Traveling is primarily about the connections we build.
Throughout August, I journeyed across stunning destinations like Iceland, Cape Cod, New York City, and Denver. (Apologies for the pause in updates; freelance work has kept me busy!) Each adventure was centered on a common purpose—spending time with friends!
Curious about my connections in Iceland? That’s the real story.
I’ll introduce you to James, a former colleague from Birmingham, Alabama. How does someone from Alabama find their way to Iceland? Stay tuned for an interview with him next week! Plus, I’ll share a recap of my Iceland adventure soon!
After Iceland, I traveled to Boston and then New York City to reunite with more friends. The more I explore, the more incredible people I encounter from all over the globe. I can visit just about anywhere and have a couch to sleep on or a friend to grab a drink with. My summer travels concluded in Denver with friends I met in Thailand, Peru, Missouri (where I attended grad school), and India.
The beauty of my nomadic life is that I can reconnect with friends as if no time has gone by. Maintaining these relationships takes effort, but tools like Facebook, WhatsApp, and iMessage help immensely. (Instagram has been a lifesaver! My mom can check my posts to see I’m safe.) I also spend hours crafting postcards, despite the high postage costs. Who doesn’t appreciate a handwritten note?
Every holiday season, I create my signature gnome Christmas card featuring Alfred, my adventurous gnome, dressed in festive outfits. I write so much that my hands cramp. Yet, the time and effort are worthwhile because I know it brings joy to others. My friends eagerly await them each year, and many display them as part of their holiday decor. Who wouldn’t want a gnome in their mailbox?
My closest friends reside in various time zones and likely always will. There’s James in Boston, Lorrie in Atlanta, Becky in Tokyo, Fran in England, and Zuyi in Charlotte.
I met Lorrie at a journalism conference in Los Angeles and Becky while traveling in Laos. Zuyi and James are from my hometown. I met Fran in a pub in England during my study abroad in 2002. Though we may go years without seeing each other, our friendship remains unchanged. In 2013, I flew halfway around the world on short notice to photograph her flash mob wedding on a pier in northern England.
I took a red-eye flight out of L.A. to capture my best friend Fran’s wedding on the pier in Saltburn, England.
Today, most of my travels center around visiting what my friends call the “Anna Network,” a fantastic group of people I’ve met along my journeys.
After a long trip, the best way to unwind is to be with fellow travelers who understand my lifestyle. That’s why I often add short visits to friends after major trips. Following my seven-month adventure in Latin America, I stopped in San Francisco for a few days to see Miles from Birmingham before heading to Seattle to meet Trevor, who I met in Burma. Next, I took a train to Vancouver to catch up with Brittany, a friend from my travels in Spain. I also love connecting my friends with each other to strengthen our network.
Despite the distance and time apart, these wonderful individuals will always hold a special place in my heart. I may not always be physically present, but they truly understand me. They’ve significantly influenced my life and travels.
Let’s face it—nothing beats a heartfelt chat with an old friend!
Thank you to all the fantastic people I’ve met on my travels, and to everyone who has welcomed me into their homes. Your hospitality, inspiration, and support for my unconventional lifestyle mean the world to me!
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COMING SOON:
TRAVEL TUESDAY INTERVIEW: Iceland Expert James McDaniel
In the upcoming Travel Tuesday Interview, I’ll chat with Iceland expert James McDaniel about his experiences living in the country for the last three years. He’ll share budget tips and his favorite places to explore!
