06/23/2021
W. A. L. K. (Walk with Acts of Love and Kindness) is an idea that dawned on me after realizing that most of my backpacking trips (32 countries, by far) have presented countless opportunities in engaging with the locals and immersing in the culture wherever I was. That was made possible mainly because I literally WALKED in different villages and remote locations.
By walking, I was able to explore the most organic way. It brought me closer to the local people. I was more interactive and in the moment. The joy of being able to say “hello” and exchange smiles with random strangers, or even being invited in for coffee or tea or, best yet, being offered a place to stay for the night, were precious moments that may have not presented if I didn’t literally walk and was willing to travel off the beaten path and meet the locals up close.
With W.A.L.K., It is my vision to spark a movement that encourages all of us wherever we are, may it be in our own neighborhoods or in some foreign land, to break the boundaries and attempt to do the following:
• meet and interact with locals rather than being hell-bent on collecting more fridge magnets
• have an open mind to spontaneous adventures and unexpected discoveries
• get lost (responsibly) outside of your comfort zones
• keep the wanderlust flame burning
• sample local flavors
• shake hands (or elbow-pump; whatever works)
• strike a conversation (if you don’t speak the local language be creative and don’t shy from cave-speaking, miming, or whatever works for your message to get across)
• exchange ideas (learn from others and let others learn from you)
• embrace diversity
It is a no-brainer that making meaningful connections with humans, rather than collecting souvenirs at some tourist traps, is more gratifying and memorable.
Based on my experiences, if you walk with acts of love and kindness and keep a sound moral compass, you attract an overwhelming amount of positive vibes, you gain friends from all corners wherever you go and becoming a citizen of the world happens naturally.
So, please join me and let’s W.A.L.K.
Best,
Roro ❤️
