TRAVELLING WITH STRANGERS

TRAVELLING WITH STRANGERS

First Impressions. Icebreakers. Saying Goodbye. Things To Ponder

By Ysabel Villaflor

For those who travel the journey with us. J

I have to admit, whenever I’m travelling with a group of people I don’t know, I’m always nervous.

Who wouldn’t be? Who would want to travel with strangers?

Travelling, enough, for some, can be a little daunting.  Going through the motions of immigration, the language barrier, the cultural differences, the conversion rate, and being in a foreign land where everything seems so strange and very far from everything you know. The most fearful of all non-travelers would probably just give in to defeat.  Add to the mix a bunch of strangers who have very different personalities you probably have more to worry about, right? Right?

If there is one thing that I have learned from it all is that: of all my apprehensions about travelling with a group of strangers, surprisingly, the experience of travelling was GREATLY enhanced by it.  Maybe I was just lucky or (I might just even go as far as) maybe I was just at the right place at the right time.  But I definitely wasn’t complaining of how all my groups turned up.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Like the start of any group activity, it always starts with the awkward first couple of days.  Awkward because people are polite and would often leave other people to their own business.  Unlike most group situations, the beauty of travelling with a bunch of strangers is that you are put in a position to get to know a person and make friends fast. 

Arriving at Narita Airport with the RCSYE.

Touchdown Egypt.  First day with Journeys of Faith.  Note that people are minding their own business :)

In one instance, when a couple of my childhood friends and I went on our 11 country trip to Europe, we joined Contiki, a tour company for 18-35 year olds which specializes in European tours, ice breakers were forced.  Since we missed our welcome party in London, we had the brunt of first impressions on the second day of the tour, when everyone on the bus was asked the question: “What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?” and everyone had to answer- with no exceptions.  The result: a very embarrassing nickname for me and the rest, funny images while trying to remember the name of the person. It also helped that our first trip in the tour was Amsterdam – so that in itself is an ICE Breaker. (hint: it’s not for the faint-hearted or the overly conservative).

what happens in Amsterdam, stays in Amsterdam :)

For my first trip with strangers, the awkwardness was somehow lessened when we were made to practice two months before the trip for a “cultural presentation” in 1998, as part of the Philippine delegation to Japan sponsored by the Rotary Club Summer Youth Exchange Program (RCSYE). I would never forget the Celebration multi-purpose hall where we had to learn this complicated dance for a very short amount of time.  After a couple of sessions, most of us somehow knew each other a little better and we even had a few laughs. It was easier when we got to Japan with something other than just the name.

Presenting at our Japanese Welcoming Party

Just like any human, people sometimes make up an image of people in their heads as to who they might be. To be honest, I am guilty of this offense. I can’t help but be a little judgmental.  But if there’s another thing I learned from the experience of travelling with strangers, is that first impressions usually don’t last.  I would often find myself in the company of people whom I never thought I could hang out with.  People really do surprise you sometimes.

THE “MOMENT”

During a trip, there will be a moment where everyone would forget that they are all strangers.  Everyone on that trip would remember it.  And would often look back remember it vividly with huge smiles on their faces.

In my 2009 trip to the Holy Land with a Filipino Contingent via Journeys of Faith, that moment happened when we were on a boat on the Sea of Galilee.  Just when we thought we were just going on a slow cruise around the Lake, we had no idea just how breathless – literally, we would end the day.  From all the singing and dancing on the boat, all the laughs and pictures, I guess it was one moment we all knew we would never forget. Maybe it was the Israeli DJ who hated everyone sitting down when the music played or the fact that we don't understand the music blazing in the speakers.  There was just something very liberating on that boat.  And it worked to our advantage.  It loosened everyone up to the point that everyone went out even after the day was over.

electrified! the Boat on Galillee

With my Japan group, those days were in the infamous bus where we all played our card games or Truth or Dare during long hauls when we transfer from one province to another.  Those activities defined the vibe of that trip.  It was young, fast-paced, and it was FUN.  It had nothing to do with the Japan but it had a lot to do with the people on the trip. It became personal in such a short amount of time.

The RCSYE group and the INFAMOUS glorious BUS Days

Alcohol played a huge part with my Contiki trip.  We all remember that Venice restaurant that served bottomless wine that lasted to yet another restaurant and a couple of joyous celebrating with a few Italian chubby men who have no qualms of showing us just how drunk, showy and joyous they are.  After a few hang-overs the next day, everyone just couldn’t stop talking about it.  After that incident, the drinking hours after dinner became longer and longer.  It made up for a lot of funny stories.

Partying with Contiki 2000

JUST WHEN YOU’RE GETTING COMFORTABLE

One of the things I dread the most is ending a trip. Apart from the fact that I’m just not ready to get out of a country, you’d have to contend with saying goodbye to your new found friends. Just the ride going to the airport is excruciating.  The daily noise you have come to know for a number of consecutive days suddenly becomes dead silent. The steady haze of sadness and a few occasional laughs break silence.  The chatter turns to, “I just don’t wanna go home yet” or “let’s keep in touch” and “I’m so going to miss this”.

the last few minutes going back to Manila with the RCSYE crew

Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. The reality is, everyone knows that there won’t be another time like this. That we’ll all be in one place at the same time.

A few tearful and sad faces happen when you say your goodbyes, and then you wonder just when you will see each other again.

Splitting up the Journeys of Faith Group at the Dubai International Airport. One group will have an extended trip in Dubai while the other half will be returning to Manila.

