Korea: Not So Bad

On most people's lists of places to visit are some Asian countries with the top two being Japan and China. Japan boasts of being a fashion forward and tech-savy country while China is a roaring lion of industry with historical sites like the Great Wall. Or maybe other Asian beach hotspots top the list like Bali or Thailand. Very few list the country of South Korea. To be honest, few people could probably even point it out on a map.

Despite its low profile, it is actually quite a nice place to check out. It's low profile is actually a benefit as it means there are no high tourist seasons to avoid and prices are stable all year round. If one has a chance to add a short layover on your itinerary across Asia, one should.

Reason 1: Diversity. Don't laugh. Yes, the people of Korea are quite homogeneous as they are of the same race, nationality, and speak the same language. Inside its metropolitan areas are lots of expats from other countries that add some flavor to the cities. There are areas that cater to the Chinese, Russian, Filipinos, and a melting pot of an area known as Itaewon.

Reason 2: Historical Sites. There are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country and warrant a visit. Temples, palaces, and grottos to just name a few.

Reason 3: Food. While Korean food is a unique journey for the foreign tongue, it should be traversed. Koreans use things like ginseng and a fermented cabbage called kimchi which gives its food a strong and unique flavor.

Reason 4: Foreigner Friendly. Seoul in particular has done a great job of having a plethora of information available for foreigners in English, Chinese, and Japanese. This includes subway maps, websites, and even some buses. Besides language, public transportation is easy to navigate and cheap to use.

Reason 5: It's Safe. For solo female travelers this is important. Very little violent crime occurs in the country. School children are often out alone until 11pm, and one is never alone in this highly populated country that never sleeps.

These are just a few reasons to add Korea onto your next jaunt across the globe. If you know of more, feel free to make a comment.

Where's the Hottie?

"Where are all the hotties?"
A friend and I were in conversation on IM when he typed this phrase to me. What were we talking about? Flying. Somehow even though we are both frequent flyers, we always have bad luck when it comes to seating companions.

There are 3 things that can make a flight bearable. The first is free wine, lots of it. Second is an AVOD player with an extensive entertainment options. Third is a good seat companion. My friend and I are both single and would enjoy an attractive travel buddy for the trip every once in a while. It helps break up the monopoly of elderly old women and pimply teen boys that we usually get placed next to.

He stated he has never been seated next to a good-looking girl, and I replied that I had only had a cutie to share a flight with once. We both pondered this mystery. When walking through any mall in the world, I am usually surrounding by attractive people of both genders. Yet, when walking onto a plane, the dynamics suddenly change. What happened? Do beautiful people not fly? Do only ugly people have a need to travel?

Hmmm....the eternal unanswerable question remains. One that even rivals the age-old mystery of where missing socks go once they are put into the dryer. The unanswerable question: "Where are all the hotties?"

Food for Thought

My taste buds love the exotic spices and flavors that are used in many foreign foods. Luckily, America is such a great melting pot of people from around the globe. So that all one has to do to feel like one has traveled the globe is to spend a weekend in diverse cities like NYC, Chicago, or San Fransisco and sample the delights that city has to offer. Some of my favorite foreign foods are listed below with a short description.

Palak Paneer-Indian- creamy spinach that is best enjoyed with fresh jasmine rich and warm buttery na'an

Edanamme-Japanese-Steamed soy beans usually coated lightly in sea salt

Kimchijigae-Korean-A spicy red pepper-cabbage soup with beef and tofu.

Boa Zi-Chinese-This large steamed bun can be ordered with many different fillings, but my personal favorite is barbecue beef

Vietnamese Iced Coffee-each cup of java is individually brewed. This strong and sludgy brew is tempered with a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk. Caution: do not drink before bedtime.

Gallo Pinto-Costa Rican-This dish is a breakfast stand-by in this country. It consists of rice, black beans, eggs, veggies, and a special sauce known as Salsa Lizano.

