Friends that last the distance

One upon a time (well, last July actually) five strangers from across Australia gathered in France to take an Intrepid Highlights of France tour. There were nine people on that tour, and while everyone got on really well, those five girls bonded over a love of French food, wine, people, scenery, shopping - and pretty much everything else you can think of - and became friends. 

Hellooooo Melbourne!

It's common to make friends on holiday when all you have to do is enjoy the sights and sounds of a foreign location. But while you all pledge to keep in touch, removing yourself from the leisurely enjoyment of holidays coupled with the glare of real life means that most acquaintances wither and die within a few weeks.

But not with these gals.


In the last nine months, we've had some riotous chats on Facebook where the crazy in-jokes you make on holiday seem to have grown and spawned a life of their own.  We've texted on birthdays and big events, and called to say hi and have a chat. 

And we've just returned from our second reunion trip!

Last October, four of us met in Sydney for a weekend of feasting and fun, walking the sights and stopping for tapas.

And over the Anzac Day weekend, the whole gang caught up in Melbourne and spent a few days catching up on the news while jumping on and off trams all over the city. The weekend was wet and windy, but the conversation was lively and warm.  We walked the streets of Brunswick, Carlton, and Southbank and journeyed around the city centre. We ate pastries at Brunetti and cheese platters at Milk the Cow.  We talked non stop about all kinds of topics and generally ate and drank our way around the city.  It was a fabulous weekend and there is no better way to see a city than under the guidance of a local.

I don't think that any of us foresaw that a friendship would grow from that first day that we took the Metro to Montmartre for lunch, but I know I'm not the only one who is glad it did.

Each person in the group is different, but I treasure them all for their wit and wisdom - and of course their love of travel, good wine and cheese! 

With Sydney and Melbourne complete, we're planning a big Brisbane get-together later in the year and a wild Perth break early in 2016.  While most of us won't be able to get to Europe this summer, we're lucky to be able to relive the memories of a wonderful holiday and make new memories in our own country.

Have you made a holiday friendship that has lasted the distance?