Nothing makes you feel more alive than stepping off a train in a place you've have never been before, and wondering what is in store around the next dimly lit corner.
"more entertaining than the daily news."! Thanks for reminding me of Italy. Felt like I was there. My trip was much too short for what I wanted to take in.
"Nothing makes me feel more alive than stepping off a train or a ferry in a place I have never been before, and wondering what is in store around the next dimly lit corner." Love these travel pieces Sharron. You inspire me to get out and finally see the world.
I’m so there with you on solo travel, except for that time I got an appendectomy in Haiti, and those nasty boils in South Sudan, and the not just Montezuma’s revenge, but the revenge of his entire extended family. Also, the midnight kidney stone in that former Stalin Youth “resort” near Prague. Other than that and a few other little inconveniences, I’m all about solo travel.
I also have a thing about arriving at a country cold. The more one travels, the harder it is to remain completely ignorant, but I really enjoy letting a country teach me about itself. I’ll eat anything that doesn’t have a face or a mother. Hotels? It’s only for one night and I can put up with anything for one night. I learned long ago not to sleep next to walls, because rats run next to walls. Bedding not up to my standards? Newspapers are an excellent emergency hack, and you can also read yourself to sleep.
Always treat people who point guns at you with respect and acknowledge the spark of Divinity that resides in each one of them.
I find I’m less likely to commit murder if I let someone else drive.
It’s always more fun to get lost unless your plane leaves in hour, but don’t panic. There is always another flight in a week of two.
Learn local prices early on, because it can save you a lot of money in unexpected ways. In England, I once rented a tiny car with a tiny diesel engine. Diesel fuel was almost $8 per gallon, but vegetable cooking oil was less than $5 per gallon. The little car’s cholesterol levels dropped like a rock and the exhaust smelled yummy.
Remember to look the correct direction before you cross a street. Most countries with free national healthcare subsidized the cost from insurance reimbursements from Americans who forget what side of the road people drive on This advice doesn’t apply in places like Italy, where there is no correct side to drive on.
Sadly, I’m a realist and not much of an arbiter of good taste. Maybe I’m on the spectrum, although I do notice when people shoot me that certain “don’t go there” stare, but what’s a writer supposed to do?
Ooooooo! Thanks so much for this encouragement, Dalton! I think I have about 15 travel tales on 🍁Leaves so far, and your words make me want to continue!
It is AI generated, using Dall-E. The program has improved vastly in the last few months. But I still discard maybe 50 tries before I get one suitable piece. I also tweak it a bit using other software, to remove artifacts, and generally improve the image.
Very stylish! I am sure it takes quite a bit of effort to get that exact slick noir look. You are a talented guy. I myself spend way too much time searching for just the right photo on Unsplash, but I think it is important. Thanks for letting me know.
Back in the day, I used to know photoshop a lot better than I do now and I spent hours manipulating stock art to illustrate my blog. It was kind of a hobby.
Oh yes, you have made that very clear! Indiana is enough for you for the rest of your born days. I would pack my little bag and head out tomorrow if I could.
You love adventure and new places, but maYbe Indiana would be enough of a new place for a little while. My born family is out near you. toooo far to see more than once a year. Chosen family are scattered here too in different states, but not as far away as CA. We see each other 3 or 4 times a year. The gather places are the same set year after year, so all familiar places. Familiar vs completely new.... that's ok. We are close as the keyboard Hugs on ya )))K
Yes, solo travel is definitely not for everyone. But I have always preferred living alone, too, once my boy was grown and married. I have a friend who loves to travel in groups of four or five friends. Sounds like a nightmare to me.
I love it when you take us on one of your solo travels. You paint beautiful and detailed pictures. Thank you.
You and I would have made great travel companions, I think.
"more entertaining than the daily news."! Thanks for reminding me of Italy. Felt like I was there. My trip was much too short for what I wanted to take in.
I'll bet you have some fond memories of Italy to recall in quiet moments, though. I know I treasure mine.
"Nothing makes me feel more alive than stepping off a train or a ferry in a place I have never been before, and wondering what is in store around the next dimly lit corner." Love these travel pieces Sharron. You inspire me to get out and finally see the world.
Air travel makes it a little harder these days, but it is definitely worth the effort. And you have a great travel companion!