Apfelstrudel-European-This delectable pastry delight can be found in any European bakery and should always be accompanied by a strong cup of coffee or tea.

Boba Tea (Bubble Tea)-Taiwanese-This drink has spread in popularity to most of Asia, and it is no wonder why. This milk tea can be found in almost any flavor imaginable and is an adventure to drink as the bottom of the cup is filled with dime-sized tapioca balls.

Murphy's Law in Taipei

Ever have one of those days where everything goes wrong? I had one of those days last year, where nothing went according to plan...

It starts with arriving at the airport for my flight from Incheon, Korea to Taipei, Taiwan. As I neared my gate, a tall familiar African-American head stood out among the short Asian heads in the waiting area.

It was a friend of mine from church. He and a friend were also on my flight to Taipei. This was great luck because they both spoke decent Chinese while I have a whole 2 words in my Mandarin vocabulary. So, after going through customs and gathering my handy-dandy backpacking rucksack, I join up with them and relied on their language skills to get me from the airport, on the correct bus, through the metro, and on to our desired stop.

Again, luck was on my side (all is lucky now, but just wait) and we both were staying in hostels not far from MTR stop Guting. At the subway exit, I part from my friends and wander off towards the direction I believed my hostel to be in. I follow my directions from the hostel website and soon become very lost.

So, I am standing in 90 degree humid heat, with a heavy rucksack, looking confused, and oh, so white on the street at 10pm. Luckily, a cute and nice Taiwanese boy on a bike sees my visible distress and stops to help me, but isn't successful. Surprisingly, a western couple happened to be walking down the street. They take pity on me and ask if they could be of help since they live in the area. Thank goodness, the lady knew which hostel I needed and walked me to it.

The hostel had messaged me saying their staff would be gone at the hour I was to arrive, but would leave a key for me on the downstairs gate. So,I found my name on a note and a key to open the rusty old metal gate. I trudged up the stairs and tried to open the door, but it didn't budge. I re-read the note that came with my key and it said I had to punch in a code.

Simple, I thought. Here is where my luck disappears. I try again and again to put the code in, but it doesn't work. I figure, at 10:30pm at night, someone should be at the hostel and could open the door for me. Wrong assumption. No one was there despite my loud rapping on the door.

So, now its dark, late, and I have no where to stay in a foreign city. No need to panic, I tell myself, I just need to call the hostel's phone number. So, I wonder down the street a few blocks and jump the first foreigner I see. It happens to be an 18 year old student from Mexico City with limited English. I ambush her with my sad tale and ask to borrow her phone. She allows me to use it, but no one answers the call. She and I walk back to my hostel, which coincidentally, is right across from her apartment.

So, I drop off my bag at this new acquaintance's room, run to the nearby market, and grab some dinner. Once my hunger is sated, I go back to the hostel to attempt the door again. Now it is after 11pm and SOMEONE has to be back, right? No. The Mexican girl and I try the code a few more times, but with no varied results.

Again, what am I to do? Still don't have a place to sleep in this foreign city. The girl offers that I could sleep on her floor, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to take advantage of her kindness. So, I thought hard and came to a solution. I used her laptop and looked up the name of the hostel the boys from my flight were staying at. I called the hostel, and was able to booked a room. Armed with directions and my rucksack, I went out in search of it at midnight. Thankfully, this hostel was easier to find that my original one. I easily checked in and had a nice and safe place to rest my head for the next 6 nights.

Well, that was the rough beginning of my trip. Mix in three days of being in the center of a typhoon and an earthquake to make one memorable vacation.

***Tip- The name of the hostel is Eight Elephants. If you ever go to Taipei, I highly suggest staying here. The American who lives in the wall (literally) adds some comic relief, and place has an almost home-stay feel to it.

One Year Older

In 60 minutes I will be 26 years old. I will have officially left the first quarter of my life and be passing onto a new phase. Will no longer be considered early 20s, but now enter the late 20s. Just typing that made a chill run through my bones.

