Travel, for many, is about arrival at a place. Others enjoy the things they acquire at various stops. But when it comes to travel, I'm a people person.
I've noticed that the focus of my most memorable travel stories revolves around a random conversation, a street performance or a chance encounter with a lovable local lunatic. Aside from tips on where to go, what to do and what to see, the people of the world, more often than not, offer perspective. And at its root, isn't that what travel is all about? Interacting with people places and things that we normally would not and in the process, exchanging ideas in a sort of international lifestyle best-practices roundtable. I'm not saying you have to debate the meaning of life with every Frenchman along the Seine, or even talk with the goofy street performer in Dublin. Interacting or observing both provide an opportunity for appreciation, if not agreement. I've found, especially over the past year, that it takes very little effort to enjoy the kindness of strangers abroad. I highly recommend it, for no other reason than the story.
In 2012, from Chile to Chicago, Munich to the Magic Kingdom, I was astonished, embraced, intoxicated, amused, educated and inspired by locals and wanna-be locals like myself. I'd say it goes down as one of the best travel years I've had, when it comes to great stories and great people.
These are my favorite folks from 2012, in all their photogenic glory.
Alex - Greatest man in Munich
This is Alex. Alex is the greatest man I have ever met. Anywhere. He was a blonde bear of a man, large and wide with a shaggy beard and shaggier hair pulled back underneath a traditional, wide-brimmed German hat. We were at Munich's world-famous Hofbrauhaus when he slammed his stein down onto our table and dropped himself onto the bench next to my wife. More than a few suds sloshed over onto his lederhosen and traditional Bavarian garb. But Alex didn’t care. In fact, I doubt Alex had a care in the world that night. We spent hour after hour sucking down steins and exchanging stories about our home, his home and everywhere in between. If this wasn't a memorable experience, I don't know what is. He also taught me a few traditional Bavarian drinking songs. Prost!
Dublin Street Dancer
A lot happens on the streets of Dublin, and most of it fueled by multiple pints of Guinness. Whether or not this rowdy gentleman was inspired just so, I'm not sure. But his dancing suggested either alcohol or just plain Irish exuberance. In the midst of a busy weekend afternoon, with the sun shining and crowds bustling, he jigged along to an inner tune, clanging miniature symbols attached to his hands and feet. He kept perfect time and garnered a sizable crowd around him. Perhaps it was because of his smile, which sharply contrasted the small group of Irish children a couple blocks over who were step-dancing with scowls on their faces. They clearly didn't want to be there, whereas this lively old gent embodied the festive spirit of Ireland that I had been experiencing since arriving in Dublin.
For more, check out: http://whereverittakestravel.blogspot.com/2012/09/any-pub-in-dublin.html
White House Choir
There isn't much that can make a Christmas time tour of the White House much better. The Voices of Renaissance, a children's choir from Boston, Massachusetts, did. I was lucky enough to get the chance to see inside America's most famous home at its most festive and fun, ducking in and out of historic and important rooms, past gingerbread White Houses and massive Christmas trees. But throughout, the cheerful sound of children singing filled the halls. Right inside the front portico this band of singers belted out holiday tunes for all the visitors. Them being from my hometown made it all the more special.
Chess Champions
I don't understand chess but I love anything oversized. Therefore, oversized chess boards in the middle of Salzburg, Austria, in a courtyard surrounded by the city's soaring, gorgeous spires, was something I lingered around to enjoy. The gentleman in orange was playing an older gentleman dress in his Sunday best, a couple of Austrian pugilists doing battle in a checkered, concrete arena. I stopped and stood by to watch the match, along with a few dozen other passers-by. But when the horse-drawn carriages began trotting by in the background, the whole scene gained a strange nostalgic ambiance that I had to sit down for. The man in the orange won, his foe's great dismay. But they shook hands politely and began setting up for another round in the Austrian sun.
For more on Salzburg, check out: http://whereverittakestravel.blogspot.com/2012/03/salzburg-side-trippin.html
The People of Chicago
The Bean in Chicago's Millennium Park draws a good size crowd on most days. But the best thing to do is to try to not chuckle at all the twisted reflections corralled by the city's beautiful skyline. I snapped this photo of a guy lost in deep thought with the city bulging around him. The Bean is an incredible yet simple piece of modern art, in a very modern city. There is more to do here than you can fit into a weekend, although I recommend trying (and here's how it can be done). Bar-hopping in the Windy City will pose numerous opportunities to interact with Chicagoans young and old, nature and transplanted. Every one of them has a story and with enough beer they'll tell you.
