THE ADVANTAGES
OF FLYING SOLO. AND NOT... The next short portion of my
adventure will be with a new companion, my youngest sister,
Patty. I wonder what it will be like travelling together
and how we will react to each other in this extended period
of togetherness. I look forward to the companionship and
sharing the adventure. However, even now, on our outbound
flight I have to admit that I am feeling a bit 'claustrophobic'.
You see, I really appreciate my solitude. And the absolute
freedom to do exactly what I want, when I want. Spoiled,
I guess you could call me.
What about people, you
ask? Sure, I like 'em well enough. But as someone recently
pointed out to me, I can take 'em or leave 'em.
I remember being on an island in Thailand many years ago
where I experienced what I thought was the perfect vacation.
It was Koh Samui. (Certainly not the same anymore with jetliners
arriving hourly these days...) I had made friends in a beach
town with a loose-knit 'gang' of travelers from a couple
different countries. After a few days of partying with the
gang I headed out of town by myself and found a private
cabana in the hills overlooking the water. I stayed there
and read, wrote, meditated and slept on exactly my own schedule.
Then after a day or two, click, I was done. I was ready
to socialize again! Back to the beach town and the parties
for a day or two. Again, click, enough of people, I was
ready for myself again. Alternating back and forth between
solitude and socializing suited me to a 'T'. (Or is that
a tee? Neither makes much sense now that I think about it.)
So I think I really want and need both. To tell you the
truth, lately I have wanted companionship more that not.
I am learning to communicate my needs for privacy and solitude
and get them satisfied within the framework of a travel
buddy relationship.
However, beyond solitude and freedom there are other significant
advantages to flying solo. Companionship is traded for deeper
cultural experiences. Being on my own forces me to interact
with local folks. For me, being welcomed into people's lives
and homes is the richest experience travelling has to offer.
It seems to happen more frequently when I am on my own.
Plus, there is no comparison when it comes to learning the
native language. There is no substitute for total immersion
and that just doesn't happen with a friend along.
But companionship is it's own reward. And family adds an
even greater dimension. I will deal with my 'claustrophobia'.
I will find ways to get my solitude in bits and pieces here
and there AND enjoy the companionship of my sister. And
I can compromise my absolute freedom in order to be with
her. She's worth it!
Patty and Mark over
the Atlantic |
|