I think back through the changes that have occurred in the last 10 years of my life: graduation from high school, college, and grad school. I had my first kiss, visited my first country, and bought my first car. Memories of moving into my first apartment, starting my first real job, and experiencing my first real moment of disappointment.

I sit here thinking about the next ten years and what they will bring. I ponder thoughts of a new career, buying a house, meeting a mate, and becoming a mother. I wonder how much of the next ten years will be filled with joy or what tragedies may befall me. Multiple possibilities entertain me as I consider the future and bids my curiosity to rise and hope.

I hope that this next year brings as much joy, excitement, and new experiences into my life as last year did. For everyone who has played a part in my life, even as just a character passing through, thank you.

Starbucks, My Love

One of my favorite parts of traveling to other countries and experience other cultures is for the variety it represents. The different languages, customs, and landscapes are bright colors that add brilliant hues to my life.

But as much as I love things that are unique, exotic, or different, there is another side of me as well. There is a part that loves something that is steadfast and known. There is one thing in this modern world that never changes. That no matter where in the world I am, I can walk in the doors and it is like I am transported back to home. What is that? Starbucks. I have been a Starbucks customer in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bali, and South Korea. No matter the location, the scent, look, feel, and taste is the same. When traveling to and fro so much, it is nice to have something be consistent.

It is comforting to know that I can walk into any Starbucks worldwide, order a low-fat Cafe Latte and know that the taste will be as yummy as if I was stateside. That there will be cinnamon and nutmeg to sprinkle on the top of my foamy mug, sugary pastries to beckon me from their glass encasement, and soothing music help me relax. When living abroad, it is the little things that truly bring comfort and peace of mind.

Online Dating

As a single girl growing older, I noticed over the past few years that my Friday nights had turned quite tame. I spent many evenings with my married friends and board games. While I enjoy a nice round of Yahtzee, I also realized that I need a date every now and then. As I came to this realization, I looked around me and saw that most of my friends were all paired up. I then thought about my circle of friends and noticed that I had very few single ones. Even less ones with dating potential.

So, I did what any modern girl does, I signed up on an dating website. So far I have only been on two dates. One date was good and the other one was, well, not so good. But both were great learning experiences. I have learned two things since joining this site.

First is to accept who you are and your flaws. If you are chubby, don't put pictures of yourself from 10 years ago. Accept and embrace where you are physically or emotionally at this stage in life. Or, if you are a tech-nerd, don't write a profile that makes you out to be Don Juan. The purpose of the site is to provide a platform for all people to show who they are and find a match who finds those traits attractive.

Second, be aware of how you present yourself, articulate ideas, and relate to others around you. All these things can be fine tuned and improved upon if a person struggles in one or more areas. Using an online date is a great way to do this. The situation allows for a casual environment to practice these skills.

So, my advice to single ladies who are tired of watching chick flicks on the sofa on a Saturday night: be proactive and log on for love, or at least a date.

Some Travel Advice

1. Take the airline blanket from the flight. It also makes a nice towel or emergency skirt.

2. Pack all heavy items like shoes or books in the carry-on case. This piece of luggage is not weighed, so fill it up!

3. Make sure to snag all the free goodies off the plane like toothbrushes in the bathroom, sleeping masks, socks, and pillows.

4. Reminder to all travelers. I thought this was common knowledge to all, but I have learned that this assumption was wrong. Note: most international flights to Europe or Asia serve free alcohol on the flight. So, enjoy a glass of Merlot at 30 thousand feet free of charge; I know I sure do.

5. Separate your passport from your luggage in your hotel room. Either hide it in a secret spot or put it in the hotel safe. An American or Canadian passport is worth a lot of money on the black market.

6. If you are at the airport and realize you have not changed over your currency, what can you do? If the banks are closed, try exchanging it at the souvenir shops. Usually they can exchange any currency into US dollars.