I’m so there with you on solo travel, except for that time I got an appendectomy in Haiti, and those nasty boils in South Sudan, and the not just Montezuma’s revenge, but the revenge of his entire extended family. Also, the midnight kidney stone in that former Stalin Youth “resort” near Prague. Other than that and a few other little inconveniences, I’m all about solo travel.
I also have a thing about arriving at a country cold. The more one travels, the harder it is to remain completely ignorant, but I really enjoy letting a country teach me about itself. I’ll eat anything that doesn’t have a face or a mother. Hotels? It’s only for one night and I can put up with anything for one night. I learned long ago not to sleep next to walls, because rats run next to walls. Bedding not up to my standards? Newspapers are an excellent emergency hack, and you can also read yourself to sleep.
Always treat people who point guns at you with respect and acknowledge the spark of Divinity that resides in each one of them.
I find I’m less likely to commit murder if I let someone else drive.
It’s always more fun to get lost unless your plane leaves in hour, but don’t panic. There is always another flight in a week of two.
Learn local prices early on, because it can save you a lot of money in unexpected ways. In England, I once rented a tiny car with a tiny diesel engine. Diesel fuel was almost $8 per gallon, but vegetable cooking oil was less than $5 per gallon. The little car’s cholesterol levels dropped like a rock and the exhaust smelled yummy.
Remember to look the correct direction before you cross a street. Most countries with free national healthcare subsidized the cost from insurance reimbursements from Americans who forget what side of the road people drive on This advice doesn’t apply in places like Italy, where there is no correct side to drive on.
That’s all for now.
Excellent examples of some of the pitfalls. Why not write this as a post on Switter's World so more people will see it.
That’s a good idea, Sharron. Lately, I’ve fluffed up several comments into posts, and you were the inspiration for at least two.
Should I mention restrooms, or is that a bog too far?
You can talk about anything you want -- if it is on your OWN page! ha ha ha.
Sadly, I’m a realist and not much of an arbiter of good taste. Maybe I’m on the spectrum, although I do notice when people shoot me that certain “don’t go there” stare, but what’s a writer supposed to do?
Solo travelling is such an adventure, and this really comes across in your post. Gorgeous!
Thanks, Lost-Girl!
😁😁😁
Unfortunately, Substack will only let me give you one heart on this post. It deserves many more.
It’s poetry, beautifully rhythmic and should be read aloud.
Ooooooo! Thanks so much for this encouragement, Dalton! I think I have about 15 travel tales on 🍁Leaves so far, and your words make me want to continue!
PS. Please tell me about the artwork on The Near Future. Is is brilliant. Is it your own work?
It is AI generated, using Dall-E. The program has improved vastly in the last few months. But I still discard maybe 50 tries before I get one suitable piece. I also tweak it a bit using other software, to remove artifacts, and generally improve the image.
Very stylish! I am sure it takes quite a bit of effort to get that exact slick noir look. You are a talented guy. I myself spend way too much time searching for just the right photo on Unsplash, but I think it is important. Thanks for letting me know.
Back in the day, I used to know photoshop a lot better than I do now and I spent hours manipulating stock art to illustrate my blog. It was kind of a hobby.
Well, I just have to say that however you are doing the art for The Near Future, it is stellar.
Thank you so much!😊
Thanks. I'll just read about it. ))
Flatlander
Oh yes, you have made that very clear! Indiana is enough for you for the rest of your born days. I would pack my little bag and head out tomorrow if I could.
You love adventure and new places, but maYbe Indiana would be enough of a new place for a little while. My born family is out near you. toooo far to see more than once a year. Chosen family are scattered here too in different states, but not as far away as CA. We see each other 3 or 4 times a year. The gather places are the same set year after year, so all familiar places. Familiar vs completely new.... that's ok. We are close as the keyboard Hugs on ya )))K
You have it worked out.
I'm with Kate, I'll just enjoy reading about these wonderful places. I don't think I have an active travel alone gene.
Yes, solo travel is definitely not for everyone. But I have always preferred living alone, too, once my boy was grown and married. I have a friend who loves to travel in groups of four or five friends. Sounds like a nightmare to me.
I do find that I like living alone - traveling maybe with one other person would be my preference.
Love that part of the world and love your writing too! Keep up the great work 🍁🍁
Thank you Chris!