London –> Sweden –> Norway–> Canada –> USA –> France –> London
In 2003, I took my first solo trip to Echo Hill Summer Camp inspired by their Camership program.. Little did I know that this seemingly small adventure for an 18 year old, would be the spark that ignited my love for TRAVEL, eventually leading me to explore over 130 countries and meet countless incredible people along the way. That summer, I didn’t just discover the thrill of travel; I discovered the power of human connection.
Fast forward a decade, and I’m living in London as a room mate to my great friend ET. A friend I first met at Echo Hill. We shared countless memories, drank to much and while he was earning far too much money to be considered normal for guy that I met on a charity program, he has never lost his good taste in friends and that’s when one of the greatest honours came knocking my way. When he asked me to be the MC at his wedding in the Hamptons NYC. It got me thinking about how TRAVEL has shaped my life, not just through the places I’ve seen, but through the people I’ve met and the friendships that have stood the test of time.
To celebrate this journey, I planned an epic week-my “TRAVEL Week.” Every day of the advenutre (aside from the suit wearing wedding) I wore a t-shirt representing a letter from the word “TRAVEL,” each letter corresponding to new day in a new country.
- T in France
- R in the USA
- A in Canada
- V in Norway
- E in Sweden
- L in London
But this week wasn’t just about visiting places or revisiting the sites. It was about reconnecting with friends who have become like family over the years. From lunch in Stockholm to crashing on a friend’s couch in Montreal , I was reminded of how interconnected the world really is. Every stop wasn’t just a destination; it was a reunion, a chance to catch up, reminisce, and create new memories.
In our fast-paced, digital world, it’s easy to let friendships slip into the background. But travel has taught me the importance of making the effort to see old friends, no matter how far away they are. If you can’t hop on a plane, pick up the phone. In a world of WhatsApp and free international calls, there’s no excuse not to reach out.
So here’s to the friends who welcome us into their homes, to those who share their cities and their lives with us. I adore you And here’s to the joy of keeping those connections alive-whether through a visit, a phone call, or just a message to say, “I’m thinking of you.”
The world is vast, but it’s also beautifully small, and our friendships are the threads that weave it all together. – thank you all for being you!
