Travel is often defined by a checklist: monuments to visit, food to savor, and landscapes to admire. Yet, for me, the true essence of travel lies beyond the “things to do and see.” It’s in the communities we encounter, the lives we briefly intertwine with, and the stories embedded in the places we journey to. Every person has a story, and so does every place. To truly experience a destination is to connect with its soul—its people, its struggles, and its triumphs.
Los Angeles holds a particularly sacred place in my heart. It was there, as a film student at USC, that I first tasted independence. My years in Los Angeles were a series of firsts: my first apartment, my first time navigating a sprawling city alone, and my first exposure to the boundless possibilities the world has to offer. It shaped me, leaving indelible memories of growth, exploration, and discovery. But as much as I’ve cherished its sunny skies and vibrant culture, my love for LA extends to its resilient community—a community that comes together in times of need, as I’ve witnessed time and again.
On January 7th, my heart ached as I scrolled through news of the devastating fires ravaging Los Angeles. Seeing images of neighborhoods reduced to ashes felt deeply personal, like grieving a dear friend. While I was grateful that my loved ones were safe, I couldn’t ignore the heartbreaking stories of loss—homes destroyed, lives upended. Yet, amid the chaos, there was hope. Stories of first responders risking their lives, volunteers rallying to support those displaced, and international teams flying in to lend their expertise painted a picture of humanity at its best. These weren’t just firefighters; they were symbols of solidarity, crossing borders to help strangers.
CL-415 Super Scooper
One story, in particular, moved me: Quebec’s CL 415 Super Scooper planes, a marvel of modern firefighting, arrived to douse the flames . It’s moments like these that remind me of our shared humanity—how we rise to support one another when it matters most. (Since writing this post, I learned that one plane was grounded due to an impact with a civilian drone. Quebec is sending two more air tankers).
This isn’t the first time I’ve been struck by the power of community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I penned an article titled “You Can’t Cancel Kindness in Canada,” reflecting on the ways people found to support one another during lockdowns. From socially distanced acts of generosity to entire neighborhoods banding together, kindness prevailed. Similarly, the story of Gander, Newfoundland, after the 9/11 attacks stands as a testament to human decency. When 38 planes carrying over 6,500 passengers were grounded in this small town, its residents opened their homes and hearts. The Broadway hit “Come From Away” beautifully captures this spirit of compassion.
But as much as I’m inspired by these moments of unity, I’m also acutely aware of the contrasting realities of our world. We live in a time marked by stark divisions and conflicts. The war in Ukraine, unrest in the Middle East, and atrocities in parts of Africa—each a reminder of the destructive forces of power and greed. These events often feel overwhelming, yet they underscore the importance of community and connection. They remind us that while some seek to divide, others build bridges.
Art has long been a medium through which I process these complexities. At the Art Gallery of Ontario, I often find myself drawn to Peter Paul Rubens’ “The Massacre of the Innocents.” This haunting painting, created around 1610, depicts one of history’s most violent stories: King Herod’s order to kill all male infants in Judea to secure his throne. The raw emotion captured in Rubens’ work is a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of human suffering and the lengths to which power can corrupt. It aligns with a poignant observation from Yuval Noah Harari’s “Sapiens”: “This is the curse of history: people try to save the past instead of saving the future.”
Yet, even in the face of these challenges, I find solace in the stories of resilience and kindness that emerge. Travel has taught me that people, regardless of where they’re from, share a fundamental desire for connection and belonging. Whether it’s a firefighter from South Africa, a volunteer in Gander, or an artist painting to make sense of the world, these acts of humanity illuminate the path forward.
As I reflect on my travels and the lessons they’ve imparted, I’m reminded of the importance of looking beyond the surface. It’s easy to admire a city’s skyline or sample its cuisine, but the real magic lies in engaging with its people, listening to their stories, and understanding their struggles and dreams. Los Angeles, for all its glitz and glamour, is a city of people—resilient, creative, and compassionate.
So, the next time you travel, I encourage you to go beyond the itinerary. Seek out the stories that aren’t in the guidebooks. Connect with the barista at the local coffee shop, the artist showcasing their work at a street fair, or the firefighter who’s just returned from a grueling shift. In doing so, you’ll not only discover the soul of a place but also reaffirm the beauty of our shared humanity.
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As you embark on your travels, remember that our journey leaves an impact. Embrace eco-friendly accommodations, support local communities, and reduce plastic use. Respect wildlife by observing from afar and conserve resources like water and energy. Choose sustainable transportation, leave no trace behind, and participate in conservation efforts. Educate yourself and others about the environment you’re exploring. Let’s ensure that we tread lightly on our planet, leaving only footprints of kindness and taking home memories that inspire others to protect our beautiful world. And, be excellent to each other.