7. When traveling in pairs in various countries, only have one person get money out of the ATM in each country. This saves each person from paying an international transaction fee in each country. Keep track of how much was taken out at the end of the trip and balance it out.

8. Girls, beware of the type of purse or shoulder bag used. Local bystanders or people on motorbikes can easily snatch a bag off a shoulder. To lessen this risk, make sure it a bag that can be securely fastened across the chest.

9. When in poorer countries, anything can be bargained for. Even items like a cab ride, hotel room, drinks, souvenirs, and tours. Always try to get a lower price.

Traveling Tips

Some tips for those who travel solo, especially for girls.

1. When traveling on buses and trains, do not use the luggage rack above the seats. It is easy to fall asleep while traveling and it is even easier for a fellow passenger to swipe your bag and exit without your knowledge.

2. When walking back to the hotel or hostel late at night, walk in the middle of the road. Stay away from poorly lit sidewalks. Usually the center of the road is the most illuminated. It also gives you freedom to run if necessary and allows you to be in the eyesight of bystanders in the case of an attack.

3. Listen up ladies, do not allow guys to walk to home. Many guys are hoping for a holiday fling and may be quite pushy when you say good-bye at the door of your hotel. It is easy to say adios at the club and avoid an awkward or dangerous scene at the hotel.

4. Don't get drunk. I know when on holiday, a few cocktails are going to be enjoyed, but don't be stupid. The list of dangers that can happen to an intoxicated girl while in a foreign country are numerous. To illustrate my point, take a person who ignores both tip number 3 and 4, and that equals a serious situation. I know from experience....

5. Listen to your instincts. When traveling, sometimes you just get a gut feeling that says, 'don't do that!' God gave us little internal alarm systems, and we should use them.

6. Never leave a beverage unattended or accept beverages from a stranger without seeing it prepared. The use of drugs such as ruffies are on the rise in countries all over the world, even in poorer countries. As someone who had a male gigolo send her a drink, I should know that not guys are out 'just to have fun.'

7. When entering a taxi or tuk-tuk, make sure the the driver has a license posted and that the picture matches the driver. If the driver refuses to use a meter, get a different taxi. I have had an ordinary car drive by a group of me and my friends, turn around, stick a fake taxi sign on the top of his car, and try to get us to get into his car. Make absolutely sure that vehicles you use are legit.

8. I recommend girls to stay in hostels over hotels. It allows the opportunity to meet up with other solo travelers. The added camaraderie coupled with the safety in numbers factor makes it a win-win.

9. Just be aware that being a solo traveling makes you noticeable. Even if you are safe and play it smart, you will be subject to scrutiny. As a female traveling alone, I often had guys approach me, even sometimes saying that they had seen me earlier that day or night as a conversation starter. On the surface, that statement is benign. But if one thinks about it for a second, the creepier it gets. Just know that people are watching you and not everyone is altruistic.

The Unknown

Some people like to be in control. They like to remove all aspects of the unknown from their daily routine. Chance, risk, and uncertainty are almost dirty words in their organized and tidy existence. These people are most happy when their lives are void of surprises. Life is too dynamic to be lived in such a sterile way. I had a weekend a few years ago where the entire trip was a lesson in the virtue of allowing life to happen.

*Story 1*

I decided to visit a friend of mine in Orlando on a whim. She was out of the county until Saturday, but since I found a great price on a flight for Friday I flew down then. My friend's friend pick me up at the airport and I hung out with her lovely friends at a party for the evening. I ended meeting interesting people and enjoyed some authentic Italian wine. I could of have been nervous about having a stranger pick me up at the airport or gotten uptight about attending a party in which I knew no one. But instead, I jumped into the experience whole heartily and ended up with a memorable night.

