Embarking on a journey to far-flung lands is undoubtedly thrilling, but adding a travel companion to the mix takes the adventure to a whole new level.
Picture striding through bustling streets, sampling exotic street food, and laughing till your stomach hurts, all while sharing these incredible moments with someone who’s just as giddy as you are.
The benefit of having a travel companion by your side not only doubles the fun but also amplifies the richness of your travel experience.
Whether it’s a new friend, a significant other, or even a newfound comrade you met on the road, their presence adds an extra sprinkle of joy, shared memories, and inside jokes that transform your journey into an unforgettable tale worth retelling over and over again.
Gail and Asuncion’s Journey Begins
Meet Gail and Asuncion (Asun, for short).
In early 2022, Gail and Asun attended a virtual event on Stitch where a fellow attendee asked if the host could designate one of the breakout rooms during the event for Spanish speakers. The idea was to practice and maintain their Spanish skills in a fun environment. This group enjoyed the experience so much they decided to meet regularly under the condition that all communications be conducted exclusively in Spanish.
It was throughout these get-togethers that Gail and Asun got to know each other. The two forged a strong connection over time through their mutual love of the Spanish language, and in May, Asun shared her plans to explore Malaga and Barcelona in Spain. Asun invited anyone interested in joining her on this adventure, and Gail eagerly accepted the offer and flew to Malaga to meet Asun for nine fun days.
From these modest origins, a fresh bond of friendship emerged, giving rise to the foundation of an exciting journey.
From Malaga, they travelled to Barcelona, where Asun stayed for three days, while Gail extended her visit to five days. Despite their different schedules—Asun being an early riser and Gail not so much—they found a harmonious balance. They each had their own rooms and would independently engage in activities until they reconvened and enjoyed activities together. Eventually, they each had to return home.
After much reminiscing about what a fantastic time they had, Asun mentioned to Gail that she had a detailed itinerary of flights and cruises she had already booked and asked if she’d like to join her.
Captivated by New Orleans
Fast forward to February 2023, they boarded a flight bound for the lively city of New Orleans, Louisiana, just in time for the world-famous Mardi Gras festivities.
Their time in New Orleans was nothing short of captivating. In addition to immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Mardi Gras, they also ventured out to explore the historic plantations and embarked on an exhilarating airboat ride through mysterious swamps, catching glimpses of massive alligators in their natural habitat. Five eventful days later, they bid farewell to New Orleans and hopped on a flight to Ft. Lauderdale.
Ft. Lauderdale, and a South Caribbean Cruise
Their stay in Ft. Lauderdale was full of memorable experiences. They started their days with delightful breakfasts at a charming eatery called Little Hen, where Maria, a fellow Stitch member and Spanish speaker, joined them. Maria kindly dropped off Asun and Gail at the boarding point, where they embarked on a breathtaking 10-day South Caribbean cruise. Little did Gail know that Maria had organized a surprise birthday celebration for her while on the cruise, complete with a princess crown, party hats, and a lovely gold bracelet. Gail felt it was a heartwarming gesture that added an extra touch of joy to the occasion.
Upon returning to Ft. Lauderdale, Maria had another surprise in store—a thoughtfully planned 3-day tour of both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. They enjoyed exploring the vibrant cities, visiting iconic landmarks, and creating cherished memories together. Interestingly, Gail had already spent nearly a week with Maria the previous year during a journey to New York. The reunion was joyous, and their friendship only grew stronger as they shared new adventures.
Sailing the Coasts of Portugal and Spain, and London’s Theatrical Delights
As if that wasn’t enough, Asun and Gail then embarked on a transatlantic cruise, gracefully sailing along the picturesque coasts of Portugal and Spain, with their final destination being the vibrant city of Barcelona. Having previously visited Barcelona so recently, they instead opted for a direct flight to London, extending their trip in the bustling capital for 12 more days, alternating between playing the role of a tourist and indulging in the captivating world of theater. They attended six plays and two performances by the renowned London Philharmonia.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and Gail and Asun eventually bid farewell to London and boarded a flight back to their respective homes. However, the wanderlust within them remained insatiable. They have since enjoyed a fantastic tour of Norway with plans to visit Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Petra, and their beloved Spain again soon.
Whether you’re an existing Stitch member looking for inspiration or contemplating joining Stitch, Gail and Asun’s story should serve as inspiration for what’s possible. Their journey (pun intended) shows that if you step out of your comfort zone, attend events, and meet new people; the world is your oyster.
If you’re nervous about joining Stitch, remember that the end result is undoubtedly worth it. The initial nervousness disappears as you embark on new adventures, create lifelong memories, and form genuine connections and travel buddies.
Ultimately, Gail and Asun’s story reminds us that travel companions make the journey more enjoyable, and Stitch can help you find those connections. So, pack your bags, make new friends, and explore the world together, because life is too short to stay in your comfort zone.
Aaron Green
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