Solo Travel - Tumblr Posts
If you are ready and you ask a friend to join and they’re not. Don’t wait for them. They may never become ready and you shouldn’t live your life on pause for someone else.
Highlights and Challenges of Living Abroad
Traveling the world can have both its wonderful and horrible moments. One of the main reasons to travel especially for those adventure-types like me is to learn about cultures, people, history, languages and customs. Aside from assimilation, being a foreigner is figuring out to fit in often uncomfortable situations that can potentially lead to a well-rounded perspective of that country or how you view life in general. It’s a lot of work but worth it if you can get past your fears and frustrations.
My most recent adventure was to Buenos Aires, Argentina. I had visited this bustling South American city almost seven years ago and although it was familiar, a lot had change despite the obvious (i.e. technology). However, this time I was staying for a extended period of time, between 2-3 months, volunteering with an NGO on their communications team maintaining their blog among other things. Luckily, much of my work was flexible in that I could present ideas to the team and given the green light to write about anything. But through this freedom came with some challenges. So below is a list of “Things I Won’t/Will Miss about Buenos Aires”:
Won’t: The ‘sh’ in replace of ‘ll’ pronunciation in Spanish - what can I say, it was pet peeve!
Will: All you can eat gelato everywhere, even by delivery!
Won’t: Tiled sidewalks - if you stepped on a loose tile, oftentimes you would end up getting a splash of dirty water up your legs.
Will: Nightlife - I mean endless partying seven days a week into the early hours of the AM (i.e. 7AM), that’s what I’m talking about!
Won’t: Little to no vegetables with your meal - when you go out, plan to get your fill of meat, carbs and booze but nothing healthy.
Will: The relaxed and laid back vibe - the people seem to be happier and more content with doing less which was easy to shadow without feeling guilty.
Won’t: Blue vs. Black market - if you are a tourist you are going to get screwed either way but if it matters that much to you remember to bring cash (i.e. USD).
Will: Malbec wine - nuff said!
Won’t: Short men - I’m a 5′ 7″ female and barely met anyone who were my height or taller, not a big deal but girls, you’ve been warned!
Will: Friendly, not creepy taxi drivers
Won’t: Super sweet and running consistency of yogurt - I might as well drink it and that’s not my version of yogurt (i.e. I prefer Greek style, thick).
Will: Tango - both the dance and music!
Won’t: Not enough parks - some parks had exercise equipment and places to sit but not much room to run around or play a game of futbol without safety issues.
Will: Kiosks - they have everything and are plenty of them all over the city open late!
Won’t: Need to know where you’re going when you get on a bus - they calculate your fare by this information but for a tourist who doesn’t speak the language makes it all that more challenging.
Will: Recoleta and San Telmo - out of all the barrios (neighborhoods) in BsAs, I will missed these two the most!
Cliffs of Moher, Nov '19
Embracing Solitude
I was tired. Tired of waiting for others who promised to join me on adventures that never materialized. Tired of putting my life on hold for the whims and fancies of unreliable companions. So, I made a decision. I packed my bags, filled with anticipation and determination, and set out on a journey alone.
The first step was daunting. The thought of navigating unfamiliar territories without the safety net of companionship sent shivers down my spine. But as I boarded the plane, excitement replaced apprehension. This was my journey, my adventure, and I was determined to make the most of it.
As the plane soared, I marveled at the passing landscapes, free from distractions. There were no compromises, no debates about where to go or what to see. Every decision was mine to make, and the freedom was exhilarating.
In the days that followed, I faced challenges I never anticipated. Getting lost in bustling cities, struggling with language barriers, and navigating public transportation systems became my daily routine. But with each obstacle, I discovered resilience I never knew I possessed. I learned to trust my instincts, to ask for help when needed, and to embrace the unknown with an open heart.
Alone, yet not lonely, I found solace in the rhythm of my footsteps and the whispers of the wind. Each new destination became a canvas upon which I painted my own adventures, unencumbered by the expectations of companionship. Whether wandering through bustling streets or trekking along solitary trails, every moment belonged to me and me alone.
In the silence of solitude, I discovered the symphony of my own thoughts, the melodies of my heart's desires. With no distractions, I delved deep into introspection, peeling back layers of self-discovery with each passing day. I learned to lean into discomfort, embracing the challenges of navigating unfamiliar territories with courage and resilience.
As the landscapes changed, so did I. With each encounter, each obstacle overcome, I grew stronger, more confident in my ability to navigate the unpredictable currents of life. And in the absence of companionship, I found a deeper connection with myself, a profound understanding of who I was and who I could become.
As my journey came to an end, I realized that traveling alone wasn't just about escaping the constraints of companionship; it was about embracing the freedom to chart my own path, to discover the world and myself on my own terms. And as I boarded the plane back home, I carried with me a newfound sense of independence and a treasure trove of memories that no empty promise could ever rival.
Lockdown has given me a bigger need than ever to see the world and since I can't do that right now I've immersed myself in travel blogs and travel writing recently. My most recent purchase were these four books that just arrived from Amazon this morning!
NYE BEACH, Oregon