Amigos and Amicos

I may have come to Europe without a companion but have rarely been by myself. Only when asking about a "table for one" or seeing a couple kiss do I feel the sharp pang of loneliness. Of course I wish the people that I love could experience my travels with me, but they are not here. And still, I am not alone. Strange travelers have become fast friends. Our courtship is quicker than 'real life' as we start out with a common bond. We are fellow adventurers. We enjoy asking questions, pursuing learning and simply doing something different. Despite the distances between where we call home, we are close. We are kindred spirits.

My final meal in Barcelona, and perhaps my favorite, was shared with Jessica at the popular Cerveseria Catalan. She is a Brazilian Biologist and slept in the bunk bed across from mine. She is trilingual; receiving her Master's in Puerto Rico and now working towards her PH.D in England. Jessica just saw her first snowfall and wants to work in the Sahara. We split a pitcher of Sangria and a plate of prawns and started a conversation with the Finnish couple next to us. We discussed economies, gender roles and mental health. We shared our ideas on relationships and theories on politics. The two of us learned Finland's definition of traffic, early love for liquor and lack of marital affection. We spent over an hour comparing American, Brazilian and Finnish cultures; laughing at America's obesity and obsession with Oprah and Dr. Phil. When parting ways we all smiled, understanding how we were different while still being very much the same. Heading back to our hostel I hoped we would one day share another meal.


My last night in Florence was spent with an old friend and a new friend. Old in terms of Barcelona and new in terms of Florence. As planned, I met up with Krystal, the audacious Australian doctor I met in Spain. She was fresh from Cinque Terra and wearing new leather boots from Milan. We joined Whitney, and two bottles of Chianti, and watched my final sunset over Piazzale Michelangelo- my favorite overlook in Firenze. We took photos and shared travel tips. We spoke to other English speakers and recounted stories of our past. We ate large plates of spaghetti and took fancy shots rimmed with Nutella and coconut. Then, as has happened many times on this trip, we had to separate for our journeys are bringing us elsewhere. I am now in a new city but I know our future paths will cross. These bonds will not break as swiftly as they were built.

My friends at home will never recall my experiences in Spain or Italy. I cannot reminisce or ask them to remember when. Without them being here to take part in the memories I am making it feels as if once I return home, I will only be left with photos. Snapshots and personal recollections of my journey. However, this is not true. My fellow travelers and I have not been alone. We have had each other. I hope that those whom I have met rest assured knowing that I will never forget the times we have shared. While I may be across the country, or even the world, from where you live- I will remember. The random rope playground and zip line we found on a cloudy day. The dutch words you taught me. The 2am bottle of Jager we drank. Getting lost at the mall and roaming the Gothic Quarter. Laughing at awful photo-taking tourists or cringing at unappreciative audiences. Climbing hundreds of stairs, taking thousands of steps, surveying our new surroundings. I will always remember. We are kindred spirits and I hope we meet again.