I am sure it is quite obvious by now, but I love to travel. I find so much joy in experiencing other cultures and am constantly searching for the next adventure. From little weekend trips, to oversees adventures, no matter where we are going, I absolutely love the journey. One of my favorite things to do when I am on a trip is to find either a local coffee shop, or local bar and just have a seat. (The bars are always fun because the bartender is easy access for conversation!) Once I have taken my place at the table, booth or bar stool, I then like to find the local (or..the bartender) and say hello. From there, you have the potential for magic. From stories about the bar, to visions of the town, the locals love to talk about home. And why shouldn’t they?!? So be there and be the one to listen. I have met so many amazing people on the road when we simply stop and sit. And these conversations truly make the journey that much more fun!
Bodysuit | Pants | Shoes | Hat | Earrings | Sunglasses
When talking about my conversations with the locals, I cannot help but think of our trip to Greece two years ago. We were in Mykonos for a few nights and our hotel told us about this beautiful restaurant where we should stop and have a drink before dinner. We ventured into town, found the restaurant (and it was beautiful!) and decided to occupy two seats at the bar. It wasn’t long before we were being helped by our bartender friend, who quickly came up with suggestions for what we should order. We ordered the first round and started talking about where we were from. He lives in Athens during the year, but comes to the islands for the summers. Goals. Then drink number two. We told him stories of the US, and why we decided to visit Greece that summer. He told us about parties that went on in Mykonos. Drink number three. His family also lives in Athens, but he had several friends who were in Mykonos. This was his third summer there so it was not new to him. Fourth drink. I think that was the one he brought me behind the bar to teach me how to make it….but, you get the idea. We ending up sitting in our seats for hours conversing with the bartenders and enjoying the evening air. Eventually we needed food so he told us about a local hole in the wall where we could get a cheap dinner before heading home. So after all of this, we spent our second night there as well and I could not be more thankful for the stories that we shared.
So, to make a long story short, go and enjoy the culture. Put your phone away and talk to the people around you. Just wander the streets and find a bar. I promise, you will hear some amazing stories and make lasting memories on your vacations. Because as the famous quote says, “not all who wander are lost.”
Photos by Darian Kayce Photography
