Connecting with Locals

One of the decisions to make before traveling is where you’ll sleep at night. Hotels are good, but usually expensive. Airbnbs can be great, especially if you stay for a week or more (and get those discounts). Hostels are almost always the least expensive and a great way to connect with other travelers. You’ll make great friends who share at least one passion with you: travel. There are plenty of options. Mix it up and try them all out. See what jives.

Whatever method you choose, I think getting out in the community and making connections is meaningful. I loved meeting locals like Georgia, Luli, Claudia, Fabien, and Evan. Wherever I was, I made new friends, or at least learned an acquaintance. I can practice language skills with them (except Evan – he spoke English), talk about their lives, share stories, and hopefully see them again soon.

Paris

In many places, a neighborhood bar or restaurant is a great way to connect. I lived in Asnières-sur-Seine, which is north of Paris, just over the Seine. But for simplicity, I often say I lived in Paris. I essentially did. In any case, I visited a bar down the road several evenings around the same time. That’s the key. Visit the same place at a similar time. You’ll catch peoples’ eye when you become a short-term regular (is that a thing?).

I met Claudia and Fabien by simply sharing my table with them. I mean, no need to hog a table when you’re just drinking a beer. I tried some French, but their English was better than my French. From there, we talked about languages and life in France vs. America. I met some of their friends too. Because I went to the bar at the same time each night, I saw them a few times.

Pistoia

Italy was a similar story, but the walk to the bar was much shorter; it was directly below my Airbnb. The first night, before my brother arrived, I went down. I met Georgia. She was one of the friendliest people I met on my trip. Georgia re-introduced me to gin and tonics, which I used to hate. Have you tried one with Tabasco or black pepper?! Game changers!

I continued to visit the bar, not for the drinks, but to talk with Georgia and the others who came. My brother and I were not in a touristy area. This is Pistoia. Everyone asked us: “Why did you come to Pistoia?” But I loved it. Not many of these folks spoke English. Why should they? Many were hardworking blue collar types. Some teens, like Georgia and Luli’s daughters, talked with my brother and me. They learned English by watching American films or listening to music. Through them, we learned key phrases and interacted with the others.

Language Barriers

While a decent portion of people spoke some English, I think it’s important to try speaking the native language. Don’t expect people in a foreign country to speak English for you unless you’re in England. Before you go, at least learn the fundamentals: hello, goodbye, please, thank you, where is ____?, yes, no. People appreciated my attempts at speaking their language (even the French…sometimes). Google Translate will be super helpful wherever you go.

I found it beneficial to stay in non-touristy spots. This forced me out of my comfort zone and to actively speak the native tongue. I didn’t do great – most conversations wound up in English. But I tried and I always made the person smile, even if my lack of language proficiency seemed to frustrate them. In fact, these experiences have given me the dedication to learn more languages.

Conclusion

I’m not sure of your travel style. It may differ from mine a lot. I like to do less touristy things. You’ll find me wandering streets rather than the Vatican. I didn’t go up the Eiffel Tower on my first Paris trip (maybe next time). I prefer staying in an Airbnb for at least two weeks. This gives me the chance to find a lovely spot and frequent there often. It doesn’t have to be a bar. Maybe there’s an arcade or pizza shop.

I challenge you to challenge yourself! Do you know a language? Practice a language your ancestors once spoke. Then travel to where they lived. Test your skills. It won’t be easy and it’ll be very messy. But somehow, it’s beautiful. You’ll meet people who remind you of our humanity. You will make some fantastic connections. Any maybe it’ll make you feel closer to your ancestors.

Most importantly! Be kind. Have fun. And say thank you.