This photo makes me think of something I've learned about travelling, and that is: Be the first to open a conversation. It's worth it!
If we hadn't said a few words to these beer-drinking boys it's unlikely they would have paid any attention to the two not-so-young Canadian tourists sitting next to them.
Dave made a comment, maybe about the weather or the beer, and that's all it took to start a pleasant chat with local young people in the middle of Madrid. They were unemployed and bored, and we had nothing more pressing to do than soak up the sunshine at the sidewalk cafe, so the conversation was friendly and fun.
I don't remember what we talked about but I do remember the feeling of relaxed goodwill, a touch of good-humoured international relations on a personal scale. And some lively photos of happy-hour in the street.
These animated girls at the same sidewalk cafe were way too involved in their own circle of gossip for us to even think of interfering. But I love this picture which they obviously weren't even aware I was taking.
Beer and tapas, such great cafe culture in Spain.
A similar incident happened at our 30th anniversary dinner at a fancy restaurant in Paris. A mother and daughter from Spain were sitting at the next table and having trouble with the french menu. I offered to help and soon we were chatting in English and Spanish about our home countries and sharing sight-seeing tips about Paris. The pair were lovely! Such memorable table companions in the crowded cafe. Spontaneous travel acquaintances may be short-lived but they are instant and enjoyable.
I'm done with the shyness of my childhood and youth. I like the freedom that has come with middle age, ok advancing old age, that lets me approach someone with a smile and a comment if the situation seems right. It can lead nowhere, which is fine (a cool response in monosyllables is a clear dead-end) but in my experience it's an easy way to add a little diversion to that anonymous feeling you get travelling in a foreign country.
Here's another situation that turned out well in Oaxaca, Mexico at a favourite restaurant aptly called La Popular.
Two female travellers who didn't know each other were sitting at opposite ends of a large table when we grabbed free spots on the bench. They were minding their own business and the scene was quiet. My comment, unoriginal but sincere, may have been about the plate of delicious looking chicken mole being served to one of them. The other girl perked up, joined in and the conversation was off and rolling.
They both ending up renting bikes with us that evening for an organized nighttime ride around the city, a fun event called Oaxaca es mas bella en bici. They finished the day as new friends with each other. We declined their late night invitation as they headed out for a mezcal night-cap.
This Zapotec woman would never have started speaking to a foreigner on her own, but when I approached her in Spanish she was happy to chat for a few minutes. It was during a hike in the Sierra Norte mountains outside of Oaxaca, and we had crossed paths several times with her and her adorable little grandson who we learned were on their way to work in a nearby potato field. Another sweet memory and photo.
I can remember lots of other examples like these, but you get the idea.
As they say, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.
