Recently, A friend posted a very touching and candid video of her preparing to go on a solo journey. It reminded me that I’m not traveling simply for the sake of traveling. For me, this isn’t just a vacation. I am searching for something. I’m not exactly sure what; hopefully, I will recognize it when I find it. Part of my quest is to find a better version of myself. I have learned a lot about myself in the last two months. Now I set off on a new beginning, navigating the ins and outs of solo travel. I have no doubt that there are numerous lessons and fears to face in the days ahead.
As I revealed in my last blog post, things haven’t always been as great as they appear on social media. Without a doubt, I have experienced more beauty and awesomeness than anyone could ask for, but it has not been without its stresses. Stacy decided that she needed a vacation from her vacation and flew home a week ago. While I have my moments of homesickness as well, I feel that to go home now, even for a short while, could derail my momentum and invite all those questions I put to bed to come rushing back in. Besides, I don’t have a home to go back to now. Of course, I could stay with Stacy (don’t worry, we’re still best of friends!) or my mom, but it wouldn’t be the same as going home for me. It was clear to me that I must carry on.
Fun fact, in Spain they dub most of their movies in Spanish, and only select theaters in large cities offer “VO” (Version Original) – English with Spanish subtitles. Rumor has it that this started when dictator Franco was in power – dubbing made it easier to censor. Anyway! One of the last things we did before Stacy flew home was to see the new Star Wars Solo movie. Fun flick!
Time for a new plan
Our original plan was to suck the fun out of Spain, rent a car and take a leisurely drive up through Southern France on into Italy for the month of June. That much driving on my own didn’t sound like the grand adventure I had imagined. I felt overwhelmed, sad, disappointed, and bewildered and that I needed to reevaluate everything. I spent pretty much two solid days moping and working on a new plan.
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roggedance
For some reason it left my name out. It's Jen Mixon. :)
roggedance
Lots of love. I remember the short solo part of my last European trip. There were good aspects, okay aspects, and that definite trepidation. But […] Read MoreLots of love. I remember the short solo part of my last European trip. There were good aspects, okay aspects, and that definite trepidation. But I had a lovely time wandering at my own leisure through Fussen, Germany (and the castles) and a bit of northern France. I remember staying in hostels with a bunch of people was nice when I got a bit lonely. Read Less
Unknown
Is Stacy going to rejoin You? So glad you are forging ahead! You won't regret it, and you'll probably make friends along the […] Read MoreIs Stacy going to rejoin You? So glad you are forging ahead! You won't regret it, and you'll probably make friends along the way! Read Less
kerry
Perfect. The stage is set to jump. A road you have traveled; right side. I love hiyw we just get taken by the hand to […] Read MorePerfect. The stage is set to jump. A road you have traveled; right side. I love hiyw we just get taken by the hand to grow through the fears when we decide to jump. XO!!! Read Less
Ginger
Hugs, you amazing person. Carry on as the path becomes somewhat clear. Sometimes bushwhacking has its advantages too. Know you are loved […] Read MoreHugs, you amazing person. Carry on as the path becomes somewhat clear. Sometimes bushwhacking has its advantages too. Know you are loved by soooo many wherever you are. Read Less
Unknown
Keep journeying, brave adventurer. But there is always a spare bed for you any place I call home if you need to set up […] Read MoreKeep journeying, brave adventurer. But there is always a spare bed for you any place I call home if you need to set up a temporary home. Read Less
Unknown
Putting a beautiful face on living with adversity aka getting on with it!