Loser, Party of One...

Now that I am divorced and on my own, I’ve decided that my  “when the kids are grown up and gone”  travel plans shouldn’t be put to rest. When married, I wanted to do a “lighthouse tour,” starting in Nova Scotia, traveling along the eastern seaboard all the way to Key West, Florida. But, that was before my husband started driving like Mr. Magoo on crack.  I didn’t particularly want to die. http://dyingbraincells.wordpress.com/2010/07/22/mr-magoo-on-crack/ 

 So, we divorced. Not because of his driving, mind you, but you know. Anyway, I have always wanted to travel and I had to make a decision:  settle being an arm chair traveler, or embrace my independence and travel solo. I chose the latter. I’ve watched my children travel all over the world. My daughter flew to Paris, stayed in a hostel by herself and made new friends to sightsee with. My son does the same. But, you have to understand that these are different times.

No, I didn’t have to walk two miles to school every day with cardboard in my holey shoes. But, we never traveled. Sure, we went to Ocean City, Maryland during spring break. But, out of the country? Just to do it?  Uh, no.

But, I decided that just because I am alone now, doesn’t mean my dreams have to stop. On the contrary. I can travel without fear of being impaled by a mailbox when my husband would drive in the direction he is looking when he really should be paying attention to the road. No, this would be much better. And why in the world would I be lonely? I would be with me!

 So, our school system’s spring break is coming up and I decided to go somewhere. This past winter really did a number on me, and I just need to get out of Dodge. I’ve always wanted to travel across Canada by train, but I don’t have much time in April. Besides, I have a sixteen year old cat that I refuse to put in a kennel and my ex would rather stick a needle in his eye than offer to check on her. So, I decided to go somewhere for three nights. That would introduce me to solo travel. Now, you have to realize that I am also a woman in my mid-fifties, so I’m not looking to meet someone. My mom told me when I was getting a divorce  that “I was too old to get a divorce and I’d never find a man.” Um, thanks, Mom. Well, not looking for a man. I just want to get re-acquainted with myself. I think I will be a lot of fun.

 So, where to go on my first venture? Not telling. No, after the response I got from my daughter and ex-husband on my pick, I’ve decided not to tell anyone where I am going. My lunch bunch (fellow teachers) thought I would let them know for sure. Nope. They would just look at me like I had a third eye. My daughter guessed that I was going to an Indian reservation. I had to laugh at that. I told her it was a bit out there for a solo traveler, but I thought she was really thinking out side of the box. I have to give her a few points on that one.

 No, the only thing I mentioned on my facebook wall is that I booked a flight. I know in my heart that I will have a great time. My daughter thinks I will be lonely. Time will tell. I’m just excited that I finally got the nerve to do something instead of  just talking about places I would like to see.

 I think that the only hesitation I will find is when dinner time rolls around. I have a feeling that I will just eat on the run, so I won’t have to actually sit across from an empty chair. I really don’t care about that, but in a way I do. But, only because I talk so much. I guess I could talk to myself. People would then understand why I was by myself. But, all kidding aside, eating by myself or going to a movie by myself is not my cup of tea. But, I’m going to force myself to do it. I will never go to a movie by myself, but dinner, I will try once.

 I haven’t  flown in a plane since 1981, when we flew to Daytona Beach. I now have inner ear problems and hope that my head doesn’t explode because of the air pressure. I better chomp on some gum, that’s for sure. I won’t have a problem flying solo or staying at the resort by myself. I will be arriving late, and hope to make a bee line to swim in the pool. The next two days will be very busy. Again, not telling yet.

I will take some pictures and post them when I get there.

Wish me luck.

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