Solo Traveling - Table for One

People always say I’m brave for traveling solo. I understand why, but at the same time, I don’t. Am I supposed to wait for someone to come along? Or a partner I don’t have - and at this point, may never have? So what … my life is supposed to stop?

After the last few years I’ve had - especially the ones I lost while caged up in a relationship - I’ve decided I’m going to live. Even if I do things that scare me, I will do them - not to prove a point to anyone, but to prove it to myself.

I’ve decided to give myself what no one else ever has: the strength, support, and love that I’ve always deserved.

Just like I encourage my kids to do what makes them happy… well, dancing, travel, food, meeting people, and writing make me happy. And with that, I have to say that after a long day of traveling, waiting in airports, stressed about flight delays and missing connecting flights, sitting beside people who aren't that hygienic, no sleep - I made it to my destination.

And as tired as I was, I still managed to go out for a stroll, check out the area, throw in a nap, and I was up and out for dinner. Yup - a solo dinner at a restaurant.

And yes, I’m not gonna lie - something inside me always stirs a little when I say “Table for one”. People do glance, they do make a face. And people say it’s in my head, but nah … they all make the same face.

I’m still learning not to give a shit. Even when I do inside, you’d never know it on the outside.

So fast forward: dinner is done, I didn’t eat much but I felt bloated, and I decided to take a night stroll to walk it off and explore a little. A couple people stopped me, offering to go into their club or restaurant. I asked some questions, told them what I was looking for over the next few days, asked where to catch a cab.

I find a cab and ask him to take me to the hotel. As he's driving, we talk. The usual: who did you come with? Then the classic: a pretty young woman traveling solo is brave. Blah blah. Then the offer: Want to go for a drive around?

I say I’m good, just want to relax and sleep. Long day. But he insists. Turns off the meter. Starts complimenting me. Wants me to come back to his place. I decline kindly. I even offer - if you want to hang out tomorrow, we can go dancing, in public, sure. But he’s still persistent. I must’ve asked three times to take me back to the hotel.

And no -I wasn’t careless. I was paying attention the whole time. My map was on. My phone was in hand. Mentally I was prepping for worst case. I know myself - and I can hold my own if I need to.

Three hours later, we’re finally back. He asks for payment. I expect a regular fare. But no - he charges me for the entire time. And that’s what pissed me off. Not the fare. The dishonesty. The way I asked to go back and he brushed me off while quietly clocking me on the meter.

$150 later, I paid him. And I told him straight: I don’t appreciate being deceived. I asked to be taken back multiple times and you kept pushing. I said thanks but no thanks to seeing him again.

The thing is - I believe people deserve a chance, even if it's just to show you who they really are.

So I woke up today feeling kinda butt hurt. But I’ll own it. It was also my choice. It’s only day one, and the rest of the trip I will be more guarded. I’ll still give the benefit of the doubt, just will be a 100% more cautious and my "no's" will be more firm. Because in a world full of ugly people, there are still kind souls out there.

Trust me - I know.