Meet the Locals

In the Spring of 2018, I had the privilege of leading a group of Event Management Graduate students on a transformative journey to China. Our purpose was to delve into the intricacies of event planning in Asia, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

For these students, it proved to be an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and gain invaluable insights into the world of event management from an entirely different perspective. As part of the program, we resided on campus, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange that enriched the entire experience.

The journey was more than just an academic pursuit; it was an adventure that allowed us to forge connections with local professionals, fellow students, and the vibrant culture of China. The memories and experiences from this trip will forever be cherished, and I firmly believe that it has significantly shaped the future careers and perspectives of these talented Event Management Graduate students.

During their time in China, my students had a remarkable chance to form genuine friendships with students from Wanli University. They were graciously invited into their homes, exploring local life, shopping, and savoring authentic food and beverages. This experience offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves fully as local students in China.

During our trip, we had the privilege of visiting both well-known local tourist attractions and hidden gems rarely accessible to tourists. Exploring the city alongside local students enriched our experience immensely, offering a truly unique perspective. Having a tour guide who grew up in the area was invaluable, as they enthusiastically shared their culture with us, making the journey all the more enriching and memorable.

Having students who spoke the local language was an immense advantage. Their translation skills facilitated navigating menus, using local transit, and even buying train tickets for our trip to experience the majestic Great Wall in Beijing. Their invaluable assistance made the journey all the more seamless and enjoyable.

The friendships we forged in China will forever be cherished. Social media played a crucial role in nurturing these bonds, allowing students to continue developing relationships through shared photos, music, and messages, even long after we returned to Canada.

Take only memories, leave only footprints.

Chief Seattle

One of my all-time favorite travel quotes is “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” This quote resonates deeply with me for several reasons. It serves as a gentle reminder that, as travelers, we should approach our journeys with a sense of mindfulness and respect for the land, culture, and people we encounter.

In an ideal world, we would leave no trace but our footprints on this beautiful blue planet. However, the reality is that to explore the wonders of our world, we often need transportation methods beyond walking. When embarking on long-haul journeys, the choices can be diverse, but time constraints and practicality often lead us to the skies for air travel.

Upon reaching our destination, the choices we make continue to define our travel experience. While it may be convenient to opt for private transportation, such as taxis or rental cars, I firmly believe that embracing local public transit opens doors to some of the most unforgettable travel moments.

There’s something truly captivating about navigating a new city via subway, shuttle bus, waterbus, fishing boat, tuk-tuk, or even the iconic chicken bus. Traveling this way allows us to immerse ourselves in the local rhythm, savor the authenticity of the culture, and forge connections with the community we visit. It’s in these moments that I find the essence of exploration and discovery, making each destination come alive in a way that private transportation simply cannot replicate.

So, as avid world travelers, let’s choose to tread lightly, making conscious decisions from the moment we plan our trips to how we embrace the local experiences. By doing so, we’ll not only collect cherished memories but also leave behind positive impacts on the places we are fortunate to explore.”

When I mention local transportation, I’m referring to the everyday mode of travel that the residents use in their daily lives. One of my most extraordinary transportation experiences occurred in Siem Reap, Cambodia when I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bond. During my stay at a charming locally owned hotel, I inquired at the front desk about the preferred mode of transportation for the locals. Instead of suggesting a taxi, the staff recommended a tuk-tuk, but with a humorous warning that it might not be as comfortable.

Embracing the authentic experience, I opted for the tuk-tuk ride, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable and delightful journeys of my travels. Riding alongside the locals in their preferred mode of transportation allowed me to feel truly connected to the heart of the city and its people. The wind in my hair, the sights and sounds enveloping me, and the genuine warmth of the local culture made it an unforgettable adventure.

Experiences like these remind me that the most meaningful and memorable moments often arise when we step off the beaten path and choose to immerse ourselves in the genuine rhythms of the destinations we visit. By opting for the same transportation as the locals, we gain unique insights and form deeper connections with the places we explore. It’s these authentic encounters that shape our travel memories and leave a lasting imprint on our hearts.

One of the most cherished moments in Cambodia was a day spent with a young local fisherman on a serene river away from any tourists. Mr. Bond, our trusty tuk-tuk driver, took us on an hour-long journey outside the city to a quaint fishing village. There, a friendly young man guided us on a captivating 3-hour tour of the river.

During our adventure, we had the privilege of stopping at a local river restaurant, an off-the-beaten-path gem unknown to most tourists. Enjoying a cold beer and lunch amidst the authenticity of the village was a remarkable experience.

We were immensely grateful to Mr. Bond for sharing a day in the life of a local with us. These genuine encounters are what make local transportation experiences truly unforgettable. Each morning, Mr. Bond greeted us at the hotel gate, taking us to awe-inspiring locations while passionately sharing his knowledge and love for his hometown. It was a profoundly special time, and to this day, Mr. Bond and I stay connected on Facebook, exchanging tales of our travels and daily lives.

Next week, I will share my experience riding the local subway in Tokyo! Imagine navigating one of the worlds largest cities, on public transit..  Five levels of trains… a map in hand… and not a word of English to be found and 15 mins to catch the LAST train back to your hotel.  Now THAT is an adventure!