Interstate Adventures

When traveling solo, I strike up as many conversations as possible with shopkeepers and anyone who looks like a fellow extrovert. When I was in France, I uncovered things like where to go for a coffee in a hidden courtyard in Montpellier. These conversations also gave me the opportunity to spontaneously practice speaking French. 

I carried this chattiness with me on our recent U.S. road trip. Naturally, I found people to talk to. 

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

We met a Texan who told me that his ancestors were settlers of German descent and had been in Texas so long they were once Mexican citizens. He said if things go south in Washington, DC, they can always survive on their own. He told us about how self-sustaining the state is and that there is actually an option to secede in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This sounded suspicious to us, but it was 11 pm so we did not want to open that can of worms. I said if Texas leaves, we will miss it.

Louisiana Creole and Cajun

I met a hotel concierge who asked where I was traveling from. She shared that she moved to Texas from Louisiana a few months ago. We agreed that each state offers such different experiences. Her eyes had a nostalgic look as she said she really missed the food at home. As a francophile, I did not need to ask her why. 

Tornado Talk

Everywhere I go, I look for a pool to lap swim. I found an outdoor pool in Oklahoma City and hopped in a lane next to other swimmers. I was curious to hear what locals thought about the threat of a tornado. So, when I got to chatting with a couple of swimmers, I had to ask what they thought about living in the midst of this threat. One said, “You get used to it. Besides, it is very unlikely you will be in one. They usually touch down in a field somewhere.” He told me about the overpasses and embankments along the highways in these states. He mentioned that the ditches are there for people to take cover in. Another woman who was a local but originally from New Jersey said she could handle a hurricane and flooding because you can clean up the mess—with a tornado there is no chance. One minute you have a house and then you don’t. 

Vermont Cowboys

We pulled up to a gas pump and Bruce chatted with an extra-friendly Tennessee gentleman across from us. He saw our New England plates and fondly shared his experience working in Vermont. He told Bruce about how he learned to ski at Killington. He couldn’t believe how many horses and big belt buckles he saw while living there.  He chuckled and said, “I’ve never seen that many cowboys in Nashville itself!”

Even if it is just small talk, it can be really meaningful if you are open to it.