Growing up, I thought success was defined by the ability to achieve one’s goals.

I realize now, that success is carrying on despite hardship and defeat.

Two men recently “free-climbed” a 3000 foot (915 meter) granite wall known as El Capitan. This was an outstanding feat by anyone’s standards and many considered it impossible.

Discerning folly from fortitude is not always feasible.

Giving our lives meaning, fulfillment and joy often involves taking risks, but the limits we impose are set at different measures. Comparing ourselves to others need not serve any purpose, except to inspire us and contest our restrictions.

My father had a knack for speaking with people-anyone, anywhere. Probably as a result, I too engage freely with strangers. These conversations enrich my travel experiences immeasurably and the multitudes of enthusiastic responses to my queries and greetings continue to inspire me.
Recently a security guard, watching over Pablo Neruda’s living room, was delighted to be noticed as visitors traipsed through. I had asked him a question and his vast knowledge and enthusiasm was evident in his lengthy response. It far exceeded the scope and details offered by the audio guide I was given at the entrance to the home.
And of course, conversations with both locals and fellow travelers can provide me with travel tales and tips, companionship and an opportunity to practice a foreign language.
Think twice about being shy.

Conveying my experiences as a woman solo traveler is a primary goal of this blog but not the only one. However, since my last trip to Chile is only days and weeks in the past I am tempted to draw upon my time and experiences there.

The countries may differ, but the reactions to my traveling alone rarely do. Many people I meet say I am brave, for some, I suspect this is a euphemism for crazy. Others will speak of similar desires-I wish them well. Traveling alone is simply a choice and not much more. I am often reading about people undertaking far more adventurous and dangerous exploits; in comparison my travels are rather ordinary.

Choosing to travel solo is prompted by various desires; freedom is most likely at the top of the list-it is for me. Seeking lessons in self-reliance, self-confidence and getting to know oneself likely follow close behind.

I met, by chance, a number of people traveling alone for the first time. They spoke of their initial fear (that doesn’t necessarily go away) and their joy. Perhaps the greatest revelation of traveling alone is that you are rarely by yourself, unless you wish to be.

When I was in Bombay, now Mumbai,  I found a pair of cat’s eye sunglasses circa 1950’s in a tiny shop along one of the boisterous avenues. I liked them very much, but I was hesitant to buy them because of their apparent fragility. The vendor listened to my concern and responded with, “You will lose them before they break.”

That was almost twenty years ago.

The other day I was looking through a box where I keep my journals and spied a hard plastic case that I’d forgotten. Lying inside, looking not one day worse for wear were these glasses. They were neither broken nor lost, but they had been rarely worn these years and years.

Perhaps it is best to wear them now and often. I’ll enjoy that, and take my chances.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and some thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images, and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-awareness. Please subscribe or follow me on facebook by using the button below.

Here’s to new discoveries near and far!

Enjoy the days.

I recently referred to someone as my “dear friend.” When I was younger I had a best friend, maybe two, and some good friends, but it has taken years to cultivate the dear ones. Somehow the term, at least for me, implies a closeness or quality, like a fine wine, that comes with time. It is a reminder that not all my pursuits can or will be achieved quickly.

In our desire to do this and that, see this and that, be this and that, our impatience or frustration may thwart any chance to achieve what we are striving for. Perhaps, like acquiring dear friends, we need to nurture our quests through the passage of time.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement

I did not err; there does a sable cloud, Turn forth her silver lining on the night    John Milton

Catastrophes and devastation have always impacted the human race . They are often the most potent catalysts for cherishing  one’s existence.

I recall in the 80’s the tragic accounts of people whose lives were being snuffed out by AIDS. Each hour was now incredibly precious, no moment was taken for granted. I benefited from their insight; saddened for those whose imminent demise gave me a heightened appreciation for each day.

We have likely all learned important lessons from the tragedies that befall us or others around us. We can think of this knowledge as the silver lining in even the darkest of clouds.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement

My journeys not only provide new experiences, they have encouraged/taught me self-reliance, organization skills, acceptance of situations and others, courage, and a sense of humor.

Meeting people and seeing their varied lives has shown me that options abound.
If things are not working out as I had hoped, they will, as long as I do not linger in the negative.
If I get delayed somewhere, I know the time will pass- even 12 hour bus rides come to an end.

Traveling offers me a chance to bring new found wisdom, home.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement

Most of us prefer to avoid doing those things that do not come easily or are outright difficult.
But the accomplishments we find the most meaningful, memorable, and satisfying are likely those we struggled to achieve.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement

When I first started traveling for any extended period of time there would inevitably be someone asking me if I had been there? or there? or there? and anything but an affirmative answer chipped away at the overall satisfaction of my trip. I would be nurturing this nagging disappointment about all the places I had missed.

Travel requires making choices and it is, of course, impossible to go everywhere.

It took some time, but I no longer allow these questions to perturb me. If I missed something that seems fabulous, I can now hope to return.

But perhaps more importantly I have learned to cherish the places where I’ve been.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement.