What’s the best way to meet new people while traveling? – Asks the daily prompt.
Being I’m not an experienced traveler; buyer beware of advice.
My first thought was to turn my phone off and put it away. That way my head is up and attention to meeting other people is possible. Sounds kind of simple. But everywhere I go that seems to be the case most of the time. People’s faces buried in their devices.
Ask a question, introduce yourself.
Maybe if you see people you’re traveling with dining at the same times or spots see if they want to join you.
Ask locals about traditions or what they think is special about their community. Lots of people like to talk about where they live. Watch out for the negative ones though.
Being an amateur photographer, I ask others what they might be shooting with and how they like it and of course where good spots are in the area.
Those were just a few off the top of my head. I’m no world traveler. When I was younger and traveled a little bit with my mom I learned. Be respectful, be positive, ask questions, express thanks for help and suggestions or time and the company.
There is no shortage of people in this world. But it’s an area of photography that I haven’t delved into much. Be it portrait work or just street photography with people.
So, I’m going to try to expand that area of shooting. I’ve got to get over the fear of invading people’s privacy but still respect it and them.
A man resting in Ellicott City. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Afternoon
There is an unusual chill in the air for this time of day.
The rhythm of this week is off to a good start.
You can help some people, and they will waste that effort. And that’s on them.
If the open time in my schedule is greater than the scheduled time, I’m happy.
I’m trying to turn things around but having limited success. As a matter of fact, I feel like I’m losing. Not the best feeling in the world but there it is.
I’ve been pretty good at dealing with change in the past. Being in a technology area most of my career I didn’t have a choice because things moved fast. But I’m finding the more I’m removed from it being retired the more problems I have when I encounter something new. Like messing with that Park Mobile app a few years ago. And as time goes on the more F’ing apps you need to just get by.
With people, I’ve also had the ability to deal with changes over time. But that past success seems to be fading. And I can’t say if it’s my ability to deal with things is getting more limited or if the changes others are going through have changed things to where I’m not in a comfortable place.
Photo by Mike Hartley
There is work to be done in evaluating, adapting or changing some things. We will see if the old concept of older people being resistant or unable to change affect me or not.
Yes, I’m familiar with the adage “the only constant thing in life is change.”
No more beating around the bush this morning. It’s going to be a great day. And why you ask, because we are alive and we have hope. Notice, I said we. I figure there are some like-minded people trying to share that thought and feeling through their words and actions.
Photo by Mike Hartley
When working in DC I used to do something that threw some people off. Growing up in a somewhat rural area people spoke to each other when passing. That isn’t the case in Washington DC on the workweek in the business/government parts of town from what I experienced for a few decades.
On my walks from the parking garage a few blocks away from the building I’d always make a point to be smiling and passing along a greeting if someone made eye contact or maybe a positive node. Even the occasional “everyone’s looking good today” which usually evoked some smiles when I would say it waiting for the light to change so we could cross the street together. Sometimes I’d even notice a little extra spring in their steps.
I would always greet our security guards coming and going. I think it’s rude to just walk past people like they are some kind of machine. Especially when their job is to help ensure your safety.
Getting a smile back was a nice reward. Or just a nod was cool.
What amazed me was that co-workers would ignore the cleaning crew when I worked evenings. People wouldn’t acknowledge them as they kept their work areas clean. I always made a point to greet them and thank them.
Going into the parking garage I’d always slow to wave to the attendant on duty and say good morning as I came up the stairs by his station.
What was and still is appalling and I’m guilty of it myself now. Ignoring the homeless like they don’t exist. I was much better when I worked nights and would acknowledge all of them on my walks at lunchtime. Even bringing extra food for a buck or two for some of the nice regulars. Maybe they were easier to see at night because they weren’t being ignored by hundreds of people walking by every few minutes.
So that is my point this morning. I’m going to try to get back to my old friendly smiling self and share the hope.
Most of us are under the radar. In life, in jobs, in relationships. Think about how well you know the people closest to you. How well do those closest to you actually know all about you. From my observations we know little about each other. Even close and long-term relationships know only a small percentage of a person.
Think of how few people have been part of your entire life. Yes, a lot of you might say your parents, but most of you will outlive them.
I reflect on a lot of long-time co-workers who I spent decades with that only know parts of me. They might know a drive or skill that others, even the closest, never see.
The experiences shared with friends who are no longer with us. The secrets all of us carry. The hurts, the longing, the missed opportunities.
Only the luckiest will know over half a person. Think of all the things you have never shared with anyone. Yes, people may know of events or circumstances, but they don’t know your feelings.
Think of how many things you don’t share each day. And that is normal and good. There should be things that are special to you. Maybe some very tough memories and experiences. But maybe some good realizations or insights.
It could be a simple discovery. For instance, one day late in my career, I realized it was just a job. Duh. Now admitting that isn’t a proud thing, kind of embarrassing so not often shared by me.
How well do we know our own children? I’d like to think well but I’m sure there is a lot I don’t know. As time has gone on, I’m slowly learning about the things I did that made them laugh or embarrassed. I don’t know all their friends. I don’t know how they are when with their in-laws.
At Johns Hopkins Applied Physics complex. And yes, that is a big, big piece. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m a very open person and I’m guessing a fair number of people might think they know me pretty well. They know the pieces I allow them to or share.
I do have a mission of sorts, and this blog is part of it. I’d like my children to know me better and that is why I write here and why I’m starting a book for them.
A good friend just showed me a project, her and her husband together of their family history in a book. A wonderful thing but I’m hoping for a lot more. For them to know more about the person I am. Good and bad. Professional and unprofessional. As a friend to many. As a father and husband.
I have so many holes about my own father and so many questions that will never be answered. It’s an uncomfortable feeling to have and I don’t want my children to have it. Plus, I’ve made so many mistakes along the way in life maybe I can save them from hitting the same potholes.
Who are your current most favorite people? – There is a question loaded with landmines. The thought of leaving someone out hangs over this reply. So, I’ll go with this answer.
The people that keep in touch with me. The people that tell me they love me or I’m a good friend. The people on the street I don’t know, that give me a smile. The people that hold a door for me or let me merge on the road.
The people fighting hard, for my rights and freedom. The people that keep me informed with truth and facts. The people that encourage me and are honest with me. The people that take care of my health.
The people that brought me into the world. The people that run up to me and say, “Lets Play Papa.”
I think that about covers it but I still have that feeling I’m leaving people out.
Don’t be alone, find your people. Photo by Mike Hartley
