How the city trip brings people back together

Robbin was one of the young people who joined the first city trip to Paris. Careibu's city trip aimed to bring young and old together — perhaps an impossible task at first glance. Don't older people have completely different interests? Can't they walk very far? Wouldn't they rather not deal with rowdy youngsters? And which young people are even waiting for this?

But is any of that actually true? The answer: it works brilliantly. Of course there are differences, but are they insurmountable? No, not at all. People are remarkable, and there is perhaps just as much difference between you and me as between me and the seniors. We all want to be seen, to matter, to count for something.

On this trip, Robbin witnessed many special moments: people who truly saw each other and grew closer. We are all here for just a short while, and how wonderful it is to be there for one another.

I know I get to go through life a little richer, having made new friendships again. As the Dutch poet Toon Hermans once wrote: "You need someone, quiet and sincere, who prays for you or fights for you when it matters. Only once you have someone who laughs with you and cries with you, can you say: I have a friend."

If you're on the fence about joining a future trip, Robbin would say: do it! Forming meaningful connections with people outside your usual circle is always enriching. If you feel you don't have the time: be honest with yourself — make more time for the world around you, let your walls down, and put that phone away for a while. Reach out to each other and share a cup of coffee. Openness brought so much warmth on this trip.

Robbin admits that on the first morning after the trip, having breakfast at home alone felt strangely quiet — how nice is it to see everyone and wish them good morning? He had many interesting conversations along the way and even spoke with complete strangers on the way back. In short: this trip was a huge success.

We have indeed built a chasm around approaching someone outside our circle; even making eye contact already feels daunting. But talk to someone, give them a compliment, and get to know each other. In Robbin's view, this is what makes life worthwhile. We are not as different from each other as we think — we just need to dare to see it.

— Robbin, Paris trip participant, 6 November