An hour into my 9.2 km hike on the Robberg Nature Reserve, I looked over an expansive vista with several other hikers. No one said a word. All five of us soaked in the moment and even though we were a crowd, we were all enjoying a solidarity moment staring at the ocean and no doubt, reflecting on something private. It was a lovely moment. It was an in-the-moment moment.
This was one of those weekend where a planed getaway to the lower Drakensberg quickly morphed into a series of unfortunate events. Sometimes even a seasoned traveller needs to be reminded that sometimes nothing goes according to plan and you have to let go of all expectations in order to enjoy the moment. Once I did that, this weekend turned into exactly what I needed.
Afar Magazine published an article early this year, “Where to Travel the Year According to Your Astrological Sign.” Whilst I don’t believe that our date of birth predicts the future much less correlates with our travel preferences, it is always oddly unsettling when you find a bit of truth in your horoscope. According the the astrologer, Pisces (like me) are drawn to vast open space like the ocean, forest, or desert where they feel connected to the world. Perhaps this is why my weekend walking a largely deserted beach at Prana Lodge at the start of the Wild Coast was a welcomed respite.
I consider myself to be a rational person. I don’t actually believe that objects have the power to protect people from harm, but that doesn’t stop me from covering my bases by traveling with a talisman. I never leave home without a bracelet wrapped around my wrist or tucked into my carry-on.
“Have you been to Durban yet?” Despite having traveled extensively around South Africa, in a year and a half I had only spent one day in Durban for work. So, I finally booked a weekend away to explore South Africa’s third largest city and a place The New York Times named one of the 50 places to go in 2015. I had great plans for a weekend in Durbs except that when I arrived, I chucked aside all of my plans in favor of lazing around the beach.
Solo travel can seem daunting the first time you book a trip for one, but it is also rewarding. There are the selfish pleasures of not having to compromise (meals are eaten when you are hungry, waking-up is dictated by your internal circadian rhythms, and you determine how the day will unfold). When alone you are also more approachable.