So, Where Are You From?

That question is one of the first asked when you meet people traveling.

I was realizing, during one of these conversations today, that if, in any way, shape or form, I had a connection to that area I would always ask more specific questions. Like "are you from the city of London, or somewhere nearby?" Or "what part of California?" Or even, "do you know Bundang?"

I wondered to myself, if I was making these connections for my sake or theirs.

Then I thought, when someone KNOWS where Whidbey Island is, or has taught English in Korea, or lives in Brea with their family, I get excited. There's a sense of, "Hey, you know what I'm talking about" that is very comforting when you're a gazillion miles from home, exhausted from dodging motorbikes and crawling through war tunnels all day.

Because no matter how incredibly big the world seems, especially when you're out in it, it's always nice to know that other people love talking about home as much as you do.