Dear Friends Around the World,
Firstly, I would like to thank you for making my life so amazing. It is only because of you that I have been able to live life to the fullest and appreciate all the wonders the world has to offer me. Motorcycle tours across the country, cliff diving into freezing waters, snowboarding high up in the mountains, partying all day and all night at music festivals, teaching me phrases in other languages that I will never remember no matter how hard I try, and exploring new cities as more than just a tourist. None of these adventures would have been possible for me if it were not for you. I mean, who else can say that they were able to travel the world and not ever have to set foot inside a hostel or hotel?
Not only did you graciously provide housing and food for wandering little me, but you also opened up your worlds for me. You introduced me to your friends, families and cities that you get to call home, and showed me all the amazing things that you can only experience as a true citizen of a different place. You were always the perfect tour guides; adorned with excited smiles and optimistic outlooks for the upcoming day. I never felt like I was intruding. You made your place a home away from home, just for me.
I owe a lot of my success back home to you guys. If it were not for you, I would still be incredibly shy and unable to start conversations with complete strangers. If it were not for you, I would not have ventured far outside my small town where I grew up and explored the great world around us. If it were not for you, I would not be who I am today. And whenever life starts to get too hard or work becomes too stressful, I always imagine that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, which will allow me to gather up my money and belongings and head off to see my very best friends.
You are my favorite person on Earth. Each one of you! A phone call from you is the only thing I need to flip my day around. I have come to appreciate each and every one of my long-distance friends, because your companionship is what makes me happiest. I even brag about you to the people I meet, proudly exclaiming about the amazing people I know around the world that I get to call my friends.
Thank you for being there for me, even when you can’t really be there for me. Sometimes, the people who live closest to us cannot offer the same kind of support that someone from far away can give.
I hope to see you all very soon!
Lots of love,
Your Traveling Companion
