Travel's Unexpected Encounters

Meeting fellow nomads and chatting up the locals are two of our favorite things to do while traveling.

My mother always says that my grandmother has "never met a stranger." My grandmother can make friends with absolutely anyone, absolutely anywhere. I believe the same can be said of Marvin's mom. So the ability to converse with strangers comes naturally for us.

But in truth, everyone is a stranger until he isn't.

"One of the great things about travel is you find out how many good, kind people there are." Edith Wharton

"Everyone is a stranger until he isn't." - Carolyn Bingham

You don't know the person sitting next to you on a plane unless you talk to him. You don't know a local's favorite restaurant until you ask her. You don't know where the lady standing behind you in line is headed unless you strike up a conversation.

Travel has taught us that, although everyone is unique, we are all much more alike than we are different. We have similar needs and fears, hopes and goals. And, as Ms. Wharton says, traveling the world allows you to see "how many good, kind people there are."