Solo

Published on June 2nd, 2013 | by Lisa

12

When Traveling Alone

Travelling alone is a right of passage for many.  It’s not for everyone.  You need to understand your personal boundaries and learn to be okay with yourself.  How can you – how will you enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of your new city?  How will you take pictures of yourself at these great landmarks – table for 1?  How can you feel safe after dark or even in light?  When you see something so amazing – who do you turn to, squeeze their arm and say “did you see that”.

I embarked on my first European adventure years ago – the story is not fresh but very share worthy.  London, Berlin, Budapest, Amsterdam and Italy (Pisa, Florence and Rome).  I planned it carefully, I wanted this to be the ultimate trip.  I was meeting friends in London, meeting my friend in Budapest, meeting my sister in Amsterdam, and proceeding to Berlin with her ..but who would I be meeting in Italy?  Who go to Italy with me?  I desperately wanted Italy on my itinerary – Could I?  Should I?  Would I? Were all questions than ran through my mind.  Could I conquer this “brave old world country” alone?  I don’t speak Italian and I don’t have a lot of money so it would be budget all the way.  I was a little shy and the idea of speaking to strangers was terrifying.  These are all the thoughts that danced in my head (what happened to the sugar plums?).

After a considerable amount of thought and reflection I realized that I am a grown a$$ woman- I could do this and I could survive – and then I realized that was the error in my logic – I will do this and I will survive.  Booked.  Another one for the bucket list.

I left Berlin (alone), took a train to the airport (alone), boarded a plane to Pisa (alone), stayed there for a night and explored the city (alone),  took another train to Florence (alone).   All this aloneness and I survived.  I was the girl in university and high school who travelled to the ladies room in group.  This was huge for me.

Florence was amazing.  I loved every single minute of it, especially the gelato.  When travelling alone I lay off the wine and limit to one glass.  Safe travels are good travels.  The Statue of David, the Bell Tower, Foundation of Neptune, Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, the Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio to name a few of the memorable attractions for me.  Florence is definitely a walkable site. Tip #1- Do walk about – get lost and enjoy finding your way back (in day light of course).

Off to Rome – Glory Glory.  I’m big and I’m bad.  I’m enjoying this alone time.  My trip – my pace- my time.  I arrive at my hostel (after taking the train from Florence to Rome – did I mention – alone?).  It was a little confusing getting there but I figured it out.  As I approach the oversized door, walk through the courtyard and go up the stairs I’m thinking this is a nice place, people are looking approachable and friendly.

There is a lounge area, maybe I can even go in and speak to some fellow travelers.  We can share stories and enjoy some laughs. I have a new sense of confidence – so I was ready to take a step or two out of the comfort zone.  I proceed to the check in and provide my name and reception proceeds to walk me out and then walk me upstairs – not down the hall.  I know you are thinking this must be a multi-floor type of hostel with many rooms.  But – nah – we walked out of the hostel and up to a private apartment of 2 “Nona’s” .. I began to call them “Mama and mama”.  I felt like Mama 1 was 90 and Mama 2 was 190 but who knows – I was still in shock and horror and of course there is a huge language barrier.  They proceed to show me my room, which was lovely and very clean.  Everywhere I looked I saw religious icon’s and memorial’s to Mama 1 late husband.  There was no room at the inn – they overbooked.  The shock and horror – what was I going to do?  Where was I going with my big bad self … this was pre-paid – I was at the second last leg of my journey and funds were limited – it was getting late – do I stay or do I go?

I stayed and survived! Would you have stayed?

Making the best of the curves the travel gods may your way is the only way to go.

I heart Rome and ended up having a wonderful time.

Tags: Italy, Lisa, traveling alone

About the Author

Lisa I don't travel to escape I travel to self discover. To see different parts of the world to build my personal tool kit. I enjoy the path less travelled to truly learn about the traditions and nuances of my fellow citizens of this great world. Born and raised in Toronto of Trinidadian descent I never forget my roots and as much as I love leaving on that jet plane I always find satisfaction in coming home to my great city to share the tales of my great adventures with my friends and family.

Related Posts

Travel Time – My Time →

Day Dreaming … →

My Travel Cherry →

Chi Town →