Monday, August 13, 2018

Traveling On Your Own


People often ask me about traveling solo. I usually will  schedule the itinerary from home,  and meet up with friends once I arrive. On the last one,  I had arranged to take the train with a talented Fosse dancer that I worked with when I was seventeen. We discussed  meeting at Union Station, which is a convenient midway point for us.  Unfortunately, she wasn't able to get away from work, so I went solo.


I enjoy traveling alone because I always meet interesting people. I also like the freedom of it. On the first train, a young man who looked to be about eighteen asked me if he could sit in the seat next to me. "Sure," I answered. He settled in with his cell phone. I found it amusing to hear his nonstop conversations with his friends. Most of them were about meeting girls and his car breaking down at the beach. It made me chuckle.


I did some work on the shawl that I'm knitting. It was a little tricky, with the movement of the car, but I managed. It's relaxing to gaze out the window from upstairs and to soak in  the ocean view. I loved the magnificence of it.  Having someone else do the driving means that  you can read, write, text, or take a nap. It's a very leisurely journey.


When I went to see the show, I was seated with a group of women who were close friends. They had been drinking at the bar. They were instantly very friendly with me, and we felt like we already knew one another. I had a great time laughing and talking with them. I had already enjoyed an animated conversation with a couple at the table across from me, over dinner. They were eager to see Ben Vereen in the show, and I told them that I knew they would love it. They invited me to sit with them, but I was content with my seat. I elected to stay there, after thanking them for the offer.


On the last part of the trip home, a student from LA asked if she could sit in the vacant seat next to me. I smiled and nodded. We had an interesting conversation about train travel. She has been saving money for college. She takes the Metro or Amtrak to visit her boyfriend on the weekends. He lives in San Diego. "I hate driving," she confessed. She explained to me that it's cheaper to take the Metro than Amtrak. We had a nice discussion about technology, and why she prefers having a Smartphone, (the gps,) being car free, and  other matters. She was such a sweet, bright, and polite girl. I really enjoyed her energy.


The trains are quite full this time of year. On the first leg of my return trip there was a three year old little boy traveling with his grandparents. It was amusing to listen to him. As we neared San Clemente station, he kept bellowing, "Whoa! Whoa!" I think the rocking motion was intense to his little body. He had  his legs dangling from the seat. His grandpa escorted him to the cafe car, which was probably very exciting for a child. They returned with boxed sandwiches and coffee for grandma. "That's not fair!" he kept insisting. I wasn't sure what he meant, but it was funny. If you want a perfectly quiet ride, I recommend earbuds. They sell them in the Cafe Car for $5.00.  I flipped through my email messages and Facebook as the coast rolled by on our left. I have always loved train travel. You meet the most interesting people. I was glad that I had brought my shawl. It came in handy for warmth and comfort, with the air conditioning. Once I arrived home, I sighed, picked a couple of very large zucchini, made dinner, and unpacked my belongings. "It's good to be home," I thought to myself.

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14 comments:

  1. I enjoyed reading of your travels and seeing your pictures, and the people you meet while traveling! I rarely travel but when I look back on our trips, I still remember the excitement of taking off on adventure and leaving routine behind. Yes, the freedom! Andrea

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  2. Hi Andrea, Yes, I think it's good for the soul. Traveling feels so expansive. You're facing the unknown, on an adventure. So glad that you enjoyed the photos. Thank you.

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  3. I too enjoyed reading about your trip.
    I also travel solo most of the time. My main mode of transportation is flying, but I prefer the train. I wish we had a metro system here.
    Do you have trains starting from the airports in CA? I remember when I was traveling in Europe I'd either take the train all the way or, fly and then take the train from the airport. I love the reliable transportation system they have in most European countries.

    No matter how much I love traveling, I always love coming back home. There's nothing like sleeping in your own bed. 😊

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  4. That's so true, Nil. We have an excellent train system here. California has awarded over a billion dollars in grants to projects that benefit the Southern California regional rail system. They are adding more frequent service, which we need. There are shuttles that connect the train stations to the airports. Burbank Airport is very close to the train. I loved traveling by train in Europe, too.

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  5. I enjoy following along on your journey, I have never travelled anywhere alone and have rarely left the area I was born,

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    1. Hi Laurie, Thank you. That's interesting. The women at the show were shocked that I had come alone. I had a fantastic time, though. It was a nice balance between solitude and interesting company. It looks like the area you are from is just beautiful.

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  6. I've only been on Amtrak once in San Francisco and I was young. I think it would be lovely not to have to drive everyday. I've never minded traveling alone either. It's kinda nice that you don't have to make good time if you are in a leisurely mood or you can make good time and don't have to wait for someone dodling about. There are perks to both, I s'pose.

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  7. That's true, Lady Locust. I have taken The Pacific Coast Starlight train to Oregon. It was a gorgeous trip on Amtrak. I will do a post on that one, too, since people seem to enjoy reading about train travel.

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  8. I love coach holidays. It means that my hubby gets to see all the lovely scenery too. I can read or knit or even sleep if the urge takes me...Glad to see you home safely

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    1. Hi Cherie, I love them, too. Your description is perfect. Thanks. It's good to be home.

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  9. I don’t remember the last time I went on a train, I enjoyed travelling with you on your post. I think you are so brave and amazing to go travelling by yourself. I’m not very adventurous, but do love to hear about other people’s travels xx

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  10. Thanks for the compliments, Cheryl. Not everyone enjoys traveling, but I absolutely love it! I find the change of scenery and people very exciting.

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  11. thoroughly enjoyed reading your travels, glad you had a wonderful time! can totally relate to 'glad to be home' too!
    San Diego looks like an interesting place to visit, i often think about the places i could go & visit but finances are needed for the house & yard first, maybe once i have everything i want done then i can think about small trips to somewhere ... Australia is a huge country & there are many places to see.
    enjoy the rest of your week
    thanx for sharing

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  12. Hi Selina, Yes, I know what you mean about home maintenance. The garden needs regular care and attention, too. Australia is huge. I hope to travel there someday.

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