I walkedΒ along the beach after jumping off the boat from an amazing day of SCUBA diving in Tofo, Mozambique. The white sand squeaked under my feet and the waves rolled in lazily. I had just seen a whale shark underwater and was ecstatic. It had taken me severalΒ days of long bus journeysΒ to get there, but I made it, and it turned out to be more wonderful than Iβd imagined.
I wasn’t wearing any shoes, hadn’t even considered makeup in weeks, and was smiling from ear to ear on a sunny day at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
It wasn’t long before I spotted my crew of friends farther down on the sand. I met them a week prior when, on my walk back to my guesthouse, I passed by a few friendly-looking faces in the hammocks and stopped to chat with them for a while. I didn’t realize it then, but they’d turn out to be one of the best, most solid crews I’ve ever met while traveling, if not the most amazing to date. I ended up spending the rest of my three weeks in Africa with them, practically joined at the hip.
We were a crew of 20 and 30-somethings from different corners of the world; some from the US, and some from Australia, Switzerland, and Canada. Some were Peace Corps volunteers, and the rest had arrived there thanks to word of mouth, just like I had.
They’d been digging a giant hole in the sand for hours thatΒ day. It was the brain-child of Jonas, a 20-year old from Switzerland whose spirit animal is undeniably a meerkat. He could not let go of the idea of making this happen and had spoken about it for days.
His master plan was to make a hole big enough to fit nine people, because that’s just what you do when you have a group of intelligent people together in paradise with a lot of time on their hands, isn’t it? He was so enthusiastic about it that everyone got on board because, why not?
As soon as I arrived, they chided, “Kristin’s here!” which I have to tell you is one of the nicest things to hear when you rockΒ up to a group of people. Feeling genuinely welcomed is right near the top of my list of favorite feelings in the world.
The hole was ridiculously huge, and when it came time to bury themΒ so that we could get some photos before sunset, everyone around helped, from the beach boys who had been selling us coconuts for the past two weeks to random passers-by who decided to get involved. Who wouldn’t, right? It was too bizarre and wonderful to walk away from.
I volunteered to be the photographer since I love that role and don’t do well with tight, confined spaces.
It was a good choice.
Because we decided that if you want your garden to grow…
You have to water it, right?
Later that night, showered and happy in the warmth of the night, we sat in a circle waiting on our food. ItΒ hadn’t arrived yet because in Mozambique it takes at least two hours from ordering to eating. That’s when you just shrug and say, “T.I.A” (this is Africa), and learn the meaning of patience.
We decided in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, as it was November 26, that with or without a feast we ought to share what we were most grateful and thankful for.
When it got to Caspar, an incredibly well-spoken, tall, brown-haired and green-eyed Aussie who had been studying, working, and living in Mozambique for the past two years, he said something that brought tears to my eyes:
The more he has traveled the world, the more he has come to fully believe that people are fundamentally good.
He expressed that every single timeΒ thatΒ things started to look hopeless, someone would come along and change everything. He referenced times he had to hitchhike on the side of the road, got lost, or just openly appealed for help when he needed it, and it always found him. The amount of kindness that people have shown him over and over, every single time he has had no choice but to rely on it, has reaffirmed this belief.
His words resonated because I’ve long felt the very same thing. Every time I thought things were hopeless; such as when I was lost and someone showed me the way, when I stood on theΒ side of the road hoping for a ride and got one,Β orΒ I lost my debit cardΒ and someone bailed me out, I was also shown that people are fundamentally good.Β Nothing has ever been so catastrophic that it couldn’t be redeemed by a random act of kindness. The majority of the time, it was someone who had less than I did, or was a perfect stranger, who gave the most.
I often wondered, and was even told by others, that I was naive and idealistic for feeling this way, and that those things don’t just happen to everyone. To hear him say the very same thing that I felt down to my core finally affirmed what I know to beΒ true: The world and the people in it are more kind, giving, and similar to each other than unkind, greedy, and different from each other.Β Even without speaking the same language, we can find a common ground.
It also confirmed that what you put out there is what you get back. He and I are both open and giving but also understanding and not afraid to ask for help. People will give when they feel that kind of loving and receptive spirit, and when people ask me for help, I pay it forward.
I felt so lucky in that moment to be surrounded by such positivity. It’s one of those things you optimistically hope for but know better than to expect when you travel. It’s a rarity to find such wonderful people to share your time with and the kind of thing that can only happen when all of the right situations come to pass that allow you to meet the people who create that spark.
