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The 8 people I’ve met on my travels

Shirin Bhandari

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The 8 people I’ve met on my travels
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Any journey brings out the best and worst in people. Ernest Hemingway once wrote “never to go on trips with anyone you do not love.” I’ve traveled with a few kooks, and they’ve probably thought the same about me at some point. The last thing on earth you’d want to be is stuck on a remote island with a person you can’t get along with. 

Here’s a list of people I’ve come across through the years. Have you met a few?

The sleeping beauty

After hours of driving through the Himalayas in India, a companion slept through the full climb up. It had just rained the night before and all the Mountains were filled with snow. These breathtaking sights are things you ideally don’t want to miss. Planes, trains and automobiles – any slight movement can rock this baby to dreamland.

The tour guide

He plans way ahead – and you’ve got no choice but to follow! The tickets are booked a year or two in advance. Not putting into consideration that an airline could cancel, you could be hit by a bolt of lightning or a being higher than yourself can change your plans. Upon arrival they take charge of the entire trip as a dictator would. You brave a smile, but are more than overwhelmed. The Lonely Planet is the bible.

The sloth

Messy, lazy, tardy and indifferent. Instead of experiencing what the place has to offer this traveler would rather sit around the hotel all day. Your shared room starts to resemble Mumbai’s Dhobi Ghat, where people do laundry – clothes everywhere! Sound familiar?

The promo junkie

This friend may have good intentions, but sometimes, it’s a bit much when it gets in the way of actually enjoying the trip. The resort booking comes discounted from a random magazine coupon. Your room resembles nothing in the picture. The air ticket is from a seat sale online. Promos are invariably deceiving with many restrictions. You end up paying more. Be wary and always read the fine print.

On a trip to a beach down south, my companion bought tickets with no baggage allowance. Not everyone can leave their snorkel gear and travel with only a toothbrush!

The horny one 

Whether surviving a dodgy relationship, overcoming loneliness or yearning for a summer fling, this traveler is adamant to get laid whilst on the road. You’re left snorkeling alone while she’s trying to get it on with the boatman.

The fighter

Trouble from the get go. A loud mouth itching for a fight.  By trying to help separate a fight a companion started on a desolate island in Mindoro, I found myself (through association) under arrest and dragged to jail with him.

Behave, stay calm. The world does not revolve around you. Respect the culture. The last thing you want is to have your head handed to you.

The photographer

A picture may be worth a thousand words. But for once drop the gadget and enjoy. This traveler is adamant about taking in every angle, have full on net access to Instrabrag. If you’re sharing a room, make sure you bring an extra cord, not to strangle him with, but to have an extra outlet free to charge your own electronics. 

The snob

Moans and groans about the bad beds in the hostel, the weather, food, prices, culture and just about anything under the sun. It will be your fault if you can’t find them a decent vegan restaurant or chilli chicken without the chilli. You secretly want to pull off a grand prank.

I would say, travel with someone resourceful, with a sense of humor – willing to compromise. Make the most of the moment together. Leave with an open heart or stay at home. (READ: 10 commandments for your next travels

Love life and embrace all it has to offer whilst on the road.  Be spontaneous and explore off the beaten track. It makes all the difference to share experiences with someone you genuinely care for.

Now the question is how to find the right one? That’s the great adventure. – Rappler.com

Shirin Bhandari is an artist, writer and jewelry designer. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Fine Arts. She established her accessory and handicraft store Sundari in 2005, and supplies her designs to Rajo Laurel and the Ayala Museum. She’s lived in India and Manila and enjoys travel and dabbles in photography during her free time. Follow her on Facebook and on Instagram

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