Why do people travel? Is it to experience a new culture or way of life? For me it has always been to understand the world around me and learn more about who I am. When you travel to a different country, you see people who have the same interests and hobbies as you, and how they express these interests is what is truly unique.

I first noticed this difference when I took a trip to Athens. The locals seemed to enjoy the same pleasures I do, but how they viewed them was different than anything I could have imagined. When I first got there I was greeted by everyone I passed on the street and everyone was very talkative to those around them. I was immediately taken aback by this. Growing up in Las Vegas I was used to the classic “avoid eye contact until the person passed by” approach. This new way of communication helped me realize how a kind word or a smile can make someone’s day instantly brighter. Being able to talk to the locals and other tourists really helped give me a sense of place. I felt as though I was able to have common ground with people who lived thousands of miles away from me through simple language and communication.

The next aspect I noticed was the variations of foods presented to me. In the states we see the common football game foods such as hamburgers and hot dogs. However, in Greece, the food seemed to have a culture of its own. From the grape leaves stuffed with cheese to the pita bread lathered in sauce and filled with meat, everyone from the tourists to the locals were able to find more common ground through gastronomy. It was amazing to see how easy it was for everyone to come together in such an abstract way. Being able to integrate myself into this culture helped me realize that no matter who you are or where you come from, you have so many ways in which you are able to connect your culture to another.

One last aspect that helped me find common ground so far from home was the music and dance. Every night dozens of locals would flood into the downtown bars to listen to live music and dance the night away. Once I stepped inside I felt as though I had truly found what I flew halfway across the world for. Everyone was having a good time and seemed to be fulfilled with joy. Dancing to the music gave them an outlet to be carefree and have genuine fun without any judgments. The musicians were playing and dancing along with their music and fed off the energy around them. Being towards the end of my trip, this experience was a nice way to leave this wonderful country that I had learned so much about. As I listened to the musicians I began to realize how traveling the world truly brought people together and how you leave a little part of yourself in every place you visit.