*Story 2*

The next day my friend arrived and we went to her capoeira class. For those who do not know this sport, let me explain. Capoeira is a type of martial arts that originated in Brazil with the African slaves. The slaves were not allowed to practice their martial arts, so they turned it into a graceful dance that mimics fighting. My friend asked if I wanted to join her lesson, so I quickly thought about it. Hmmm... hot Brazilian men... shirtless....fighting. It was an easy decision to join in. Despite my lack of coordination, I jumped in with both feet, literally. I learned the steps, kicked the bags, and did all that the mestre(instructor) requested of me. I could have been timid or self-conscience and sat on the sidelines, but where is the fun in that? I always want to take every opportunity afforded to me to experience, learn, and grow.

*Story 3*

After our busy day of martial arts, my friend and I were ready for dinner. We looked through a list of restaurants for which she had coupons for. We both hadn't tried Indian food, and so we decided to take a chance and try some. I am so glad we were a bit adventurous with our cuisine choice because the food was divine. Curry, lamb, and naan are now staples in my diet. The savory Indian food was infused with an array of spices that everyone should try at least once. I know many people don't care for 'ethnic' food. They stick to standards like steak and potatoes, but there is a world of flavors like coriander, ginger, saffron, and cilantro that your taste buds are truly missing out on.

Step out into the unknown. Try things that are new and different. Every time I have taken a chance, I am always delighted at the results.

Favorite Sights

In the past 18 months I have journeyed through 13 countries. I've seen many sights and had some amazing experiences. Here are a few of my favorite sights over these last few months.

Angkor, Cambodia-These ancient ruins covers a large area and involve several temple complexes. These religious sights have been the backdrop to movies such as Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones. The architecture of these temples is influenced by the southern Hindu style and date back to the 12th century.
***Advice***Stay at Golden Mango Inn when in Siem Reap. It is a little far from Pub Street, but the lovely inn provides complimentary breakfast, wi-fi, tuk-tuk rides to Pub Street, and bikes for guest use.

Phuket, Thailand-This getaway beside the Andaman Seas has recovered from the horrific Boxing Day tsunami and still effuses beauty and simplicity. If one wanders away from the seediness of Patong Beach, one can find clear blue waters to snorkel, sheer limestone cliffs to scale, and shimmering white sand beaches to relax on. Add in sublime cuisine infused with local spices and European flair to make a vacation in Phuket truly amazing.
***Advice***Stay for a night on the island of Phi-Phi and face your fears. Go on a shark finding tour. The tour includes the boat ride to sea and scuba gear. Then the guide will lead the group through the waters in search of sharks. Before you get too scared, the sharks are only 3ft-3.5 ft long.

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica-One of the most stunning beaches on earth is located in this small Central American country. It is located in the Limon province where the ancestry of half the population is Jamaican, not Spanish. This beach town has embraced the Jamaican way of life of relaxation and tranquility. One feels like life’s problems have simply evaporated into air when he or she walks the dirt roads through the souvenir shops and lies in a hammock along the beach. One of my favorite memories is sitting on the beach looking up at the endless stars and thinking I’d never seen so many in my life.
***Advice***Puerto Viejo is located near Cahuita National Park. Make time in your schedule to take it the palm tree lined beach with it its pristine sand and mischievous monkeys.

Singled Out

Being single is never easy at any age. Being single and almost 26 is downright difficult. This is the time in life friends are getting married, having kids, and saying good-bye to the last vestiges of their youth and irresponsibility. Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City made a good point when she says "Think about it. If you are single, after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you ... Hallmark doesn't make a "congratulations, you didn't marry the wrong guy card.” Being single now entails that I have to spend my hard earned money on sterling silver stemware and Pampers for these happy couples and families. I could wallow in this sea of self-pity, but that isn't my style. Instead I want to look at the positives of being single.

1. You aren't tied down. Single people can work in any state or country. I have been able to live in Seoul, South Korea this last year. Being single allowed me to pick-up and go within just a few weeks.

