"2017 was the year of change. Massive change. A year that I decided to book a one way ticket to France to work overseas. This was the time that I decided to become my very own best friend. A friend that would be there supporting me all the way. The relationship between this friend and I have developed a very strong bond over these years. Trusting one another, laughing through the joyous moments as well as offering a helping hand for the times that were challenging. May this post inspire you to build a loving relationship with your own mind and body. A relationship with you is the longest and most important relationship that you will have."
Today, traveling alone can be a daunting experience. The feeling of being unknown in a new place is intimidating. Starting conversations with strangers is nerve-racking. It's a time to make your own decisions and trust yourself that you know what you are doing even though you haven’t got a clue. It's an opportunity to become more street wise and to start listening to your gut feeling, more so, ‘your inner wisdom'. It's beautifully confusing. A journey to self discovery. Overall, it's a challenge for oneself. An obstacle that teaches you it's okay to sit alone and keep yourself entertained. In society, some individuals would call these people ‘loners’. But somehow I see it as being in the company of your own best friend. Which is yourself.
And I can happily say, this is me. And it's one of the greatest feelings.
As I am typing this, I am fortunate to be sitting in the same coffee shop where JK Rowling spent many hours writing much of her early novels of Harry Potter. She found her creative inspiration at 'The Elephant House', while sitting in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle. In fact, I am sitting very close to the table that once provided comfort for the legend.
Amongst the busy cafe, I notice a variety of different individuals. In front of me, I notice a young man reading the newspaper and writing a few liners in his diary. To my left, I see an elderly couple sharing a piece of cake with one spoon. Behind me, I am overhearing a conversation between two friends while they are typing away at their laptops and talking about how the author inspired them. A few minutes earlier, before these happenings, the waitress mistakenly gave me the wrong order, which was later (very apologetically) replaced.
But amongst these precious moments, I suddenly thought how I saw a little bit of myself in everyone. And somehow sitting alone in JK Rowling’s local cafe had never felt so good.
My week in Scotland has been most enjoyable especially with the weather forecast being over 5 degrees, which in the Scottish eyes is ‘scorching’. Compared to last week in England, I have never seen so much snow in my life. Cities were at a stand still as there were very little or no forms of public transport due to safety measures. My cousins car unfortunately broke down which was a pain, however, her day dramatically improved when she didn’t have to go into work!
The decision was then made to hop on a train to spend the day in Newcastle despite the very cold weather. To be honest, we had a ‘yolo’ moment, put our Wellington boots on and took up the snow trek to the station. By the time we arrived, my cousin, Louise had to meet a friend while I sat comfortably trying my first ever Charcoal Latte.
The waitress happened to ask if I was Australian, which is a common mistake when we travel or live overseas. I happened to mention I was traveling and enjoying writing about the places I’ve been too. To her surprise, she thought I was an important writer/blogger in the travel world. I giggled and then proceeded to say, "one day!”. In a short space of about 3 minutes, we exchanged travel stories, general interests and recommendations.
We concluded our conversation by eagerly agreeing to follow each other on Instagram and to keep up to date with our progress. And by the way...Kate, I really hope you are reading this, and if so, it was a real pleasure talking to you.
Later that evening, while I was window shopping in the mall, the public was advised to get out of the building as soon as possible due to the weather situation. Thank goodness, there were still trains rolling. However, once I got into my home city for the month, there was no form of transport. My family battled to drive out the driveway and I had no idea of how I was getting home.
Miraculously a last minute bus decided to take people to their nearest stops. While standing in the moving vehicle with freezing hands and feet, I kindly got offered some gloves by a young newspaper journalist. We happened to be walking in the same direction which was comforting to know. Our 45mins walk home consisted of interesting personal perspectives on our possible futures.
As we parted our ways, I turned around and with a loud, shivering voice shouted, “Now you go do something crazy!”. That moment almost made me feel like it was a scene from a film!
If it wasn’t for the company as well as the warm gloves, my evening wouldn’t have ended the way it did…absolutely lovely and a new friend too.
You see, precious, tiny moments strike upon us when we are often not looking.
Have you ever just met someone and felt the need to splurge your whole life story to them? Not only because you feel like you have the words on the tip of your tongue but because they have created a sense of comfort for you to express those emotions. I was sitting getting my nails done one morning (which was my personal treat) where I did such a thing. I expected the experience to contain many awkward moments as you are sitting face to face and usually you have to make a conversation for the next hour or so. But this last minute appointment was different. She was not only a beautifully confident 19 year old who was happy with where she was in life, but she was a women who cared. From the get go, she had all the questions, making me feel important and completely interested. I told her my personal situations, while she acknowledged me with pure understanding. She gave me some advice, but most importantly, she listened. I'll remember you because you radiated genuineness and exuded the essence of one with a pure heart. Thank you.
I can say that traveling alone has been the scariest, most liberating experience already. My mind has been filled with a sense of childlike wonder and my existence has become a journey of guesses...
Although to awaken quite alone in a strange town, I must say it is one of the most pleasant feelings. There are no expectations placed on you. Your personality, image, choices are being seen for the first time by complete strangers and how wonderful is it knowing that individuals just walking by, or have just met will think that you are interesting and, hopefully, exotic.
During my time in England and Scotland, I have come to know that the stronger the faith, the greater the hand of blessings is given.
I believe that when an ‘offish’ day slowly sneaks upon you, not only indulge in a whole slab of dark chocolate but always try and treat the world better than it treated you.
I have realized there is a time for everything. Time to take a selfie at a new destination, time to receive a hug from a bus driver when looking lost, time to ask a stranger for directions, time to stand up for yourself, time to be a single traveler on a group day trip, time to feel vulnerable, time to miss loved ones and a time to accept a compliment.
Although I have truly loved my time in my own company, after being recommended to read an extract from the true novel, ‘Into the Wild’ and watching the film. I believe that Christopher McCandless, the main character spoke words that were very true.
"Happiness is only real when shared."
And that I can say, is everything.
