As most of you know, Dude and I are huge Instagrammers. We love taking photos, posting them on Instagram and interacting with fellow IGers. This trip was largely influenced by the photos we saw on IG and we wanted to see many of these places for ourselves but it was also an opportunity to meet some of the people we have gotten to know over the past year and a half on IG. After interacting for awhile, it seems only natural to want to meet them face to face. This is where our online relationships have become offline friendships.
When we were planning our trip and wondering where to go, an IGer from San Diego invited us to stay with him and his family. So, San Diego was added to our list. And the weird thing was, we had no qualms saying yes, as I am sure it was just as weird for them to offer… Inviting literal strangers to stay in their home. We had great meaningful conversations and all the kids had an awesome time playing together. It was truly a blessing to connect with this wonderful family.
While in Las Vegas, we met up with another IGer and her family. They had just moved to Las Vegas the week before and we were so happy that they would take time out to hang out with us. We even checked out a buffet and watched the Bellagio fountain show together.
Another IGer in Los Angeles invited us to stay in her home while she and her family were away. My first question to her was, “How do you know we’re not crazies?!” Her immediate response was, “I completely trust you guys.” Wow. We have been so overwhelmed by the kindness of our IG community.
We have been so incredibly blessed by the conversations we have had offline with these “new” friends. So much so that our meetings hardly included gramming, if any at all. It has been so great hearing everyone’s story and getting to know them better.
But along the way we have also met up with other IGers that we did manage to take photos with. Chihuly art in Seattle, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and chasing fog in San Francisco, it has been so cool connecting with so many people over the same interest of photography.
Who knew so much could happen over a little pocket app?
Flo, What great meet ups you all have had on this trip. It is so nice to meet great people and find some trust in this sometimes crazy world. Sometime when you are open and honest with people you find some wonderful connections. For those of us who love travel and photography it is just like going on your journey with you and your family. I am so happy you have had such great experiences, thanks again for sharing. Kathy
Thanks, Kathy! Always appreciate your comments! It’s definitely been fun getting to know some cool people with the same interest.
Ah – I get it! I was curious about how using instagram has changed the nature of your trip, compared to using personal SLRs, for example. This certainly makes it a convincing choice!
Thanks for your comment, Fiona! I know it can be hard for non-IGers to understand why we’re so invested in IG. It’s been so cool getting to know some great people with the same interest.