The Universal Bond Of Fire Stations

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned while on Remote Year is about family. While, of course, no one will ever replace my parents, it’s incredible how much you can feel at home, on the other side of the world.
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Many of my most treasured memories of my childhood were at the firehouse, where we shared large meals, plenty of belly laughs and adventures playing make believe on the trucks. It’s also where I learned to tie my shoes and practiced bouncing on beds in the dormitory. Station 8 in Asheville was my second home.
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When I began traveling, my dad said: “If you’re ever afraid or scared, go to a firehouse. They will always help you.” I took it a different way, as challenge, to see what fire stations are like around the world. So far I’ve been amazed to discover that yes, while they are different and joke around in other languages, they have the same ability to make me feel at home, with similar smells, kind-hearted firemen and an open invite to try on the gear. They are always surprised a journalist wants to visit their house of work, but before I was a writer, I was a fireman’s daughter.
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Four countries and stations down, 8 more to go ❤