A WWII Story Among the Tulips
While leading a group of ten cyclists through the breathtaking tulip fields of the Netherlands, we paused one afternoon in front of a local bank. There we met a kind gentleman, a retired banker with a remarkable past. He shared how, as a young boy during World War II, he and other children befriended German soldiers—men who, despite the conflict, offered them bread during desperate times. His recollections of hardship, resilience, and unexpected humanity moved us deeply. What began as a simple photo stop turned into a decisive, unplanned moment—one of those magical travel encounters that stays with you forever.
One of the most potent and meaningful parts of traveling, for me, is meeting local people. These connections don’t always happen spontaneously; people rarely walk up and start talking to you. But when you take the time to reach out, as we did with this man, they are often happy and even delighted to share their stories.
When I meet someone new, I often start with simple, friendly questions:
- Do you live here?
- What do you do here?
- I’m from the United States. I love your country—it’s terrific!
- What are the best things to do in your town?
If it’s someone from the U.S., I usually ask, “Where are you from?” And if someone has an accent, I might gently ask, “Where are you from originally?”
Just yesterday, I had a wonderful exchange with an 18-year-old young man checking out my groceries at Walmart. I asked where he was from, and he said, “I’m from Iraq.” As we talked more, he shared that he was born in Egypt and came to the U.S. just a year ago. His English was impeccable. I asked him where he learned it, and he said, “Here. It took me three months.” I looked him in the eyes and said, “Your English is perfect—I’m amazed!” He lit up with the biggest smile. It was a beautiful, uplifting moment—just two miles from my home.
There are opportunities every day to connect with people from around the world. All it takes is a little interest, a few kind words, and genuine curiosity. When you take the time to see and appreciate others truly, you’ll be amazed by what you receive in return. These human connections—whether across the globe or around the corner—are some of life’s greatest gifts.
