Friends in Far Away Places

There’s something wild and beautiful about the way we form instant bonds when we travel. We find belonging in places we don’t technically “belong.”

But when you zoom in, you realize it’s not about where you are. It’s about who you meet.

We’re wired to trust the people who feel familiar or share something deep (or silly) that matters to us.

Regardless of where you go, there are those things that make us lean in to strangers: it could be a license plate from our home state, a hat or sweatshirt bearing our favorite local sports team logo—or in our case, while traveling abroad, it was a good ole North American English accent.

When you don’t understand the language where you are, it’s as if hearing someone speak English is an instant connection: these are my people!

The CRings (Carter-Ring blended family) are not shy people. All it took was one small question, “Where are you from?” to open the door to conversation, connection, and a bond in new lands far away from home.

As a result, we made new friends. Simple conversations that led to a feeling of home… while far away.

I’ve shared a few that stuck with us:

A Pint for Graham — Wrexham, Wales

Welcome to Wrexham! IYKYK! We walked into The Turf Club at The Racecourse in Wrexham and ended up at a memorial celebration of life.

Locals gathered after their friend Graham’s funeral. We met Eddie and Skippy, football buddies from 60 years ago! The bartender shared how her uncle, a diehard Wrexham fan, didn’t live long enough to see the team make the Championship.

My new friend Pat and I danced. “Do what brings you happiness,” Pat told me. So we did.

This tiny industrial town, now famous thanks to two American stars, still carries a deep sense of humility and pride.

The French Businessman — London, England

This one was interesting, to say the least!

He provided mid-afternoon pub chatter that wouldn’t end. He talked more than John (which is impressive) and had stories of travels and extravagance that wowed us.

And then… he wouldn’t let us go! Possibly charming. Definitely persistent.

Peyton from Charleston — Lagos, Portugal

We met while waiting to board a boat tour. He popped the question, “Sorry to interrupt, but where are you ladies from?”

Instant besties for the next 12 hours!

We swam through caves together and solved relationship problems like old friends. His girlfriend was at a bachelorette party for the weekend, so we adopted him for the day.

Lifelong buddy status earned.

Kenzie (age 3) — Lagos, Portugal

Kenzie gave us the courage to jump into the chilly sea.

She told us about her different life jackets and why we should be brave and jump into the turquoise water. Her mom and dad, Texas accountants living in Germany, cheered us on.

But make no mistake, she was in charge and taking Lagos by storm.

Linda from New Jersey — London, England

I met her while having lunch at Pancras Train Station before boarding my train back to Paris.

She heard my voice and said, “I knew you were one of us.”

I learned she was from New Jersey on an extended holiday with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law.

We swapped our travel itineraries and then I shared that I too was an OG Jersey girl! A bond that 3,500 miles cannot break.

Ruby the Westie — Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds, England

Dogs are allowed EVERYWHERE in Europe… on the train, in restaurants, on boats, on tours. We LOVED every encounter.

Ruby’s parents were lovely, but she stole the show, reminding us of our Westie, Ryan Dinkleman, who we lost after 16 years.

Spunky, sweet, and clearly the boss. She melted our hearts.

Joe the Staffy — Lagos, Portugal

He spotted us heading to the beach and ran to say hello.

Full of love and slobbery kisses. His owner told us he’d just been diagnosed with cancer. We shared that we lost two of our fur babies the same way.

Connected in our grief… we still pray for Joe and his people.

Carolyn & Guy — Lagos, Portugal

Our Airbnb hosts from London delivered so much more than a place to stay.

They offered us cheese and wine and politely questioned our snack habits:
“You ate the cheese and biscuits… without plates?”

Carolyn laughed, “You can take the girl out of America, but you can’t take America out of the girl!” Summed up our whole trip LOL!

They shared their 30-year journey together, their family history that brought them to this beautiful place, and we promised to return.

Until next time :)

What Travel Really Teaches Us

Sometimes the biggest souvenir is the smallest moment:
A shared glance. A helping hand. A toddler’s bravery. A dog’s kiss.

It’s a reminder that people are people (and dogs be dogs) wherever we go, and we are all connected in some way if we’re willing to let our guard down, smile and ask a simple question, “where are you from?”

We found belonging in the unlikeliest of places.
And honestly? That’s what I’ll remember most.

Safe travels friends!!

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It’s part story, part strategy, and a great read for plane rides, poolside moments, or those “what am I doing with my life?” hotel nights.