. What a blessing Sherry has been to you as an amazing friend.