2. You can do what you want with your free time. It is nice to lay in your pajamas on a Saturday until 4pm every once in a while or decide at midnight to head downtown for some salsa dancing.

3. You are more likely to be bumped up to business or first class on an airplane than a couple or family. Their is no self-pitying when you are drinking champagne at 10,000 feet.

4. Flirting. You can flirt all you want. There is something magically when you meet a person and there is instant chemistry. As a single person, you can guiltlessly flirt with anyone at anytime, and the chance of a romantic encounter is always just around the corner.

5. No splitting the holidays. There is no need to argue which holidays you spend at your folks and who sacrificed holiday bliss last Thanksgiving. You can always spend the holidays with your family and friends.

6. The single person is the sole owner of the remote control, can hog the sheets at night, and never has to share the bathroom. The single person is truly the king or queen of their domain.

7. Spontaneity and freedom are yours. There is no one else’s feelings or schedule to consider. You are free to follow whims, moments of compassion, or irresistible urges. Last year I decided on a whim to fly to Taiwan for a holiday. Being single, I didn’t have to consult anyone but my bank account. There is a joy in having the freedom to just follow your heart’s desires.

These are just a few of the perks of being single that are not to be ignored or dismissed in the search of a Mrs. or Mr. Right. Revel in your singleness while you can, because once its gone, it might never be captured again.

Wanderlust

Someone once told me that I had wanderlust, and I heartily agree. Indeed, I have an insatiable desire to visit new places, learn new languages, experience different cultures, and explore the world around me. This passion was ignited when I was just 15 years old when I took a trip to Costa Rica. Little did I know that my two-week foray into Central America would spark a life-long love affair.

Some people play video games, and others knit to pass time. Me? I daydream. I daydream about new countries I want to visit. I have been lucky over the last 10 years to indulge my lust for wandering. I have had the privilege to visit 20 countries on 3 continents. One might think such travels would sate my voracious appetite, but instead it just makes me want more. The world is like a piece of dark chocolate in which I have only had a taste.

My advice to others who suffer from wanderlust is this. Go! It doesn’t have to be abroad, but start in your hometown. Visit the museums, national parks, and local landmarks. Many times we pass the familiar without ever truly seeing them.

The Internet is a great resource to utilize. If you have an interest and want to explore it with people in your area, check out http://www.meetup.com. They have branches in different cities all over the world. There are groups for mountain hiking to salsa dancing. Starting now, I encourage you to start wandering.

Stop and Explore

No matter what stage in life you are in, there is a lesson we continually need to learn. The lesson is this: stop and explore. In an age of speed, we can get wrapped up in fast cars, instant rebates, and quick tax refunds. The idea of stopping is one that is necessary in this day and age.

Next time you are driving down the road and see a sign for a state park or landmark, stop. Get out of your car and explore. I know people are busy with responsibilities and have a schedule to keep, but there is something inherently exciting about stopping to explore, even if it is something small.

I learned this lesson while driving back and forth from college to my hometown. I would take the same route every time. I could almost drive the 5-hours with my eyes closed. That is, until I started to truly look around me. I decided to deviate from the shortest, most direct route home. I took side streets and investigated those little brown signs that designate historical sights and parks.

Here are a few gems I found along my trip home. One of my first discoveries was of the largest waterfall in Indiana called Cataract Falls. It is just a few minutes off of I-70 near Cloverdale. The waterfall’s highest fall is 30m tall and set next to an old covered bridge. When approaching it, one can hear it before one can see it as the water rushes over its lofty edge.

Another discovery was just south Bedford at Bluespring Caverns. I was driving past and saw their small sign. I drove past it initially, but the sign beckoned to my curious nature so I turned around to investigate. I am so glad I did because Bluespring Caverns is a system of caves that span over 20 miles. Knowledgeable tour guides give boat rides through a sub-terrain river which would be pitch black without the guide’s lamp. Visitors learn about the history of the caves as well as the marine life that lives in the caves.