I owe these moments to traveling solo and being open to serendipity. It brings along the spirit that travel has always carried for me: An unexpected adventure with people you have only just met but who could be your friends for life. Every new encounter has the potential to change your trajectory, and you simply never know what or who in the world might come your way next. That’s the spice of life, isn’t it?
I can’t help but think that if I’d gone ahead with the original Mozambique plan with J, I wouldn’t have ever met this crew. I might not have ended up at Tofo at the same time, might not have walked up and met them that day, and probably wouldn’t have had any attention to give to anyone else.
So thank you, J. In the end, everything came into being just the way it was meant to, and I’m glad that you found love.
I did, too.
Stephen Garone says
Sounds like a blast! Would love to get to Mozambique one day.
Kristin says
Really was so much fun!
Brianna says
This was just beautiful. Incredibly inspiring words here.
Kristin says
Thank you <3
Miriam says
This is a great example of how solo travel rewards you with unique experiences! I remember reading on your Instagram that you were heading to Mozambique by yourself, and thinking you were really brave. I’m a solo traveler myself, but Africa has always been the one continent I wouldn’t go to alone. I’m glad to see how well it went for you!
Kristin says
I actually went to South Africa solo first which is more dangerous, at least statistically. I love both countries and all of the surroundings and even solo, you don’t have to fear Africa. It’s a wonderful place full of wonderful people. It’s just a little more ‘advanced’ if you will as far as difficulties and things you have to be aware of π
Taylor says
Kristin, I usually read your articles when they come in my inbox and think things like, “damn I wish I was in Iceland right now!.” But today I had to click through and comment because this is EXACTLY how I felt traveling solo and exactly what no one else ever really seems to understand when my mom worried for my safety or friends questioned my choices to go it alone. When all my money was stolen and other backpackers paid for my way from Thailand to Cambodia, when a stranger paid my border fees in Costa Rica because my debit card got eaten and I would have been kicked off the bus. People ARE good and my absolute favorite part of traveling solo is finding these crews of soul mate friends you didn’t even know you had. I’m married now so traveling solo long term will probably never happen again for me, but I would honestly hope that the hubby and I are fortunate to meet another great crew. I’ve met three such ragtag groups around the world in my whole life and I am still friends with every one of them. Absolutely love this and damnnit I want to go to Mozambique!
Kristin says
Thanks for reading and for commenting, Taylor π
I’ve had locals help me out of sticky situations, too, and what people who haven’t traveled alone don’t have the chance to experience is the kind of generosity that comes along when you really are alone and close to hitting rock bottom and you wonder what in the world you’re even doing. Then someone realizes you’re alone, you need help, and they give it to you. It’s such a wonderful thing and it has happened for me at the 11th hour many times. So glad you’ve experienced the same!
Kristen Sarra says
I’ve been waiting for your Africa posts! It really resonated with me when you wrote about your plans falling through and then deciding to forge on anyway. I’ve been reflecting lately on how many adventures I would have missed out on if I had relied on other people. I too have had travel companions drop out at the last minute and as upset as that sometimes made me, I still went on and had some of the best adventures of my life. Most recently was in Portugal where I dined with locals, had a brief romance, went canyoning for the first time, and indulged at an expense resort in Pinhao up in the Douro Valley. Had my friend not have dropped out of the trip 3 weeks before, I wouldn’t have been able to do any of that as she had wanted to stick to the touristy beaches down South – the beaches which I wound up completely ignoring as I was just having too much fun up North. I guess what I’m trying to say is “I feel ya gurllll.”
Kristin says
Haha, awesome! It’s so true that going alone lets you just do whatever the heck you want. It’s something I really value and that kind of freedom is beautiful. I hope more people just try it, even just once, because you can have such a real, rich adventure that way.
Ijana says
This is one of my favorite articles of yours ever! I totally agree with everything you said about solo travel, and I really hope to be able to experience that in Mozambique one day. It sounds like everything was set up just the way you needed it to, even if it didn’t seem like that at first when your travel partner backed out π
Kristin says
Most definitely. I feel so lucky that it all worked out positively and I started to wonder if it was just a fluke, but when Caspar said what he said I realized it’s not. When you bravely put yourself out there it tends to work out. So glad you liked this post! <3
Jimmy Dau says
What a great read, totally feel the same way. Viva solo travels!
