Its true, traveling solo has its challenges.
Some people have thoughts similar to "what can she be thinking" running through the pathways of their brains. But what I really dont understand, is that what happened to these same people, to give them such a strong comparison that traveling solo is a negative thing? That traveling alone is ultimately a dangerous decision?
For many, traveling alone is a frightening prospect. Im not saying that nothing bad can happen, by no means do I think I am untouchable. My belongings are just as susceptible to be stolen as the next person. But by knowing I have no one to watch out for me, I choose to be alert. Aware. And listen to my gut feelings in every moment of every situation. Tiring, you think. Yes, but by being alert, aware and conscious of my surroundings at all times is also called experiencing. And it helps to hone that same intuition into finding positive situations. Because they abound in traveling, and they make me smile.
Having a travel companion to share in the journey is rewarding, but by not having one will not cause my trip to come to a crashing halt. I began planning this trip with someone, but it just so happened to not work out. I then had a lot of decisions to make, including whether to call the trip off entirely. And safety was a gigantous concern, but in the end, my desire to break out of routine, explore, and see the world won out.
I have been asked if I think I will get lonely. Truthfully, I am not scared of being alone with myself. And although I am a bit more timid (compared to my brother) at meeting new people, I am looking at it as a new challenge, there are other travelers out there. I will be teaching myself how to reach out. And by no means do the people who know me think that I am shy (right?!)
My biggest hurdles will be the language barrier. But mainly the slightly masochistic men; I dont want to put them into a category here, but its tough since they tend to believe all American women to be promiscuous. Well, they havent met me yet. And I am practising my "you shouldnt judge a book by its cover" speech, do you think I will be able to portray that same sentiment in
Greek? I have had plenty of experience warding off unwanted attention. Ahem, I grew up in Alaska, who can be worse than some of the rascally fishermen who call this lovely land home (what would we do without them though) I really believe the Greek culture to be welcoming and extremely proud of their past and present.
Although, presently they are having some political/finacial conflicts, which may also be a hurdle, but once again I will be relying on my instincts and will distance myself from trouble so as not to get caught up in a riot!
This should be a new fantastic journey for myself, one that will prove that if I can handle situations away from home on my own, than I can handle almost anything.
Greece, I am here!
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