Free Hugs

No matter what situation you are in, it appears to me that the body and soul need to (or just inevitably do) go through the typical cycles. Most days I find myself really enjoying this trip. Some days I am relaxed; some days I am eager to explore and meet new people, and even enjoy the challenge of learning a new language. Some days it is bright, sunny and warm and I find every situation enjoyable. Some days I am somewhat frustrated and overwhelmed. And some days I find myself feeling isolated.
Today I am camping in a field with 100,000 other people; yet I feel pretty lonely. I realized that most of the time on this trip I have been in situations where many of the people around me are also travelers. They are on their own or in small groups of two or three. They are easier to interact with, and usually also looking to meet new people. Here, while there are lots of people, they are mostly in larger groups, already with tight ties. Plus it is rainy, so I have spent most of the day in my tent. Which is only good because it has given me time to catch up on lots of blog posts.
A little solace did come when I passed another tent with a ‘Free Hugs’ sign. If you have never heard of this, you have to look it up on YouTube. It is a great campaign. A push for an open door to human connection is an awesome concept. It also made me appreciate all of the people with whom I gain comfort and connection from. Having someone there that makes us feel connected is a valuable thing. Some people have many, others only a few, but it is usually such an effortless scenario that we begin to take it for granted. I hope everyone reading this takes the time today to tell someone in their life that the connections they have with them makes their life more valuable. Many of you those people to me, and I greatly appreciate what you bring to my life.

Ok, done with the pity party and cheesy blog. The rain has stopped, let’s see what tomorrow brings. Maybe I will finally make it to Italy.