london calling

            The solo travels have begun. It is a strange feeling traveling alone in Europe (well me and a huge backpack). The first week I was with family friends in Biarritz (probably one of the nicest places I’ve been to up to date), so that didn’t really feel like “backpacking”. On September 5^th I set off for London. 

            London wasn’t quite what I had expected. It was a bit “newer” than I had thought, but nonetheless.. I lovedddd it. Such a great place, so busy, so many things to do and see, and quite beautiful (and the people have great fashion sense.. the shopping killed my bank account-- obviously).

            Though, the real interesting part of being in London for me was that fact that I was there by myself, with absolutely no agenda. It is a liberating feeling to be able to do what you want, when you want in a different country. Never worrying about anyone else or what they want to do or see. I loved being able to walk down the Southbank by myself, grab a coffee on a street side café and saunter back to my hostel when I chose to.

The intimidating part, at first, was meeting people. I am by no means a shy person, but you really have to put yourself out there when staying at a hostel by yourself. Despite making me nervous, I met some pretty interesting and amazing people. The first night I was there I just went to a bunch of people drinking in the common room and asked if I could join them and we ended up drinking the night away and dancing in the bar attached to our hostel. The next night a lovely 19-year old Aussie girl asked if I’d eaten, I said no, and we ventured into Borough Market area and found this fabulous seafood and sushi restaurant. It’s fascinating getting to know a person you have just met when traveling. We didn’t exchange last names, or emails, we just had a great night of dinner then drinking at the bar, meeting some Brits, then parted ways. Sometimes you don’t need more than that though, it’s a mere encounter that you will always remember.

The main thing I learned, after feeling nervous that I wouldn’t meet anyone while in a hostel alone my first few days in is that: If you put yourself out there, and are open to meeting new people, you realize that everyone traveling is just in the same boat at you are.  It’s good to push your boundaries and comfort levels every once in a while, because the more you do, you will end up meeting some of the most fascinating people, with such great stories to share, while also learning a lot about yourself.