When traveling, it is nearly inevitable that you will meet new people. These spontaneous meetings can be something as simple as a brief conversation with a security guard as you attempt to ask where the bathroom is in a combination of English, Arabic, and French. However, it could also be an inspiring conversation with a fellow traveler in a hostel. No matter the context, these random aquaintances have a way inspiring you, making you think, reevaluate...etc. Moreover, the primary attitude I have towards these newfound friends is extreme gladness that I got the chance to know them.
Thus, I decided to start a running list on my blog where I would document people that I meet on my travels this summer that have impacted my life in some way. I got this idea from sketchbook/notebooker designer Archie Grand. Grand makes whimsical notebooks entitled with the same general theme: "___________s that I've met and liked." The titles range from shopaholics, doctors, actors, lovers, politicians {etc}...that one has met and liked.
{So this page is dedicated to the people that make my travels more enjoyable}
Brittany: I met Brittany in the youth hostel I was staying at in Chefchaouen. She is from the States and is in the process of traveling to as many countries as she can. Morocco is her sixth country thus far. I liked her immensely mostly because of her reason for traveling. During one of our discussions, she told me that she has a longterm boyfriend, school, family etc., waiting for her back home. However, before she settled down in the States she wanted to see the world first.
Muhammad: During one of my walks through Chefchaouen, I stopped into a handmade shoe shop. There, I met Muhammad and his wife. For about two hours I sat In his shop where we talked and he helped me with my Arabic. He and his wife were such charming people; one day I hope to go back to say "hello" and possibly buy a pair of shoes from him.
Hannah: I met Hannah while I was standing in the ridiculously long check-in line for my flight to Madrid. Since we both got there extremely early she sat and talked with me while we waited for our flight. Moreover, Hannah made my 10 hour wait incredibly enjoyable and she kept me from getting lost in the Madrid airport.
Fatima & Adam: During my flight back to Casablanca, I met Fatima and her adorable two year old son Adam. Despite the fact that Adam had the most deafening scream during the flight, I enjoyed talking to Fatima. She and her son live in Miami & were traveling to Morocco to see her family (whom she had not seen in 7 years). I hope she made it to Meknes safely and I want to thank her for helping me practice my Moroccan Arabic during the flight.
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