One of our joys on any vacation is meeting people with similar interest and establishing new friendships. We first were introduced to the international lifestyle when our children were young. We heard about student exchange programs where foreign students live for the summer as well as school year with american families to immerse themselves in the English language and American lifestyle. We participated in both summer as well as year long programs.
We hosted many students from France, along with The Netherlands, and Colombia, South America. Thanks to these new friendships, it gave us the opportunity to travel to France several times. Traveling around the country, visiting the families of the children who had been guests in our home remains some of our fondest memories.
I recall on our first trip to France, the father of a student who stayed with us met us at the airport. We had traveled all night, arriving early morning in Paris. As anyone who has taken a long flight knows, it is almost impossible to sleep. Pascal was also a director within the exchange program and had flown to America many times, so he knew how to best schedule our first day in France. He said we would drive around for awhile, then he would take us to his sister’s flat where we could take a nap. He would pick us up later that afternoon and we would go out to dinner.
During our initial drive around we came upon the Eiffel Tower. This iconic emblem of France brought tears to my eyes. Of course the wild driving style of French motorist may have also contributed. We enjoyed a wonder dinner and a good night’s rest. The next day we traveled to his home in Tours, located in the beautiful Loire Valley of France. His middle daughter had been in our home the previous summer. It was exciting to meet all their family and enjoy seeing the France that not many tourists experience.
There are many beautiful castles in this region and we tried to see as many as possible. After a few days we took a train to Lyon to visit the family of our first exchange student. Lyon is often considered the food capitol of France, and we could not argue with that description. After several wonderful days with this family we took the TGV, France’s high speed train back to Paris for a few more days of sight seeing. And we managed this without speaking the language. Which actually is a shame, but typical of most Americans traveling to countries where English is not the first language. Fortunately, when we weren’t with our friends, the people we met were very friendly and helped us as needed. A few years later we once again travel to France and spent time with new friends whose children had stayed with us.
Our children also became exchange students and spent summers in France and The Netherlands . To this day they maintain an openness about life that is a result of their young experiences. And many of these students from our past are still in touch with us through FaceBook and email.
While on a cruise a couple of years ago, we met a lady and her daughter who were from Germany. We hit it off and enjoyed the week together. We stayed in touch and the next year I planned a birthday surprise for Carol. I told her I had a trip planned and another couple would be joining us, but I wouldn’t tell her where we were going and with whom. The trip was to Las Vegas and it was this mother and daughter from Germany. A great time was had by all and we hope to vacation again. In fact, they reached out to us a couple of days ago and asked if we could join them on a cruise next February. We are looking at possible dates and ships. Of course we have a standing invitation to come to Germany and plan to do that some day.
Last year our oldest grandson, Alex, graduated from high school. Our daughter, son-in-law and their three children decided to do a grand family vacation before Alex left for college. They decided on a trip to Munich. Now this is 6 hours from where our German friend lives, but she drove to Munich during their stay to meet and enjoy a lovely picnic with them before her drive back home.
Alex requested that his dorm at the University of SC be International Housing. He was active in ROTC during high school and was chosen for a cultural exchange that sent him to Singapore for two weeks during his senior year. This peaked his interest in the international community. During every school break he has brightened holiday times by bringing home students from Japan, Vietnam and Myanmar (formally Burma).
It’s a big world, made smaller by fast travel and instant communication with social media. Even face to face with FaceTime and other video connections. Even our youngest grandchildren will FaceTime us! Getting to know people from our trips and other experiences has enriched our lives. It is easy to live in a small cocoon of family and friends. But when we allow ourselves the opportunity of adventure and meeting people whose life experiences are different from ours, we expand our journey through life.
We would love to hear about your adventures and interesting people you’ve met. Perhaps your story will encourage others to explore new adventures and create memorable moments.