Episode 7 of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast is all about making unexpected friendships when you travel. Getting to know local people is one of my favourite parts of travelling, and my two guests have had some great experiences doing just that in various parts of the world.

First up is Bethaney Davies from Flashpacker Family, who has two really interesting stories to tell about friendships she established with local people in Vietnam and Myanmar. Her tale of meeting the monk in Myanmar (who, yes, is on Facebook) is one of my favourite stories ever!

My second guest is Jeff Sandquist of the Intentionally Wandering podcast. He tells of how his experiences couchsurfing on his solo road trip around the United States helped him make two new friends who he’s still in touch with.   Links:

• Bethaney at Flashpacker Family http://flashpackerfamily.com
• Jeff at Intentionally Wandering http://www.intentionallywandering.com
• Jeff’s Intentionally Wandering podcast on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/intentionally-wandering/id1002563000?mt=2
• Couchsurfing (try it yourself!) https://www.couchsurfing.com
• My story of meeting Mohammed in Egypt http://www.notaballerina.com/2012/05/two-egyptians-and-my-privilege-to.html
• Can you help me find my friend Yuko? http://www.notaballerina.com/2013/03/where-is-yuko-long-lost-japanese-friend.html
• Show notes at https://notaballerina.com/07 

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