Just taking a stroll
Traveling alone isn't for everyone. In fact, it seems only a select few can really enjoy that much time by their lonesome. While the phrase “traveling alone,” in Southeast Asia definitely merits quotation marks around it (you are never alone in Southeast Asia), taking time to yourself while traveling is necessary. Though I’m a firm believer that reflection is much easier to do when you are by yourself, introspection isn't the only reason a little alone time is good while traveling.
After a good night’s sleep, I decided to take a solo stroll around the island of Gili Trawangan. While the island itself is only four miles around, the majority of the action is located around the small harbor where tourist boats arrive. With most of the islands visitors show up in groups, initial interaction with the locals is seemingly reserved for those trying to sell you food or a place to stay. While I did arrive in a group, my walk around the island introduced me to how easy it is to meet new friends when you are by yourself. In fact, in the short 800m walk to the restaurant where I ate, it felt as if the entire island took on a new look or feel.
While it may be intimidating to approach a large group, trying to interact with one person is much easier. On Gili Trawangan, the locals are incredibly nice and still very interested in meeting new travelers. They are warm and inviting and love to make conversation with visitors on their island. This, though, is much more difficult if you are with a large group. Being out in public individually opens up an entirely new medium for interaction while traveling.
Though being alone isn't always fun, being part of a large group of westerns usually is intimidating for the local population, curbing any interaction between the two groups. Walking down the street by yourself, as long as you are warm and inviting, can lead to eye-opening conversation and a better chance to become integrated into the new culture. A short work can be the catalyst for an entirely new chapter of your journey.
Photo courtesy of Kjri Sydney
