"Don’t talk to strangers.”
It’s one of the first lessons we learn from our parents. Rightfully so, kids need to be cautious. But as we grow older, those words tend to linger longer than they should. We carry that caution into adulthood, sometimes forgetting how to open up to new people. And as a result, making friends becomes harder.
I Broke the Rule
Last year, I stumbled upon an Instagram page called Not a Stranger. They had previously organized a 7-day ski trip with 50 strangers. The concept was inspired by Yes Theory, a YouTube channel whose mission is to Seek Discomfort.
Those two words — seek discomfort — had already inspired me in many ways. So when I saw they were opening registration for another ski trip, I joined their WhatsApp group on a whim. A few days later, they dropped the details. A ski trip in France. 50 strangers. I signed up and paid the deposit immediately.
Within 30 minutes, the trip was fully booked. And then came the panic.
I live on a different continent. I don’t have a visa. And more importantly… I don’t talk to strangers.
What was I thinking?
For weeks, I debated backing out. But something in me held on. I applied for the visa. Booked the flight. And even convinced my sister and cousin to join me for a Euro trip beforehand.
My Home for the Next 6 Days
It took a 12-hour flight, three trains, and a bus to get there. I arrived last, late at night walking into a giant house full of 50 strangers. The ultimate discomfort.
One of the organizers welcomed me during a briefing and casually mentioned I was the only person who came from outside Europe.
Wait, what?
I had assumed there would be others like me people flying in from all corners of the world. Turns out, not everyone is as impulsive (or maybe as crazy).
I was assigned to a room with four other girls. It was tight. You couldn’t even leave your suitcase open. But you know what? I embraced every bit of it. I had literally signed up for discomfort and I was living it.
What I Could’ve Missed
I came into this with just six days of skiing experience. Over the next six days, I doubled that.
Every morning, I hit the slopes with a new group of strangers.
I skied under clear skies, and in weather so foggy I could barely see a meter ahead.
I crossed the border into Switzerland via ski lifts, tackled my first red run, and enjoyed a chocolate waffle outside an igloo.
We discovered a ski park, did silly jumps, and even formed a human choo-choo train down the slope.
We didn’t want to miss a moment, backpacks full of snacks, stopping in random spots to refuel before heading back down.
Every evening, all 50 of us would gather for dinner, cooked by one of the strangers who volunteered to be our chef. Then came the game nights, karaoke sessions, deep conversations, and lots of laughter.
The Cherry on Top
On our final day, despite being exhausted, there was no way we were skipping skiing. I joined a group of five and we skied all the way to Switzerland again but this time in a thick fog.
As we returned to the French side, we passed by a ski village where we’d often spotted a hot tub from the lift. One of us joked that we should check it out. So… we did.
To our shock, it wasn’t a spa, it was a full-blown water park. In the middle of the ski slopes.
I didn’t even have a swimsuit, but I bought one on the spot. And next thing I know, I’m floating in a lazy river, relaxing in an outdoor hot tub as snow falls around us, and racing down water slides with floaties.
We were in absolute heaven.
When we got back on our skis, the fog had finally lifted. The sky was clear, just in time for our last few runs. We made one final stop at the fun park, then ate lunch by a treehouse.
But time was running out. The ski lifts were closing soon. We raced down hills, chasing the last open lift. We made it — the very last group to ride before it shut down. We were out of breath, but smiling from ear to ear.
Back at the house, we told our wild story to the others. Everyone was jealous. It was the perfect ending to a magical week.
From Strangers to Friends
The next morning, we were woken up by loud music at 5AM. It was time to pack up, clean the house, and say our goodbyes.
Just seven days ago, we were complete strangers. Now, we were hugging goodbye like old friends.
I had learned everyone’s name. I had shared the slopes, the dinners, and the laughter with them.
I may not see most of them anytime soon because I live on a different continent but now I have 50 friends scattered across Europe.
The Real Ending
I still don’t know how I did it. But I’m forever grateful that I did.
Because when we leave our comfort zone, magical things happen.
Sure, the world can be scary. But more often than not, people are kind, open, and just as curious as you.
All you have to do is say yes.
Say yes to discomfort. Say yes to strangers.
Because a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.
Inspiring 🤩