A comment on my last post has got me thinking.
Sammyface on 30 November 2004 um 11:10
i’d love to go travelling - i’m very jealous of people who do, lots of silly little things stop me from going. I’d like to be brave enough to go on my own but i’m not!
I have spoken to many friends all with very diverse ideas as to why they travel [or don't] and the benefits and long term rewards of doing so [or not]. The big question, that always gets discussed is: would you travel around the world on your own? If you have, how did you ‘cope’?
Before I went to Uni I travelled around the world for nearly 1.5 years. I don’t regret a minute of it and some of those times are stored up and filed under ‘most precious’ in my treasure box of memories.
I didn’t intend to go on my own and nearly cancelled it all when my friend decided to break her hip two weeks before we were due to go. Then I thought, bugger it, why the hell shouldn’t I?
It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Of course with any travel there are unforseen circumstances and mishaps that no amount of forward planning can avoid. These moments can often turn into some of your best travel experiences funnily enough. I remember arriving in Switzerland on a Sunday afternoon with no Swiss currency and seemingly every bank and major shop shut. I stared longingly at an apple in the window of a shop at the station wondering what I was going to do. The thought of a hike to the youth hostel - and it was a hike, half way up a bloody mountain in fact - on an empty stomach didn’t appeal. Suddenly, a youthful army captain appeared beside me apple in hand. He’d seen my longing looks. He placed the apple in my hand and said “Enjoy your snack” and with a wink he was off around the corner before I could even offer a thank you. The kindness of strangers never ceases to amaze and reassure me. I can also picture right now - in full memory techicolour - hiding in a train loo to get into the Czech republic illegally, when it was still communist and still Czechoslovakia. Happy days.
Lack of money, exisiting relationships, fear of the unknown, language problems and a multitude of other reasons stop people from travelling. Hell, some people don’t actually like it. An ex of mine saw all travelling as a waste of money as you don’t have anything tangible to show for it afterwards. He’d rather buy a new car stereo. Needless to say we split up after I’d taken yet another holiday on my own.
To me travelling is the best thing I could do with my money. Given a lottery win I’d travel before buying any material thing (well maybe a flat back home but hey). To me travel is freedom. Precious warm memories. Constant excitment by who I might meet, what I might do, where I might be staying that night and what lasting friendships I might make. Is travelling addictive? Too right it is. And you learn some surprising things about yourself too along the way. Least of all that having no one but yourself for company is good sometimes.
Excuse me while I go scratch my itchy feet.
November 30th, 2004 at 8:03 pm
Always a joy reading your blog.
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November 30th, 2004 at 8:03 pm
Always a joy reading your blog.
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November 30th, 2004 at 8:03 pm
Always a joy reading your blog.
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November 30th, 2004 at 8:04 pm
Well said, Queener. Bobble, I agree and your experience mirrors my own. In 1987, I flew to Venezuela to stay with my girlfriend of the time who’d been posted there by the FCO. That really opened my eyes and gave me itchy feet. When I came back, I had the opportunity to go to the Maldives for three weeks but none of my friends were in a position to go with me. I ummed and ahhed but in the end, I went and it was possbily the best thing I could have done. Tough, yes, daunting too. But I made friends, shared experiences and came back via Dubai all the richer for it.
My current work life sees me in a lot of similar situations to what you’ve described. And always, the initial reticence, insecurity until I get there and it all falls away as new experiences smother me. Cyprus and Baghdad this year, Spain and Austria last year but always the same gig: an assignment to an unfamiliar place, travelling alone with the opportunity to explore a different place, a different life. My wife feels exactly as I do and we’d both travelled well before we met. In four years, our daughter will be at university making a life for herself. When they happens, we’re off. There’s nothing to keep us here and we both want to explore India first, then Africa. After that, who knows? So long as there’s an alien culture to learn and places to go, we’ll keep at it.
