I am travelling in Italy. Alone.
Yes no one is with me. Sometimes we can not have the company to travel with to the places of our dreams. Work and other commitments may take priority. So why miss out if the opportunity presents a fantastic adventure. Getting out of our comfort zone. People are often intimidated to travel alone, especially women, which I understand completely. The first hotel I booked into when I arrive on Wednesday I did not feel safe. The room was clean a little small but I did not feel safe. I could not open the windows as they faced another small bungalow, the lock to the patio style door was not secure enough for me at all. I knew I could not stay there. This sudden overwhelming implicit fear, a sense of panic when I realized my options were less than likely of finding a hotel at this short notice. There was this feeling of doom that I could not escape. Realizing all the planning in the world sometimes things can go wrong. Emotion filled my throat but I knew crying would not help.
Panic?
For a few moments all I wanted to do was come home cancel my trip and Retreat. After a quick call with my wonderful husband and his encouragement, decided to take action. Needless to say I decided that I would take my chances, because the current situation was not an option.
The magic of Google and Booking.com, found a place, www.Hermitagehotel.com, checked out , explained that I did not feel safe despite the receptionist protest that ‘this is a safe place with security’, I added ‘but not for women traveling alone, I don’t feel safe so I am checking out now.’ We have our own perceptions and clearly as a man, had no idea what reality women face everywhere. Our safety cannot have a price tag!!
People follow your instincts! If something doesn’t feel right, Follow your spidy sense and be safe. I went online with my laptop found a hotel checked out, called the cab and arrived safely in my new destination, at a new hotel in the city centre of Florence Italy. The next four days were absolutely spectacular something I will never forget. Experiencing the Italian adventure alone.
Do not give into fear. Fear is what keeps you stuck. You do always have a choice.
Had I given into my fear and retreated I would’ve missed out on expanding my comfort zone taking control of my safety and enjoy the most for fabulous days travelling alone, and meeting the most amazing people from around the world. Florence is like a mini United Nations, people from all over the world united buy one thing city of Florence, the love of Italy.
When we look beyond our own skin colour or culture or religion or perceptions our life lenses of ourselves and others, we are really more alike than different.
I am so thankful for this experience the trauma from the beginning and the beauty of this final day.