I am lucky enough to have a heterosexual life-mate named Shereen. We were grade 9 lab partners in science (where we discovered a mutual admiration for the Power Puff Girls (nerds)) and have basically been bffs, and travel buddies, ever since.
Shereen and her puppy-dog in SK (2015). Photo cred: her sister Andesha
Our first excursions were close to our hometown of Saskatoon (aka Regina & Waskesiu), but it wasn't long until we leaped from the the prairies for more far flung adventures. We've wandered through thirteen countries together, and are planning to adventure more still.
Shereen and I drinking tea at a carpet shop in Istanbul circa 2007
Things I've learned from traveling with Shereen:
- Bring multiple books (paper backs). Leave them for someone else once you're finished, or trade.
- Bring an iPod full of songs and make playlists for different parts of the trip. That way, every time you listen to a particular song or playlist, it will bring you back to the place you once explored.
- Travel as much as you can by foot. Shereen walks everywhere (even in the -40*C prairie winters, which she takes mad pride in). It really emphasizes the cliche "the journey is more important than the destination", which is true, cliche or not. I travel as much as I can by foot or bike.
- Don't spend too much precious time abroad in museums or on other touristy things. Go to the markets, parks, cafes, and be among the locals. This goes back to when I dragged Shereen through every museum in western Europe, until she straight up said that she was museum-ed out. I didn't realize it until she said it, but so was I.
-Don't plan too far ahead so you can afford more spontaneity. You never know what place will peak your interest. When we first went on our backpacking trip, I booked hostels for two weeks in advance. We felt really rushed as soon as we arrived in London to get to Amsterdam, and would have liked to stay in Berlin a bit longer, but I had already booked a hostel in Paris etc. Live and learn! (Thanks Shee)
Shereen and I on top of the many terracotta roofs of Florence circa 2007
Cheers to you beautiful Shee. You're the best go-to travel buddy a girl could ask for. Your open-minded, observant and conscious travel styles are an inspiration to me still.