23 Comments
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Benthall Slow Travel's avatar

I loved every image and word you shared. Couldn’t agree more.

Chance is the magic that happens between high-level plans - the part no itinerary can hold, but every great story remembers.

The boy and the dog in matching floral shirts? That’s the kind of unscripted gold you miss if you’re too busy trying not to miss anything.

Scott Monaco's avatar

So glad that resonated, those moments are indeed everything!

Red Robin's avatar

So beautifully written. Thank you for the reminder to bask in wonder. A few years ago we went on a flash trip to Newfoundland and stumbled into their outdoor folk festival. What a treat! Sitting out in the park listening to and singing along with local musicians.

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. That sounds like a wonderful memory too.

Benthall Slow Travel's avatar

Your story is beautiful and makes me want to plan a few months in Japan.

“Most of us travel with a script in hand... But in doing so, we often edit out the one thing that makes travel unforgettable: chance.”

Nailed it.

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thank you so much, and you absolutely should spend a few months in Japan!

Amanda Kendle's avatar

Love this and couldn’t agree more! Being open and happy to wander almost always lead to my favourite travel moments of all.

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thanks, Amanda! Greetings to a fellow wanderer.

Laura McVeigh's avatar

Loved this, so beautifully written, and love leaving space for chance when travelling. It’s when the magic happens.

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thank you, Laura!

Brad Yonaka's avatar

The off-script encounters are so important. They make the best memories of a place. Wonderfully written.

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thank you, Brad. Agreed!

Elizabeth Goldsby's avatar

A few years ago, a friend of mine (who happens to be a famous actor and, consequentially, kind of sad inside), asked me what I thought the secret to happiness was. I didn't skip a beat before I answered with, "Fluidity." He was honestly surprised. He asked what I meant by that and as I explained, these exact scenarios played through my head just like this story. The ability to give way to the unexpected is one of the most incredible features of humanity and it's tragic that so many people have lost the ability. Some of the best days of my life have happened when I've completely blown off the original plan. Great read, thanks for sharing!

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thank you so much for this, it's a beautiful reflection. I’m glad the story resonated with you.

Elizabeth Goldsby's avatar

I’d go as far to say that it speaks to my only real mantra in life. I’m happy to see people writing about such a simple concept in real, beautiful terms.

Scott Monaco's avatar

That means a lot to hear, thank you!

Claire Polders's avatar

Beautiful story. Going off script is indeed where the magic happens. Recently, I accidentally attended a wedding celebration in a Peruvian village. So moving.

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thank you. And that sounds incredible. I hope your wedding celebration story makes its way across my feed sometime soon!

Marco & Sabrina's avatar

This is exactly why we travel!

Terrie's avatar

Amazing. You seem to live the best life.

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thanks so much! I’m grateful for these moments and for you following along, Terrie.

Trey Erwin's avatar

These are indeed the best moments, and they tend to make the best stories. Makes me think of running into that group sharing a bottle of rum in the middle of Parque Lleras in Medellín. What ensued might be my favorite memory from a trip full of great memories.

Scott Monaco's avatar

That rum in Parque Lleras sounds like the start of a very good story too! Makes me happy the piece brought that memory back.