The gift of friendship

Most people collect souvenirs as they travel the world. I collect new friends. I now have friends throughout the United States as well as from around the world including Canada, Germany, and Australia. We have visited with one another and deepened our friendships during those times. On a recent visit to Germany our friends treated us to a carriage ride through Salzburg, Austria. It will be long remembered. You cannot put a price on true friendship. It is far more valuable than any souvenir. I think back to other friendships. Some have sustained themselves over time while others have passed away with only fond memories in their wake. Each friendship has been accompanied by a gift. It may have been support, laughter, working on a project together, teaching me a new skill, or simply companionship. My hope is that I have given them something of value in return. I never know when a new relationship will take root and I always set the intention of meeting someone new when I travel. So far I have not been disappointed. Think about what you project when you travel. Are you open to the gift of friendship? What has that been like for you?