There is something special about traveling that connects strangers at a quick pace. Maybe it is knowing that the journey is finite—there is an imminent end to it—that makes us want to get to know one another faster. Perhaps it is knowing that the people on your trip are the only ones you can truly relate to in regards to your experience. They have the same stories to share because you shared them together. They understand the beauty and the downfalls of the trip. It’s similar to best friends having a whole conversation of inside jokes—no one except them fully understands. I think it is a combination of knowing the trip is short-lived as well as only sharing the unique experience with the people you are traveling with that makes people become fast, hopefully life-long, friends.
A few weeks ago my mom came to visit me. We did a two-week CIE tour of Scotland and Ireland, where we traveled to beautiful places and met some wonderful people. We shared many fun and funny incidents, we had some deep heartfelt conversations, and we enjoyed each other’s company. In nine days I found friends that I now refer to as family. We have inside jokes that I try to explain to others, yet it loses its hilarity—even to me—as I try to explain it. Saying, “watch your Stef” as someone trips or “sin e dúirt sí, baby!” aren’t as funny if people don’t know why you are saying them. When I laugh it may even scare them a little.
I started today’s blog with the quote “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” I cannot agree more with Tim Cahill. If I measure my CIE tour or student teaching journey in friends, then there is nothing that can beat it—for I have truly met some of the most wonderful people.
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