Socialize before you go

In general, people are social creatures.  We have our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances.  In this, the technological age, we also have facebook, twitter, linkedin and a multitude of other social networking sites.  Social groups surround us.  Unfortunately, most of the social circles we frequent are populated by those that share the same views, opinions and philosophies as ourselves.  Once we announce our decision to visit another country, to become a traveler, the responses from our social circles will range from disbelief,  jealousy and the age old statement, "are you crazy?"

The timing is right to join a new social group, a group that travels.  Almost every major city has one, and if they don't it isn't that difficult to start one.  All you need is a couple of people who want to sit and discuss traveling, you will find people everywhere that will talk of travel.

Betty and I found one such group, they meet once a month at a Panera Bread restaurant.  I hesitate to call it a restaurant, it fits more into the café or bistro category.  Anyway, we ventured to a meeting about three months ago and found four other travelers that enjoy Europe and most importantly, for me, they had all been to Paris.

As all four are experienced travelers they were more than willing to share their experiences, tips and advice.  Most of what they shared confirmed what I had learned through reading travel forums and travel blogs.  One member of the group regaled us with how he lost his camera on a recent trip.  He said he took all the precautions, was alert, kept his back to the wall of the public transport he was using but someone still managed to get inside his backpack and take his camera.  Lesson learned, don't carry anything you are not willing to lose.  But then again, the majority of travelers the world over never encounter any mishaps.  Just be prepared but don't let it ruin your trip.

The most important thing we took away from our meeting was we found other people who travel.  People that have the same itch to travel as we do.  Do we agree with everything said, every piece of advice we receive, of course not, that is an important draw for us.  Different people with a common interest that do not necessarily share common beliefs.  Howevere, we are able to expand ourselves through discussions and experiences shared.  We are behaving as most people do.

We are socializing.