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“So, tell me …” it always begins, often while sitting over an adult beverage in a crowded bar (at least in my experiences) … “tell me ALL about your travels.”
Pause.
I look down. I look to the inquisitive person across from me, wide-eyed, sitting up straight, alert. I look down again.
That’s a hell of a loaded question. Where to begin? Where to end? Where to fill in the blanks?
Returning home and telling the tales of travel isn’t easy. In fact, it is actually quite challenging. I mean, I love it when people want to know what I have done in my travels, but such a broad question … there is no possible way to answer that question without talking for hours on end about my adventures.
Therefore, for all of you who are in my shoes (or will be in my shoes), here is a handy-dandy breakdown of some good/great conversation starters to talk about your travels or questions to ask any traveler. Along with my answers to these questions … Note: Special thanks to Florian for asking the first few questions to get me on a roll.
What questions to ask any RTW traveler when they return?
What is the hottest hook-up you had on your trip. (You know you had at least one).
Spain. To be more specific, Granada. After an amazing night of tapas, claras, Jameson, flamenco and a Spanish club. Mmmm. Affairs of the something or other
What is the best day you had on your trip?
Trekking for gorillas in Rwanda. I didn’t think I could do it, and I did. And, WOW. What an experience it was. Gorilla trekking
What was the best food you ate?
In Alicante at Monastrell. Dining with the culinary goddess Chef Maria Jose San Roman and Stefanie (@adventuregirl). Pulpo (octopus) and more deliciousness. The best food ever
What was the worst food you had?
Ramen noodles. Mutliple times. When I was in my cheap mode and wanted to use the kettle instead of cook anything of substance.
What was the scariest thing to happen to you.
That’s a split. One, Kusadasi, Turkey. Two, Fethiye, Turkey. Both scared the crap out of me. One was more of a psychological threat. The other, physical. 1) Running Scared; 2) Para-falling
What was the weirdest thing to happen to you?
Again, Kusadasi. Also, the very forthcoming men in Morocco. I got more phone numbers from random strangers than I have collectively in my life. The Story of Mustafa
How many countries did you visit?
How many modes of transportation did you take?
Planes: 15; Trains: 11; Buses: 44; Boats: 3; Private: 5
Who do you still keep in touch with?
Thanks to the amazing world of social media, there are quite a few I still keep in touch with. More I keep tabs on. My circle of travel friends has shrunk but the people I actually traveled with are still very much in my life.
If you could go back and do one day over again, which would it be.
No-brainer. Going out to the stupid club in Barcelona. The time I (didn’t) party with Will Schuester.
What advice would you give to other people who are traveling?
Soak up ever, single nano-second. Seriously. Breathe deeper. Let the food linger on your tastebuds long. Every day is a blessing, and treat it as such.
How have you changed?
So, so many ways. RTW Travel: A Blessing and a Curse
What are some other good questions to ask a traveler returning from RTW or long-term travel? And, what are your answers? Post ’em below!
I could never pick the best food I’ve eaten, it would be like a mother choosing her favourite child 😉
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Hahaha omg Ayngelina… fantastic!
D, did you call any of these Moroccan men? Or just accept their phone numbers so they would leave you alone? lol
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Well, since my phone was a Spanish phone and could only call Spain, nope. One of them I would have called since he was really nice and had taken me around all day. But, I was too sick that night and left the next day.
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Haha. Yeah. I can’t imagine you choosing!! 🙂
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I love the questions. I always get annoyed with my husband when he asks people “what their favorite country is?” – I mean how do you answer that? It’s kind of like how Ayngelina feels about the food as favorite children… which I think is hysterical. Look forward to reading some of these articles now too!
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Enjoy!! I never quite know what to say when someone asks such general questions. I give general answers, but always feel like I am short-changing the truth a bit by giving the super condensed response. Let me know your thoughts on the other articles!
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Too many things to pick when it came to food. While I haven’t experienced the WORST yet, I have too many favorites.
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Just wait … 😉 although I really didn’t this last adventure, either. Am sure once I head off the beaten path a little bit more, I will be exposed to dishes I probably am not likely to try.
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I agree with the Ramen noodles, unless you are eating oriental flavor. That sometimes makes it all right.
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And, you can throw in some veggies and meat to make it more of a meal … but still … Ramen in general … wompwomp.
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