Video Courtesy of Bernadette Villaflor

2009

THE AFTERMATH

A few days after each trip, I would find myself with a little bit of travelling withdrawal.  With the longing feeling of missing the hype and travel life with some of the new friends you have met along the way.  You look at the pictures you took while on tour with a slow smile on your face and remember the story behind the shots.  You can’t help but talk about what happened during the tour to your friends with the funny details which had nothing to do with the trip. You exchange emails and pictures from people on the trip and recall things that happened during the trip. Yes, some of us, like me, have it big.  While I have lost touch with some of the people from these trips, there are still some that became my good friends:  the type of friend that you would call just to tell them that you’re in their area and reminisce about the good ole days when we do get together.  It’s one of those things you don’t expect from a trip, but it’s one of the most gratifying.

with RCSYE batch 1998 &1999 - 2nd reunion at Clark, Pampanga, 2000

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

So if you do consider going on a trip with a bunch of strangers, here are a couple of things you should live by:

1. Be considerate of other people.

You’re not the only one on the trip.  Be personable and polite. Don’t be the jackass everyone hates.  You’re all in this trip together; why not make it an enjoyable one?

2. Safer.

It’s just safer travelling with a group who knows where you are and who could account for your whereabouts. Just in case something bad happens, there’s always someone there to help out.  And for those adventure seekers, for the protection of your life i.e. you don’t want to end up like that guy in 127 Hours.  Would you?

with Tim and Jaz, on our way to mysterious Petra, Jordan.  

3. Much more INTERESTING

There’s just something about sharing your travel experience with someone at the same time it’s happening.  And that’s something none of the other people who aren’t with you in a trip would share.  A fellow traveler of mine once wrote on my Journal, “Only the individuals in the bus would only know the pure comedy of it all.” Like for instance, Italy won’t be the Italy in my mind without the memory of me and my friends running around in our pajamas in Rome (that’s another story).  Or the drunken nights in Amsterdam with our new found friends. Or getting lost in the Louvre with a guy you’ve fallen in love with (that’s also another story).  Yes, it does make it a bit more interesting.

And, let’s face it; it’s just more fun having a lot more people around!

with Journeys Group in front of  the Giza Pyramids with our Egyptian tour guide and my good friend Mikhael.

I couldn't imagine my European Encounter without Myra and Mae.
Myra, Mae, Ysabs at Trafalgar Square, London.
I love this shot of us, Tres Marias!

With the PG at Holy Sepulchre, Israel
Jaz, Ysabs, Stevie, Stef, Tim (not in pic Jover)
getting ready for another "prayer meeting"? (euphemism for going out at night )

Japan was twice as FUN with the RCSYE Batch 98!

4. Don’t be LATE.

When you screw up with the time, you screw everyone. Meaning: maybe you will miss a few sites or miss the opening before everyone else because of the tardiness. 

In Lucerne, showing off the new watches we bought with our new friend Lee from the U.S. 2000.
p.s. I still use this watch up to this day! :)

5. Cheaper.

Getting a meal ala carte, renting transport or entrance fees are much more expensive if paid for by just one person. Splitting the bill may just give extra bucks to spend on other things J  And companies give discounts for groups too.

a typical dinner with the Contiki Crew!
Florence, Italy

6. Meet fascinating people

With a group, there will always be a mixing of personalities and cultures.  Not only do you get to learn about a person, you learn about the culture that person brings to the group. 

7. 7.  Self Discovery

There are a lot of things you discover about yourself on a trip. My parents love the idea of sending their kids off to travel.  Why? Because experience is the best teacher.  Apart from knowing about the culture of different countries, your values are tested.  Being in a foreign country forces you be more responsible, more accountable for your actions, and you learn the value of prioritizing most especially with the money you bring. You might surprise yourself

Waking up for the first time in  London for our first day in Europe!!

8. When Life throws you lemons, make lemonade.

Instead of complaining about an unfortunate situation, get out of the rut and make the most out of the situation.  In any group dynamic, there will always be something or someone you might not get along with, so instead of being affected by it, DON’T.  There are a lot of other things that are worth the time.  Remember, it’s up to you if you really want to have fun on a trip.

9. Better person and a better citizen.

You will emerge a better person after each trip with a group. You not only learn about a country, but you grow from knowing about other people’s experiences on the trip.  Unwittingly, you also show the other person on the trip a glimpse of your own culture.

with my Okasan (Japanese for "mother") in our native garb :)

10. Support at hand.

From the most obvious – like helping with the luggage or taking your picture to the most complicated like – helping you with immigration, Being with a group while travelling is like having a family with you for that trip.

END NOTE

Travelling with strangers isn’t for everyone.  However, if you’re up for it, maybe you’d get to meet great people on the trip. And maybe, you might get lucky and meet a friend. J

Petra, you got us under your spell.
with the Journeys Group. Thank you to Tita Arlina Onglao (Journeys of Faith)

with the whole RCSYE crew in the Happiest Place on Earth!

Journeys of Faith, Inc.
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel No: (632) 929-0144 / (632) 929-0155
Mobile No: +639179099706
Fax No: (632) 426-7295
Email: joinjourneys@gmail.com

Visit www.journeys.com.ph

Contiki Tours for 18-35's
for international viewers:

website: www.contiki.com

Contiki in the Philippines:

contact:

Rajah Travel Corporation

http://www.rajahtravel.com/contikiholidays.html

Address:   Manila office
G/F GLC Building
A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw Sts.
Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Telephone: (+632) 523 8801
Fax: (+632) 522 0570
E-mail: reservationsmnl@rajahtravel.com 

Address: Makati office
3/F Gercon Plaza
7901 Makati Avenue
Makati City, Philippines
Telephone: (+632) 894 0886
Fax: (+632) 817 7903
E-mail: reservationsmkt@rajahtravel.com

Rotary Summer Youth Exchange Program

http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/youthprograms/rotaryyouthexchange/Pages/ridefault.aspx