With big changes ahead, I spent some time on a bumpy bus ride in Georgia reflecting. About how my days have become my “normal” day to day life? But moreover, I think about how surreal the past 8 months have been, the extraordinary experiences! The places I have been, the beauty and wonders I have seen, the memories I have made. I feel truly blessed and in awe of this opportunity and adventure thus far.
- Watching the sunset over the Mediterranean, Black, Dead Seas, and Atlantic Ocean
- Watching the sunrise in the Sahara desert
- Riding a camel over the sand dunes in Morocco
- Looking out at the Atlas mountains
- Seeing first hand, pyramids, temples and tombs in Egypt
- Stepping foot in ancient theaters, fortresses, castles, and cities, dating as far back as the 9th century
- Sailing on the Nile, something I thought I would only imagine
- Visiting two of the Wonders of the World-Petra and Pyramids of Giza
- Riding rustic trains through Turkey, Morocco, Egypt and Georgia
- Spending many hours riding buses, mini buses, trains, ferries, and planes to 59 different villages/towns/cities in 6 different countries
- Drank healing water in Pamukkale and Borjomi
- Wandered many country roads in Turkey, sand streets in Morocco and Egypt, and city streets in Jordan and Lebanon
- Partied with local university students, welcomed for meals in Egyptian homes, invited to join group picnics in Georgia
- Had a taste of Katama gold, tagine, camel burgers, simits, borek, cig kofte, khinkali, khachapuri, homemade wine and chacha…and so much more!
- Enjoyed the luxuries of beach resorts, local living and nomad life in Sahara desert villages, everyday life in cities
- Welcomed many new days, new adventures and wished my share of days away
“When you’re traveling with someone, you share each discovery. But when you are alone, you have to carry each experience with you like a secret, something you have to write on your heart because there’s no other way to preserve it” – Shauna Niequist
It has been extra fun and extremely memorable, sharing these adventures with one of my best friends. But with all great things in life, comes change. We have decided that it is time to go off on our own and solo travel for a while. I have encountered many people traveling solo and discussed the experience. The learning, the growth, the excitement and opportunities that come from solo travel. Some common feedback-get to know yourself better, meet more people, in charge of all decisions, can be as selfish as you want, go at your own pace. Up till now, all my travels have been alongside someone or in a group. I have spent most of my life living with another or a house full. I have never truly been on my own! Yet, venturing off to a new foreign country, completely alone, both excites and terrifies me!
“Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that’s the one that is going to require the most from you.” – Caroline Myss
Since making this decision a few weeks ago, a plethora of emotions have surfaced. I have spent much time reflecting on the last several months and the many, many years prior. I have always had someone near, to fall back on for support, guidance, help make decisions, comfort, and share in moments. Someone to take care of and care for me in return. The idea of being completely alone, in a new country, a new culture, my “community” thousand of miles away, it stirs something deep within! A sense of discomfort, vulnerability, loneliness, fear. I feel the insecurities, fears and abandonment issues from my inner child creeping in. It is evident that going alone is something I need to do. That this is something that is long overdue, for enhanced learning and growth that can only be accomplished on my own!!!
“The inner journey of travel is intensified by solitude.” – Paul Theroux
August 31st will mark the beginning of this next chapter of my grand adventure! When I first began making decisions, whether to stay in Georgia or go elsewhere, I was lost, had no clue! The already big world felt even bigger. What if I make the wrong choice, what if I make a mistake, how do you fit all the pieces together (travel, accommodations, ect). It all felt so overwhelming. But this was all on me! So I had to figure it out. Now that I have my first few weeks planned, I am very excited and eager to start this new adventure. I have a variety of experiences ahead that I anticipate will bring huge growth, learning and further discovery and healing. Opportunities to challenge myself, gain skills and meet new people. The weeks following, well I am just going to wing it! See what the universe has in store for me, be brave, take it one day at a time. Although the journey ahead brings with it fear, uncertainty, loneliness, and I imagine mistakes. It also brings a tremendous amount of excitement, confidence, decisiveness and independence I have yet to experience in my life. I will see the world through my eyes and my eyes alone! The weeks ahead, I look forward to sharing with you the many stories I will write, the random thoughts I will have, the challenges I will face and the magnificent journey ahead from FoxyMags Solo Adventure!!!
*picture captured in Amman, Jordan