Why do women travel solo..

https://www.facebook.com/SOML/videos/642697275874690/

Love this video to bits. Amazingly close to my heart. <3 

How did I start traveling alone? When I realized it's gonna be tough for my friends to take leave during the same period as me as we're all in the same company (even though it's an MNC and we're in different departments). 

How did I feel when trying to convince my parents to let me travel alone? I didn't! =P I told little white lies example.. That my friend and I were going together but last minute a couple of days before she had to work so she couldn't make it but the tickets were bought and accomodation paid for so it'll be a waste if I couldn't go. =D 

How was my first experience of travelling alone? Nothing short of AMAZING! I never wanted to turn back the plane/bus that I was on and the thought of going home actually agitated me. The only downside was I didn't know how much/what currency to change (not enough research) hence a little tight on cash. =P 

How did I prepare myself for the solo trips that came after I was addicted? Research research and more research. I knew what kinda experiences I was looking for. What kinda accomodation I wanted to stay in. Some of the places I wanted to see. So I just did more homework around it! =) 

Was it ever daunting to be travelling alone? Never! I was never happier than to be alone. Maybe due to work I'm seen more as an extrovert but I know deep down I'm an introvert. I can go for weeks without speaking to anyone unless to order food. Coz I tried. =) 

No fears at all? None! I'm a little surprised at myself too. But the only fear would be that I didn't bring enough cash to enjoy myself I guess. =P sleeping eating and wandering alone became such a norm after a short while. And I continued doing it on my own even when I'm not travelling and back in Singapore. 

So.. Did it teach you anything? Independence. Courage. Cautiousness. 

And one thing you enjoy most about travelling alone? Freedom - from doing what you want at your own pace without needing to care about what others think! =D

Question: why do I travel?

I was juz reading an article of why 'I tendered my resignation without securing the next job. Here's why I don't mind.' (Read the full article here: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/tendered-resignation-without-securing-next-033039932.html) and it evoked some thoughts in me but more related to travel then to work.

So I was wondering why do I travel as much as I do now and the reasons behind it. Initially I started travelling coz it was fun and pure fun. After a while the fun sort of died off and travelling became a journey to find myself. My independence. To detox.

1) To satisfy a craving of chicken rice balls and tako su: A day trip to Malacca with a friend. Along the way we saw super bikes and it juz made my day so much happier (I have a place in my heart for super bikes). After the dinner I was of course even happier. =)  

2) Being rebellious/adventurous.. depending which angle you are looking at: I have no bike license and whenever I mentioned about riding I had a friend who will give me that dead stare. (That was a friend who mattered most to me back then..) So knowing that I will piss him off in some way. I rode in Siquijor without a license and without a map in hand. In which I fell off 4 times off the bike and came home with scratches and bruises and burnt skin.

3) To check off my bucket list: The only place that was on the list for the longest time ever.. Tibet. Roof of the World. I went with an open mind and worried that I may not make it up the Potola Palace. But all my fears were unfounded coz I had the best time of my life. Ever.

4) Meeting new people and making new friends: On a trip to El Nido. I met and befriended a German and a couple from Russia and we are still in contact since. It's wonders how travel can bring people from such diverse background together.

5) Finding myself: Travelling with a friend I've never travelled with before who's also a solo traveller to Boracay. Each trip I embark on. I find a little more about myself and the person I lost touch with ever since I started working.

6) To get away from it all: My trip to Bali in December last year was impromptu and it was something I've never ever done before. I've never travelled on spontaneity and enjoy the process of planning. I went on a whim coz I juz wanted to get away for a little while. Hoping that coming back would bring me a fresh perspective on what is happening and how I could have done differently. But it didn't really work out that way.

7) To seek solace. Peace and inspiration: I went Kandy (Madulkele specifically) and suddenly my Chinese was all the more powerful.. (I was posting on my personal facebook page in Chinese flowery sentences.) Hahaha. The scenery took my breath away. Literally. The sunset and sunrise was awesome and the journey up was worth every single bone shattering moment. I found a peace within me that I haven't had in ages (even though I was travelling with 2 other friends) and that solace I was looking for all this time. Short lived - no doubt - but it was a time that seemed to slow down when I was there and I could breathe more easily.

All of us have different reasons for travelling. So more than others. So lesser. But whatever your reason may be. Have a good one and don't regret doing what you did! There would come a day that you will appreciate the opportunities you took. Travel is priceless. So are the memories that's etched forever.

Early morning reflection..

The hawker centre bustles with the vibes of the people even before the city awakes. Such a rare occasion to enjoy.

It's been a long time since I had the luxury to sit at a hawker centre and had a slow and long breakfast. I wish I had more opportunities like this. Sitting here. Drinking my hot soya bean. Watching the world go by and listening to the hubble bubble that's around me. What I lack is juz a newspaper to flip through. =)

The upcoming trips would for once be a change from my usual back to back rushing from place to place. But really a relaxed trip where I spend easily 6 days in the same accomodation. No doubt I have activities planned and lined up. But I'm sure I would have the chance to sit and reflect.