The people

During my travels I have become acquainted with many different kinds of people, both tourists and locals. I have made friends all over the world with whom I shared many stories, cultural differences, conversations and cheerful laughs. They often offered me a different kind of view on the world and how life can be lived. One of my strangest meetings was when I was invited by locals for a party. When I arrived, it turned out to be a funeral party. I was a little bit shocked, but the life-size cardboard statue in the garden of the deceased person told me it was not a joke. The party was crowded with people who were enjoying food and no one seemed particularly sad – it all felt very strange to me. My friends explained to me that this was their way of honouring the deceased. The more people that commemorated their friend, the better chance his soul would have for a blissful next life. With such a party, they actually give the deceased person a guaranteed ticket to a happy reincarnation. Sometimes the family even invites a stripper to funeral parties to attract more people. The feeling of absurdity faded away and I started to understand that, though very different from how it is done in Europe, this was just another way to grieve. A perfect example of how exchanging culture with other people helped me develop a better understanding about the social world and came to criticize apparent truths (this is called “social constructionism”; for those interested in the concept). 

A very nice way to meet locals – whether you travel alone or together – is couchsurfing. The concept is very simple: people offer you their couch to sleep (or bed…living room…palace) when you visit their country and you can do the same when you are in your home town. It is more than a place to spend the night though; the host often takes up the role of tour guide. I went couchsurfing when I was travelling in the polar circle of Norway and stayed both with students and families. The best one was when I could stay on a cruise ship. I have spent a great deal of time with my hosts watching whales and hunting for northern lights.  

The friendships do not always last, but the people sure do brighten up your trip and the new experiences are the best souvenirs. 

A local party with local drinks – including dried snake.