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She
Deals With Loneliness on the Road
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 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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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 |
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