My recent trip - uncomfortable joy

I travelled alone as a newly born senior, and went through Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania and on from there to Greece. I was delighted to find interrailing more similar to cherished memories of interrailing as a teen than what could have been expected, though a little less risky. We had heatwaves, engine breakdowns, and long layovers in unusual locations, and I had great conversations all along. It turns out travelling solo as a 60 year old lady is great. So much tension is taken out of social situations, and I found young people, in particular, to be interested as well as interesting in long conversations. I embraced the occasional discomfort and - apologies for the cheesiness - found my own self en route by way of it. By that, I mean my ‘shape’ in the world, relocated by rubbing up against the world. This is a strongly recommended remedy against complacency and ennui, and I had many moments of just sitting in myself, absolutely content and at peace, or walking around at 6am with freshly baked bread and a blissful grin. I can’t wait until next time.