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November 30th, 2004 at 8:04 pm
Well said, Queener. Bobble, I agree and your experience mirrors my own. In 1987, I flew to Venezuela to stay with my girlfriend of the time who’d been posted there by the FCO. That really opened my eyes and gave me itchy feet. When I came back, I had the opportunity to go to the Maldives for three weeks but none of my friends were in a position to go with me. I ummed and ahhed but in the end, I went and it was possbily the best thing I could have done. Tough, yes, daunting too. But I made friends, shared experiences and came back via Dubai all the richer for it.
My current work life sees me in a lot of similar situations to what you’ve described. And always, the initial reticence, insecurity until I get there and it all falls away as new experiences smother me. Cyprus and Baghdad this year, Spain and Austria last year but always the same gig: an assignment to an unfamiliar place, travelling alone with the opportunity to explore a different place, a different life. My wife feels exactly as I do and we’d both travelled well before we met. In four years, our daughter will be at university making a life for herself. When they happens, we’re off. There’s nothing to keep us here and we both want to explore India first, then Africa. After that, who knows? So long as there’s an alien culture to learn and places to go, we’ll keep at it.
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November 30th, 2004 at 8:04 pm
Well said, Queener. Bobble, I agree and your experience mirrors my own. In 1987, I flew to Venezuela to stay with my girlfriend of the time who’d been posted there by the FCO. That really opened my eyes and gave me itchy feet. When I came back, I had the opportunity to go to the Maldives for three weeks but none of my friends were in a position to go with me. I ummed and ahhed but in the end, I went and it was possbily the best thing I could have done. Tough, yes, daunting too. But I made friends, shared experiences and came back via Dubai all the richer for it.
My current work life sees me in a lot of similar situations to what you’ve described. And always, the initial reticence, insecurity until I get there and it all falls away as new experiences smother me. Cyprus and Baghdad this year, Spain and Austria last year but always the same gig: an assignment to an unfamiliar place, travelling alone with the opportunity to explore a different place, a different life. My wife feels exactly as I do and we’d both travelled well before we met. In four years, our daughter will be at university making a life for herself. When they happens, we’re off. There’s nothing to keep us here and we both want to explore India first, then Africa. After that, who knows? So long as there’s an alien culture to learn and places to go, we’ll keep at it.
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November 30th, 2004 at 8:05 pm
Travel broadens the mind and teaches you many valuable lessons about yourself. Fortnight in Magaluf anyone?
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November 30th, 2004 at 9:00 pm
Ooh She’s so cheap ;O)
Thanks BR and Queener.
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November 30th, 2004 at 9:00 pm
Ooh She’s so cheap ;O)
Thanks BR and Queener.
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November 30th, 2004 at 9:00 pm
Ooh She’s so cheap ;O)
Thanks BR and Queener.
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November 30th, 2004 at 9:02 pm
OT slightly but are you and Bubb still going on Saturday?
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November 30th, 2004 at 9:02 pm
OT slightly but are you and Bubb still going on Saturday?
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November 30th, 2004 at 9:02 pm
OT slightly but are you and Bubb still going on Saturday?
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November 30th, 2004 at 9:04 pm
Oh yes. I’m feeling quite Christmassy about it.
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November 30th, 2004 at 9:04 pm
Oh yes. I’m feeling quite Christmassy about it.
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November 30th, 2004 at 9:04 pm
Oh yes. I’m feeling quite Christmassy about it.
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November 30th, 2004 at 10:01 pm
I wish I could afford the time off to travel - damn job always gets in the way of life! The OBAC and myself are currently planning our trip to NY for next year…roll on the Spring…
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November 30th, 2004 at 10:01 pm
I wish I could afford the time off to travel - damn job always gets in the way of life! The OBAC and myself are currently planning our trip to NY for next year…roll on the Spring…
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November 30th, 2004 at 10:01 pm
I wish I could afford the time off to travel - damn job always gets in the way of life! The OBAC and myself are currently planning our trip to NY for next year…roll on the Spring…
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November 30th, 2004 at 10:02 pm
I loved reading that. Oh Lordy, I can’t wait to pop to Brugge (even if it is only for a day).
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November 30th, 2004 at 10:02 pm
I loved reading that. Oh Lordy, I can’t wait to pop to Brugge (even if it is only for a day).
