Additional Coverage:
- I sat next to a 95-year-old solo traveler on an international flight. Now my pen pal, she’s taught me a lot about life. (businessinsider.com)
Chance Encounter at 30,000 Feet Leads to Unlikely Friendship
A chance encounter on a flight from Paris to Boston this summer led one woman to an unexpected friendship with a truly inspiring individual. Gloria Kostadinova, a frequent solo traveler, found herself captivated by her 95-year-old seatmate, Anne.
What began with a simple “Where are you flying from?” blossomed into a hours-long conversation filled with shared stories and laughter.
Kostadinova quickly discovered that Anne, returning from a three-month solo trip to Paris, was a kindred spirit. Anne has been making yearly solo trips to the City of Lights since 2015, preferring independent exploration to organized tours.
Anne’s zest for life and connection shone brightly as she recounted tales of building friendships during her Parisian adventures. She even shared her efforts to learn French, a testament to her commitment to cultural immersion. This resonated deeply with Kostadinova, inspiring her to foster more connections during her own travels.
The two women discovered shared interests beyond travel. Anne, a passionate tango dancer, had even journeyed to Buenos Aires to perfect her favorite dance style. Kostadinova witnessed Anne’s dedication to learning French firsthand, assisting her with the in-flight entertainment system so Anne could enjoy a French film.
As their plane touched down in Boston, a simple selfie and email exchange sealed a budding friendship. Anne imparted valuable travel advice: “Go young, go often, and go long.” Her words, echoing a lifetime of experiences and friendships forged in Paris, left a lasting impression on Kostadinova.
Inspired by Anne’s vibrant spirit, Kostadinova plans to embrace solo travel with renewed enthusiasm, eager to connect with the world around her. Anne hopes to return to Paris in the spring, and Kostadinova dreams of joining her one day, a testament to a beautiful friendship born at 30,000 feet.