Mr. Patriotic Pants
There are a lot of strange people in Washington, D.C. And I'm not just talking about the suits on Capitol Hill. Summer brings out the best of America and the best Americans to visit America's center of government, as well as the multitude of monuments and memorials. On a visit to the Jefferson Memorial, I encountered this mobile shirtless wonder, who spent a good portion of the morning spinning back and forth on his rented bicycle, flashing a pair of the most patriotic pants I've ever seen. That rag hanging out of his pocket? A matching sleeveless shirt that he was not about to put back on.
Street Musician Extraordinaire
He was one of the most talented musicians I had ever heard. Sitting alone in front of his audience, his head bent in concentration over the cello. His fingers fluttered effortlessly in time with the bow and generated a haunting, complex melody. And he didn't even flinch when a black Mercedes zipped around him, horn blaring. You expect to find gifted musicians in Vienna, Austria, a city world-renowned for producing and nurturing many of history's greatest composers. You expect to attend a concert, hear the disciples of Mozart and Strauss practice their craft at the highest level. You do not expect to do so in the middle of a traffic circle.
For more on music in Vienna, check out: http://whereverittakestravel.blogspot.com/2012/05/guest-blog-cheap-music-in-vienna.html
Chile's Changing of the Guard
Imagine standing up against the Buckingham Palace wall, staring across the yard from the inside out while hundreds of tourists enviously look through twenty foot gates for a glimpse at one of the world's most recognizable pomp and circumstance spectacles. Now move it to the Southern Hemisphere. A visit to La Moneda, Chile's Presidential Palace, requires prior booking but luck allowed for a last minute reservation and private tour of the facility. The tour ended just as Chile's version of the changing of the guard began and since the tour guide enjoyed our American enthusiasm, allowed us to stand right outside the door of the Palace, in the actual yard, to watch the event while all the other tourists leered from outside the gates. It was reminiscent of its British counterpart, with musical numbers, synchronized marches and intense patriotism. But the Chileans give you better seats.
For more on Chile, check out: http://whereverittakestravel.blogspot.com/2012/01/witlist-danielles-chile-adventure-top-5.html
River Surfers
Did you know Germany had a thriving surfing subculture? And did you know it doesn't take place on beaches? I know, right? One of Munich, Germany's best attractions isn't in a palace or museum. The river - or more like a channel - running through the English Garden park ends with manmade rapids, which have been turned into a surfing hot spot by local thrill-seekers. Stop for a moment or a picnic lunch and watch them take turns leaping from the banks into the rapids, glide back and forth and tumble over into the surf. Your heart stops every time they jump and their courage is nothing short of inspiring. You'll be chatting about it for days afterwards over a few steins of brew.
Paparazzi Family Photos
There are no shortage of good photo ops in Disney World. But I just couldn't resist snapping a paparazzi-like shot of my cousin and his wife. It turned out to be one of my favorite pictures of 2012, and a perfect example of the great time we all had in the most magical place on Earth. You don't always have to strike up conversations with strangers or sneak a secret snapshot of someone not looking. Sometimes the most interesting and fun people you encounter on vacation, happen to be the ones you arrived with and will see again.
Paralympic Marathoners
The Paralympic marathon combines thrills, energy and downright inspirational courage. Unparalleled athleticism, strength of heart, will and mind all make this one of sport's premier events. I visited London in the final days of the Paralympics and felt the city still abuzz from its summer of Summer Games. Watching the men and women streak by in search of glory was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life, not even just the year. Every spectator along the rails cheered for every participant, regardless of flag. It was a truly international feeling with truly international camaraderie that I am proud to have been a part of.
Long Lines
I can't say that I talked to these people and I can't say this was a fantastic moment. But it puts in perspective the popularity of ancient artifacts, as well as the draw of all things Irish for American tourists. This weekend happened to be the same weekend as the Notre Dame - Army American football game in Dublin. This meant hordes of American tourists flocking to Ireland and its respective tourist spots. This also represents my own procrastination, which resulted in me not seeing the Book of Kells. I wasn't waiting in this line (considering what you can't see is that it wrapped twice around the courtyard). Instead of standing on the cobblestones, we went to a nearby pub, grabbed a couple pints of Guinness and watched the Irish Football semi-final match between Dublin and Mayo with a rowdy bunch of locals. I think I like this photo so much because it reminds me that I made the right choice.
For more on Dublin, check out: http://whereverittakestravel.blogspot.com/2012/09/any-pub-in-dublin.html
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