A Conversation That Inspired

Carol Nosches speaks about how putting down your laptops or smart phones while traveling and having a real conversation with the person sitting next to you can be an inspiring event.

On a recent flight to the East Coast, I noticed a trend that has been validated for me, over and over, the past number of years. As I was getting ready to board my flight, I was struck, once again, with the “quiet” in the gate area. As I looked around and opened my eyes more widely I noticed roughly 90% of the people, whether traveling alone or with others, adults, children and seniors…they all sat quietly typing and tapping away on their devices.

Then it became my quest, right then and there, to try to make eye contact and share a friendly smile with someone. FINALLY I became aware of an older gentleman, finely dressed in a suit, smile at me. I noticed that he wasn’t attached to a device. Could he be on the same quest as myself? ALAS, someone is living in the moment of humanity in this small environment of the gate area. He walked over to me and we began to have a nice conversatioin. Casually discussed the weather, where we were going and why we were traveling. You know, chit-chat. It was interesting to note that he was recently retired, though acting as a consultant and thoroughly enjoying his life. He lit up discussing the importance of EACH and EVERY day… He was an inspiration to me.

As I embrace my work commitments and responsibilities, it is hopeful for me that someday, I may be in the same shoes when I retire. What a refreshing conversation we shared. Ironically, as we boarded our flight, he was seated across the aisle from me. So we chatted occasionally and were mindful not to disturb the “quiet atmosphere” on board the aircraft. As we parted our ways at the conclusion of our flight, we exchanged business cards. We have communicated a few times now. I find him a positive individual and consider him a “gift” in my busy, hectic world. A simple blessing from a conversation with a stranger.

With the innovative technology tools (laptops, tablets, smartphones etc…) we are all able to be productive, engaged and involved with the device at almost any place, anywhere. We truly have established a relationship that is based on a human-device model –at least in our Western society. However, my discovery, maybe coveted by some of you, is that I made a friend. Remember a warm smile and a good conversation can go a long way for fulfillment if you have the desire and curiosity to notice others around you.

I’m happy I took time to breathe and take in what was around me. Life passes us so very quickly. Take time to have a conversation.

Carol Nosches, CTC is our Corporate Travel Services Manager at World Travel Business Elite.

Deprecated: ltrim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/ldfwlrfrhxph/public_html/wtbinc.com/wp-includes/wp-db.php on line 3030

Europe

Europe is packed with culture, diversity, and history. Europe is the world’s smallest continent in land surface area, however, there are profound differences between the cultures and ways of life in its countries. Europe has an amazing wealth of sights, sounds, and peoples. There are beautiful cities, architecture, history, mountain ranges, seas, and many countries.…

The Caribbean

The Caribbean is a dream tropical destination. The islands of the Caribbean Sea are an extensive island chain in the far west Atlantic Ocean. Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos are just some of the destinations available. Here, there is year-round good weather with…

Canada

Canada the great white north. Canada is the largest country in size in North America and the second largest in the world overall (behind Russia.) Renowned worldwide for its vast, untouched landscape, its unique blend of cultures and multifaceted history, Canada is one of the world’s wealthiest countries and a major tourist destination. It houses…

Australia & South Pacific

Australia and New Zealand are ready to be explored. Australia and New Zealand offer travelers unique cultural experiences and posses majestic beauty in both the people and the landscapes. Australia is world-famous for its natural wonders including beaches, deserts, and the Outback. Most of the country receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Australia…

Asia

Asia is rooted in culture and history. Asia is a vast continent that encompasses such countries as China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, India, Tibet, Nepal, and South Korea. It is home to Pandas, Geishas, Temples, Sushi, East Asian Tigers and Mount Everest, the world’s highest point along the border of Tibet and Nepal. You can visit…

Alaska

Alaska is majestic any way you look at it. Majestic is a great word to describe all that is Alaska. It is known as one of the last wild frontiers in the United States. Situated in the northwest extremity of North America, it is the United State’s largest state. Alaska houses Mt. McKinley, the highest…

Antarctica and the Falkland Islands

Antarctica and the Falkland Islands are breathtakingly beautiful. A land of extremes, Antarctica is the 5th largest and most Southern continent. It is also the driest and coldest continent on Earth with the highest average elevation. Antarctica is scarcely touched by humans and houses only a few thousand permanent scientist residents. As a result, Antarctica has…

South Pacific and Micronesia

South Pacific and Micronesia are a real remote paradise. The South Pacific and Micronesia are undeniably the ultimate locations for paradise seeking travelers and scuba diving enthusiasts. The South Pacific houses Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. It is famous for amazing snorkeling, sunset evenings, beautiful beaches, live volcanoes, lush forests, shipwrecks to…

South and Central America

South and Central America have amazing travel destinations. South and Central America boast amazing places to visit like the Amazon rainforest, Panama Canal, Machu Picchu, and the Galapagos Islands. Central America is the thin section of land that links the North American continent with the South American Continent. It is made up of seven small,…

Hawaii

Hawaii is a tropical paradise with amazing natural wonders. Hawaii is an island chain of over nineteen distinct volcanic islands located over a geological “hot spot” in the Central Pacific. The breathtaking, natural beauty, warm tranquil waters, lush rainforests, and lava flows to beautiful white sand beaches are some of the most inviting aspects of…

Ready to travel? Find an advisor to help customize your next adventure!