These are just two gems that I unearthed while on a typical ride home. What are some gems that you are missing out on? Slow down, and look around you. Who knows what you are missing out on...

Couchsurfing

How would you like to travel all over the world, stay in nice accommodations in fantastic location, meet interesting people, and create lasting memories? Oh, yeah one more thing. It's free.

Couchsurfing is a networking website for travelers. According to their website, their mission is "to create Inspiring Experiences...[that] are fun, exciting and accessible experiences that stimulate people to learn and grow. Experiences of this nature encourage people to explore and connect with people and places that are different than what we're accustomed to."

I highly recommend checking this organization out. I have used it for lodging all across Europe and in Asia. While hostels are a great lodging choice for travelers, Couchsurfing has two unique advantages. First, you stay in the homes of the locals. This allows you to see how they live, what foods they eat, and gives the opportunity for relationships to be built. Second, it is an opportunity to learn about special sights or events that are off the beaten track and not listed in the handy Lonely Planet.

Some great memories I have of couchsurfing involves eating dinner with a handsome Hungarian while being serenaded by an accordion, having our lovely hosts walking us through Dracula's Castle in Romania, and getting a tour of Prague Castle by moonlight. Couchsurfing allows travelers to not just pass through countries, but a chance to truly experience the people that make each country special.


Make sure to check out http://www.couchsurfing.com

****For single travelers who may want to use this site, there is a great safety system set up. While staying with a stranger will always have a small degree of uncertainty attached to it, there is a great reference and voucher system in place that gives sufficient information for making an informed decision about who to stay with.

Going Alone

I once overheard a girl saying that she couldn't wait to be married so that she and her husband could go on exotic vacations together. While that is quite a sweet sentiment, for some reason it did not sit well with me. I wish I had known the girl so I could question her further. I would have loved to sit her down and ask her what she was waiting for. Did she think the oceans would be bluer if she had a significant other? Would the sunsets be more vivid if she was holding her lover's hand? That the sand between her toes would feel silkier if she was gazing into her man's eyes.

The answer is no.

So, she was waiting on someone else to take an adventure she was fully capable to starting on her own. Life is short. God has our days numbered and we don't know which will be our last. Never let something you want to do, depend on someone else. Don't be afraid to go it alone. There is something freeing in figuring out the bus system in Vietnam on your own or awe-inspiring to trek alone in temple ruins at sunset. Going alone gives opportunity for growth and self-examination that does not occur in any other setting. So, don't be afraid of doing by yourself. There is a wonderful and exciting world just waiting for you to explore.

Yes, Table for One

Some people cringe when they hear the phrase, 'Table for One' called out in a busy restaurant. Instantly they think back to when they were single. They associate being single with awkwardness, insecurities, and shyness. They instantly pity the poor soul that chooses to enter a busy establishment filled with families and couples to eat their meal. Tongues cluck and heads shake. But also, another phenomenon occurs. They are instantly curious as to who the person is. Will it be an overweight middle-aged women with a poor taste in fashion? Or a gauntly man with horn-rimmed glasses and a severe case of halitosis?

I'd like to interject at this point with saying that the single diner should not be pitied. Instead they should be envied. While families and couples may have to wait in line for a table, the solo eater can sidle up to the bar and order quickly. Or, while the families have to juggle high chairs, screaming kids, and food fights, the person eating alone can quietly sit in the corner and enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant in quiet solitude with a nice glass of merlot.

Advantages the solo eater has compared other paired-up patrons, is that the solo patron can eat what he or she wants. No worry of bad breathe for an end of the night kiss, so bring on the garlic sauce over Portobello mushrooms and black bean sauce for the frittata. Being alone is not something to be pitied or avoided, and has no reflection on the social skills of the individual. To eat alone is a choice, and one in which other single people should not be afraid to choose.