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November 30th, 2004 at 10:02 pm
I loved reading that. Oh Lordy, I can’t wait to pop to Brugge (even if it is only for a day).
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November 30th, 2004 at 10:03 pm
It’s the doing not the duration Chintzy. My weekend in Amsterdam was perfect; even thought it was so short.
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November 30th, 2004 at 10:03 pm
It’s the doing not the duration Chintzy. My weekend in Amsterdam was perfect; even thought it was so short.
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November 30th, 2004 at 10:03 pm
It’s the doing not the duration Chintzy. My weekend in Amsterdam was perfect; even thought it was so short.
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November 30th, 2004 at 11:00 pm
I would not swap one instant of my time abroad. I learned so much out in Indonesia, loved Malaysia, was glad to leave Singapore though.
Going about the world and seeing things through a different lens, only then can you really see your own culture.
I think shoestring budget travel with no itinerary should be a compulsory part of your twenties (and thirties, and forties and fifties, etc)
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November 30th, 2004 at 11:00 pm
I would not swap one instant of my time abroad. I learned so much out in Indonesia, loved Malaysia, was glad to leave Singapore though.
Going about the world and seeing things through a different lens, only then can you really see your own culture.
I think shoestring budget travel with no itinerary should be a compulsory part of your twenties (and thirties, and forties and fifties, etc)
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November 30th, 2004 at 11:00 pm
I would not swap one instant of my time abroad. I learned so much out in Indonesia, loved Malaysia, was glad to leave Singapore though.
Going about the world and seeing things through a different lens, only then can you really see your own culture.
I think shoestring budget travel with no itinerary should be a compulsory part of your twenties (and thirties, and forties and fifties, etc)
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November 30th, 2004 at 11:01 pm
Travelling is by far my favourite activity. No doubt about it. If I had lots of money, I would give up my job and travel. Pity I havenīt got lots of money…and to make matters worse, since the peso devalued a couple of years ago, we have been unable to leave the country. I feel like a prisoner here!
Excellent post.
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November 30th, 2004 at 11:01 pm
Travelling is by far my favourite activity. No doubt about it. If I had lots of money, I would give up my job and travel. Pity I havenīt got lots of money…and to make matters worse, since the peso devalued a couple of years ago, we have been unable to leave the country. I feel like a prisoner here!
Excellent post.
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November 30th, 2004 at 11:01 pm
Travelling is by far my favourite activity. No doubt about it. If I had lots of money, I would give up my job and travel. Pity I havenīt got lots of money…and to make matters worse, since the peso devalued a couple of years ago, we have been unable to leave the country. I feel like a prisoner here!
Excellent post.
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December 1st, 2004 at 12:01 am
I’d gladly spend all my money on travelling (hence why I’ll never own a house). I think my backpacking days did more for my independence and self-confidence than I’d ever expected. i plan to fully drain my bank account next year with a couple of big ones and a few little trips. One of which I think I’ll definitely be on my own for most of. I strangely don’t mind it veyr much. In a peverse way I’d rather be plonked down in a strange foreign city and find my way then in a English one.
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December 1st, 2004 at 12:01 am
I’d gladly spend all my money on travelling (hence why I’ll never own a house). I think my backpacking days did more for my independence and self-confidence than I’d ever expected. i plan to fully drain my bank account next year with a couple of big ones and a few little trips. One of which I think I’ll definitely be on my own for most of. I strangely don’t mind it veyr much. In a peverse way I’d rather be plonked down in a strange foreign city and find my way then in a English one.
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December 1st, 2004 at 12:02 am
Luda I can see we may be talking about dream trips come the 4th (you are coming?).
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December 1st, 2004 at 12:02 am
Luda I can see we may be talking about dream trips come the 4th (you are coming?).
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December 1st, 2004 at 12:04 am
Si!
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December 1st, 2004 at 12:04 am
Si!