Kate says
” Itβs an unexpected adventure with people you have only just met but who you could be you friends for life.”
So true….. I’m so grateful for the amazing best friends I have in my life right now who I met on my last trip… that alone wants me to carry on travelling forever as I cannot imagine life without them now.
Kristin says
Totally feel the same. Some of the people I’m best friends with now I met because I was traveling and I can’t imagine life without them! I can’t imagine life without the experiences I’ve had, either. It’s pretty crazy, isn’t it?
Aisling says
So glad you had such an amazing time! I followed your trip on snapchat and did feel a little bad that you were so nervous before leaving! But it looks like it turned out great for you. You are right, you should live your life for yourself and not wait for J or any other person to determine where/when you are going to go! Delighted you had such a good time!
Kristin says
Aw didn’t mean to make anyone feel bad! I’m pretty open on Snapchat though. Sometimes if I’m really alone it’s nice because it feels like there is still someone there with me, sharing it with me and it’s nice when people send little messages through π Thanks for the love! <3
Sahra says
this is so fun! how brave of you to travel alone and how fun that you met such a cool group of other travelers! I generally. travel with my boyfriend and while we always find fun people to chat with we have yet to encounter such a group like this!
Hope you enjoy the rest of your travels <3
Kristin says
It’s a bit tougher as a couple I think, simply because people aren’t usually as likely to approach a couple as a solo traveler. I have found that when I’m with a guy friend, even if we’re not dating, people think we are and get approached less by others. It’s too bad but I guess as a solo traveler I typically don’t approach couples, either.
Emily says
This was wonderful! I had a somewhat similar experience in Africa as well! I had been meeting a lot of people while I was in Europe who had just traveled in Morocco and takes about how much they loved it. I wanted to go too, but was nervous about going alone. Then I remembered that getting out of my comfort zone was the reason I started traveling in the first place. So I booked the ticket. It was an incredible 3 weeks and I met some AMAZING people, both locals and travelers alike. It reminded me why I loved to travel. Just what I needed at the time π
Kristin says
Yay! I have to remind myself of the same every time I go somewhere new by myself. I’m always nervous and in the end I’m always happy I did it.
jeniffer says
I really want to visit Mozambique, where do I start? Any travel agencies you recommend, or is it better to plan everything out yourself? Thanks ! This would be my first time visiting that continent so I have no experience..
Kristin says
I didn’t go with a tour agency I just winged it and I tend to prefer that method. There’s more on that here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/mozambique-travel-blog/
Brenna says
Beautiful, beautiful story, Kristin. I totally agree with what’s being said here – that people are fundamentally good. It’s a wonderful thing to realise. Plus now I really want to go to Mozambique!
Kristin says
I bet you’d love it, Brenna! It has all the wonderful characteristics about Africa that I love – beautiful, lovely people, and great food!
Nikita says
Wow, beautiful! Nothing like serendipitously finding your tribe. It also makes me feel good to read this as I’m a bit sick of being called naive for believing in the power of empathy and positive energy. Though those who travel a lot (and cheaply) usually agree.
Mozambique looks gorgeous! I’ll have to make it there some day for sure.
Kristin says
That’s wonderful! Let us know how it goes for you! I LOVE that part of the world so much
Ella says
What an amazing post and I couldn’t agree with you more! “The more he has traveled the world, the more he has come to fully believe that people are fundamentally good.” …When I read those words, my inner response was, “Yes! Finally someone who gets it!”. Just like others have said before me, I’m also a little bit sick of being called naive and idealistic, but I’ve also come to realise that the people I get those criticisms from, are the people who don’t bother to step out into the world and be open themselves. And I get it. It takes trust, and to trust takes courage, and a lot of people are afraid of getting hurt… but I’ve noticed that if you’re open and have peaceful intentions, people will recognise that and will reciprocate with their openness and peaceful intentions. Really great post! π
Kristin says
Totally! That’s how I felt, too. You get out of life and your encounters with people what you give to them, at least that’s what I’ve found. Being happy, approachable, and open are all required to get the same in return. People are lovely all over the world and I firmly believe that!
Kristin says
What a small world! Drew’s a cool dude. Had the pleasure of hanging a bit in Tofo and Vilanculos while he was on school holidays.
Phumike says
So much fun. Planning to be there coming month anyway. I hope it will be more exciting as yours. I have been looking for a clue and how to go about it. Thanks for sharing your experience.