Inevitably, I knew it would happen again. The looks of surprise. The dubious eyes. The incredulous faces when I tell people that I'm traveling by myself. I was greeted with more of the same during last week's New Year's Eve trip to Jamaica. When the question arises--and it always does somewhere in the conversation--from cab drivers, to hotel staff, waiters and waitresses to the nice man or woman at customs (ALWAYS the man or woman at customs), I've now created a standard response in the form of a question to counter these assaults. "Who else is going to take my ass on vacation?"
It still surprises ME that everyone else is so surprised. Since when did being single become a restriction on travel and adventure? Did the TSA come up with some new crazy law that women can't travel by themselves? (Although, at this point, I wouldn't put it past them in the name of 'national security' Ha. I can see it now . . . "Studies show single women traveling internationally pose a high threat to national security!" HA!)
All I know is that it was snowy, cold, shitty here in NYC and waiting around for Prince Charming to come along on his white horse to take me to the sun was not an option. (Especially with the unplowed streets here in the city, but that's a whole OTHER story. Prince Charming would need to have 'snow hoofs' on.)
So, much like my Asia trip, I booked the ticket, found a place to stay and am a better woman for it. This trip to Jamaica did not disappoint.
I met the most amazing women, many from NYC whose sole purpose was the same as mine (get out of the cold), and experienced things I most likely would not have had I been with a companion. I wrote letters to people whose relationships no longer served me, and burned them. (That was powerful. And it worked, like you can't even imagine!) I wrote in my journal. A lot. I sat and watched the ocean, listened to the waves crashing on the shore. I realized I didn't need a gym or fancy equipment to be happy and keep my body active. I walked, I ate, I jumped off 30' cliffs (!), I watched some of the most gorgeous sunsets I've ever seen. I listened. To myself and the stories of others. And I learned about yet another culture, another way to live. My solo travels have been life changing.
One thing I love about traveling is being exposed to new foods and how different cultures eat. I feel a bit like the healthy version of Anthony Bourdain (by the way, in case he's reading this, I'm a HUGE FAN!!!) For those of you who don't know me, know this: I LOVE FOOD! This trip was no exception. Do you all know what 'callaloo' is? No worries (mon)! I didn't until I went to Jamaica. It is similar to spinach and it's often sauteed (With lots of salt. The Jamaicans love them some salty stuff!) I was ordering it left and right to ensure my daily intake of greens! I had it with some scrambled eggs and it was DELISH. Speaking of eggs, have you ever tried 'ackee'? It is the strangest food. It's a FRUIT, but the way they serve it, I swear, it has the same consistency of scrambled eggs. Is it good for you? Well, it can't be bad, it's natural. And yes, it CAN be poisonous, but it's definitely tasty, and when in Rome . . .
When I travel by myself, I get to dictate where and when I eat. Like the lovely afternoon I spent at Ras Rody's vegetarian stand. Rody is a Rastafarian serving up some of Jamaica's finest foods from the bounty of the earth. According to the website Rody is not only a vegan chef, but also "a successful organic farmer and roadside philosopher." Sounds like a good life to me. Simple. Natural. Living. Trust me, it's crossed my mind on more than one occasion to abandon the typical 'get it done' stresses of the Western world for a lifestyle where peaceful and calm are not foreign words.
Would it be nice to share some of my travel experiences with someone special? Absolutely? Am I going to wait for someone to give me permission to have those experiences? Absolutely not. My life isn't an episode of the Bachelor (although how fun would THAT be for a week or so?!?) and I've got living to do.
Posted on
Tue, January 11, 2011
by Jennifer Galardi