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December 1st, 2004 at 1:00 am
I go on holiday alone, and like it, cos I don’t have to negotiate with anyone about what I do. I typically book three days ahead, so take a last minute bargain, so I did find myself in Magaluf once, but a hire car meant I didn’t stay there, and I have since become quite fond of Mallorca. It’s odd, Palma Nova and Magaluf are full of Brits, and the food is mostly dreadful. Just over the peninsula is Santa Ponsa, mostly Dutch and German visitors, and the food is fantastic! Crete was the same this last trip; I was hotelled in a very Brit area, and the food was pretty awful, but went touring during the day and the restaurants were all great, even in very small places.
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December 1st, 2004 at 1:00 am
I go on holiday alone, and like it, cos I don’t have to negotiate with anyone about what I do. I typically book three days ahead, so take a last minute bargain, so I did find myself in Magaluf once, but a hire car meant I didn’t stay there, and I have since become quite fond of Mallorca. It’s odd, Palma Nova and Magaluf are full of Brits, and the food is mostly dreadful. Just over the peninsula is Santa Ponsa, mostly Dutch and German visitors, and the food is fantastic! Crete was the same this last trip; I was hotelled in a very Brit area, and the food was pretty awful, but went touring during the day and the restaurants were all great, even in very small places.
0 Sweetie(s) given
December 1st, 2004 at 1:00 am
I go on holiday alone, and like it, cos I don’t have to negotiate with anyone about what I do. I typically book three days ahead, so take a last minute bargain, so I did find myself in Magaluf once, but a hire car meant I didn’t stay there, and I have since become quite fond of Mallorca. It’s odd, Palma Nova and Magaluf are full of Brits, and the food is mostly dreadful. Just over the peninsula is Santa Ponsa, mostly Dutch and German visitors, and the food is fantastic! Crete was the same this last trip; I was hotelled in a very Brit area, and the food was pretty awful, but went touring during the day and the restaurants were all great, even in very small places.
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December 1st, 2004 at 1:01 am
Went travelling on my own for the first time ever this year - to China in February for work and more recently to the US. Although I love travelling with friends and loved ones there’s something about doing it on your own that’s like spring cleaning for the soul…you end up forgetting about all the petty things that niggle you in your day to day life because you’re so taken up by your new surroundings. I suppose it’s the nearest thing there is to feeling like a kid again, for me anyway.
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December 1st, 2004 at 1:01 am
Went travelling on my own for the first time ever this year - to China in February for work and more recently to the US. Although I love travelling with friends and loved ones there’s something about doing it on your own that’s like spring cleaning for the soul…you end up forgetting about all the petty things that niggle you in your day to day life because you’re so taken up by your new surroundings. I suppose it’s the nearest thing there is to feeling like a kid again, for me anyway.
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December 1st, 2004 at 1:01 am
Went travelling on my own for the first time ever this year - to China in February for work and more recently to the US. Although I love travelling with friends and loved ones there’s something about doing it on your own that’s like spring cleaning for the soul…you end up forgetting about all the petty things that niggle you in your day to day life because you’re so taken up by your new surroundings. I suppose it’s the nearest thing there is to feeling like a kid again, for me anyway.
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December 1st, 2004 at 2:04 am
how did you convince yourself to come back though?
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December 1st, 2004 at 2:04 am
how did you convince yourself to come back though?
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December 1st, 2004 at 2:04 am
how did you convince yourself to come back though?
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December 1st, 2004 at 5:02 pm
Was that for me Roach or Princess?
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December 1st, 2004 at 5:02 pm
Was that for me Roach or Princess?
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December 1st, 2004 at 5:02 pm
Was that for me Roach or Princess?
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December 2nd, 2004 at 12:02 am
you bobs
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December 2nd, 2004 at 12:02 am
you bobs
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December 2nd, 2004 at 5:02 am
Where’s HJB, she’d be really jealous of your bonding with the Swiss army. Nice article.
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December 2nd, 2004 at 5:02 am
Where’s HJB, she’d be really jealous of your bonding with the Swiss army. Nice article.
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December 2nd, 2004 at 5:02 am
Where’s HJB, she’d be really jealous of your bonding with the Swiss army. Nice article.
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