Summary of Content
The Importance of Meaningful Souvenirs
Whenever I grab a pinch of salt while cooking, I think about the road trip my mom and I took to Burlington, Vermont, right after I graduated from college. Furthermore, when I drink my morning coffee, I reflect on the first weekend my boyfriend and I spent together in upstate New York. Moreover, when I reach for a pen at my desk, I’m reminded of another mother-daughter vacation to Copenhagen. These reflections crystallize not only memories but also the experiences tied to various souvenirs in my home.
Connecting Cooking to Travel Memories
Most of my travel itineraries revolve around restaurants, bars, and coffee shops—primarily because I’m a far more pleasant traveler when I’m well-fed and caffeinated. However, local shops and flea markets also make their way onto my must-visit list. They provide an excellent opportunity to understand culture more deeply while hunting for unique souvenirs.
Functional Souvenirs: A Trend
Looking around my home, I see the physical representations of my travels—each reminding me of the souvenirs I eyed and sometimes begged my parents to buy during my childhood. While items like stuffed animals, polished rocks, and name-tagged miniature license plates didn’t carry much sentimental weight, they embodied the essence of my travels: “I was there.”
Upon returning home, knickknacks typically ended up on shelves or in closets, often forgotten amidst daily routines. Therefore, I’ve realized that souvenirs serving a practical purpose in my daily life hold significantly more value. I favor products crafted by local artisans—ceramics, glassware, home linens, and clothing. My ceramic vase from Copenhagen, salt dish from Burlington, and mug from upstate New York are perfect examples of functional souvenirs that I cherish. They have accompanied me through at least four apartments, and I intend to keep them close.
Shopping for Memories with Friends
On a recent trip to Mexico City, I was determined to come home with meaningful souvenirs. This was the first significant trip I took with friends since the pandemic began, making it even more special.
During our exploration in the Roma Norte neighborhood, we found a rack of silk dresses from local designer Carla Alfonsina. She, an illustrator and tattoo artist, creates dresses featuring her unique drawings. Together, we squeezed into the small dressing room, trying on different dress styles while helping one another adjust the silk straps. Ultimately, it was serendipity that the dresses fit and aligned beautifully with our individual styles.
We each made a purchase. Living in different cities means we won’t encounter the awkwardness of showing up in identical dresses simultaneously. Yet, every time I wear mine, I’ll be transported back to that charming shop, that beautiful day, and the wonderful friends I shared it with.
Recapturing Travel Experiences through Souvenirs
For me, travel is about being present, temporarily leaving my daily life to dive into an unfamiliar world. Consequently, when I return home, I reconnect those vivid experiences through my carefully chosen souvenirs. Just by reaching for a pinch of salt, grabbing a pen, or slipping into a dress, I can momentarily transport myself back to Burlington, Copenhagen, or Mexico City.
