he waiter treated me quite well (maybe he felt sorry for me I am not sure). But because he only spoke a slight amount of English and because I speak no French we could not have a conversation. It was nice not having to share the bread. More food is always a plus, but I think I’d sacrifice putting more food into my mouth in order to have more conversation flow out of my mouth. I didn’t cry 
or anything. Don’t get all teary eyed on me. I guess it just made me slightly blue. As blue as the
In each city on the French Rivera I have found a spot that I will call my secret spot. They are places that I could imagining proposing to my wife at (or something cheasily romantic like that). In
The problem with finding such places is that they again fuel the slight sadness. The 
French Rivera is one of the most romantic places in the world I think. All around me, couples hold hands just staring out into the ocean as they walk along the beach. It is difficult to travel to this type of place while I am alone because the constant pairing is a perpetual reminder of solitude.
I am very good at entertaining myself and in many ways am glad that I am traveling alone (get to create my own schedule and do what I want) but there are just certain times of the day that after a long day of 
walking and thinking and thinking and sightseeing, I want to reflect. And not internally reflect because I had been doing that all day. I can only have so many conversations in my own head before I start to think I am going slightly crazy. I have never read a book until now where I really feel like the characters have become my friends. It is not necessarily that the book is really well written (although it is). Instead, it is just that they provide me company. They talk to me.
I sort of feel like Tom Hanks in Castaway right now. Only instead of talking to
Comments Welcome,
Andrew
9 comments:
I know how you feel buddy. It does suck sometimes to have so much time on your hands to reflect and no one to really share it with. But it's important to discover ways to make yourself happy and discover new parts of yourself that you thought were hidden. Like, when I climbed the hill in Ireland just by myself it was not only a test of will, but when I got to the top I felt absolutely at peace.
It is nice to be with others, and share conversation and experiences. But sometimes it's just as good to reflect and learn new things about yourself. You should always know that you can always come home (in a metaphorical and literal sense), and there'll always be people who care about you. Looks like it was an amazing trip. I bet you're excited for The Observer. Take care man.
--Phil G.
Willllllllsssssssssonnnnnnnnnnn!!!!
Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllsoooooooooonnnnnnnnn!
You know who's always good for some conversations?
This guy (points with two thumbs).
Glad you're back and slightly less better than ever. =)
Hey Phil,
Thanks for checking out the blog. You're right. Traveling alone is not permanent. Neither is anything else. It is good to remember that. Hope you're managing the FreeP well.
Nick,
Is that a reference to Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor? Back fo sho.
Hi Andrew, It sounds like you are having a great time.I have never been there but you make it sound great. I would never travel alone. It wonerful that you are doing this. Alan
No silly, it's a reference to Wilson, from Castaway... when he floats off into the distance.
Nick,
I am an idiot.
but a loveable one at that...
I was talking to Steph about this the other day, but seeing everyone abroad and enjoying such beautiful places and sights makes me want to travel (depsite the fact that I have never been, and never thought of myself as a big travel guy).
I guess we'll see what happens.
Glad the blog is back, though. Gives me something to do when AMO's sleeping. =P
I had the same experience in DC when I first got here. That was the first time I ate alone at a restaurant. I remember feeling blue, too. For as introverted as I am, I need the connection.
On the flip side, not talking makes it easier to notice what's going on around you. 'the quieter you are, the more you hear.' Of course, it's easier if you speak the language. People say the darndest things . . .
Jackie,
It's weird, but I don't think I have ever really appreciated all that you have done until now. You lived in Africa for two years. You moved to a major city. I wish I was older when you did all that because it really would have had an impact on me. I am following in your footsteps in ways that I haven't realized until this moment.
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