When I was about 20 I decided to go to Italy with a group of people that I really didn’t know well. One of my professors was hosting the trip. I met a great group of folks but it was my first taste of independent travel. They wanted to see a bunch of stuff that I couldn’t care less about. I think half of the time I did my own thing. The joys of solo-travel.
The reason I am telling you this is because that was in 1995 (ish) and I haven’t really traveled alone since. How did I let that happen??
Yeah, I have traveled alone for work jobs but does that really count? I am not counting it.
And yes, I have had the occasional trips with people where we split up for the day/night. But that isn’t the same either.
In my head, I have traveled alone many times. Funny how the mind works.
So, today I hopped on a plane alone. I am going to the Albuquerque balloon festival in the morning.
I get off the plane. I can do whatever I want. There are no co-workers anywhere. No sweet hubs to lead the way. No family or friends.
I sat in the car. What do I do. I had a plan. But now it is real. What do I really want to do.
After a series of getting lost and not being able to find things in my purse, I decided to take the gal at the Hertz counter’s advice and drive to Santa Fe. If I get there early then I can drive back via the scenic route and catch the sunset.
And so I drive.
I stop off at some shops in Santa Fe. The town is lonely but not really my cup of tea.
Then I drive back. WOW.
To be alone at sunset with the natural wonders of the middle of New Mexico is incredible.
So, this trip will be two things – being alone with myself and killing it at the festival with my photography.
Follow me on Instagram of FB if you want to see my photos. I’ll post later.