Journey Woman - She Deals with Loneliness on the Road

Journey Woman

She Deals With Loneliness on the Road

My journal is my friend...

I love to write and always carry a marble composition notebook tucked away in my bag. It's just the right size and weight -not too bulky, heavy or filmsy. When loneliness strikes I pull out my sturdy little companion and begin writing away. Conversations with myself, conversations with someone I've met, observations, notes, recording the events of the journey, reflections. It's great company and when I get home I have a wonderful journal about my trip. I've collected dozens over the years. It's fun to re-read them, especially during those "dry" periods when one is stuck at home and cannot get out and see the world. It helps, too, to have a favorite pen just for writing for this purpose -- both familiar friends, ready when you need them.
Maryla, Oakland, USA

I look for a library...

Dealing with loneliness on the road can be a fun challenge.

(1) Check out a foreign library, for their books, magazines & even classes.
Many libraries haveinteresting programs -- everything from good speakers to hands on projects.

(2) Stop by the local tourist board. They will have a ton of information.
Ask for a copy of their "calendar of events"

(3) Take a city tour and see the city without driving. I always take the tour my first day in a new city, it gives me the lay of the land and I often meet up with other single travellers looking for company as well.

(4) Talk with the local people. Some of my best information has come from the folks that live in the town in my neighbourhood. They remember the foreigner and wave when I walk by the shop.
Paula, Feasterville, USA

I do my laundry...

On the road , when I feel my lowest I do my laundry and scrub very vigorously. I look at the problem this way...when I'm sad at home, I scrub floors so why not laundry on the road? I also seek out the most decadent chocolate or pastry I can find. Those kinds of treats are bound to make me feel better (at least in the short term). Finally, as I do at home I go out for a real good run. This way I get rid of the extra chocolate calories and I'm able to clear my head and heart.
Leslie, Toronto, Canada

I went to the beach and was grateful...

I spent one year living in Australia, a world away from my friends and family in New York. There were a few times when all I wanted to do was to go home for one week just to see even one familiar face. Here are some things I did to help remedy the homesickness:

(1) I went to the movies by myself. That (and a big bag of popcorn) always seemed to cheer me up.

(2) I grabbed my camera and went on a long walk. In fact, I took some of the best pictures this way.

(3) I emailed Mom! Mom always understands!

(4) I called my best friend.

(5) I hung out with my new friends if they were available.

(6) When all else failed, I would head to a cafe, or the beach, or the opera house with a good book. It always made me feel great to know that I was lucky enough to be in Australia, with a darn good book!
Jana, New York, USA

I go to the orientation meetings...

A few years ago, on a solo trip from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta I witnessed what it was like to be totally alone in a foreign country. As everyone else laughed well into the night at the pool-side bar, I was tucked away in my room, reading the latest Harry Potter adventure. On my second day at the resort, I decided to take in the hotel's orientation meeting in one of their banquet rooms. It was here that I discovered another girl also traveling alone. Upon introductions, not only did we discover that we were both from Vancouver, but we lived only a few blocks apart and she had attended high school with my room-mate. It all worked out beautifully; we spent time together for part of each day and then we left it up to each other if we wanted to be alone for the rest. Turned out, by there being two of us, we made friends with others in the hotel a lot easier and by the end of the trip had most of the hotel's guests and employees in the palms of our hands! I have to say, some people prefer to travel alone. And, as I discovered, I'm not one of them. However, alone together is fine.
Brenda, Sherwood Park, Canada

More...

Contact Information
Journeywoman ™ Enterprises Inc. Copyright � 1997 - 2004