tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post6216446292938567462..comments2024-03-18T21:16:14.441-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Traveling SoloJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-3635831401920550092016-08-28T11:01:02.944-04:002016-08-28T11:01:02.944-04:00A little late on this, because I was, in fact, on...A little late on this, because I was, in fact, on vacation with my family- 2 daughters, 2 sons in law, a grandbaby, a grand 3 year old. Needless to say, it was very different from traveling alone! I love taking a vacation with all of them ( more vacation than "traveling" as such), love to travel with my husband, and love to travel alone. The first time I did that was when I went to Williamsburg, a desire no one in my family shared.I took the train, stayed at a B& B, did my history geek thing to my heart's overflowing content. No explanations, no compromises. It was great. The next time was when I was able to attach a few days in Paris (hadn't been there in 30 years!) to a work training program in Oslo. It was great too. PIs anyone surprised? I navigated the Metro (well, I live in NY and rode the subway every day - I could do it, I told myself) I walked my feet off, and then took a boat ride on the Seine. Ate whatever, whenever.Went to Monet's garden in Giverny on my birthday. After awhile, I got lonely, sure, but I was also observing, absorbing, taking notes both mental and on paper. Cause that's what writers do.Trisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08058396345946250313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-3328510523115917622016-08-26T11:54:03.604-04:002016-08-26T11:54:03.604-04:00Terrific post! Love all of the comments above.
T...Terrific post! Love all of the comments above.<br /><br />Travelling solo for me is fun, though it's also fun with family and friends. I had the extra challenge of having 115 db hearing loss, which is major! I learned how to rely on visual cues. Regardless, sometimes people want to help me, which is welcome sometimes when I do need help. Sometimes they will listen to my speech and try to figure out where I am from :-)<br /><br />As an only child, I learned to be very independent. I travelled solo by plane when I was in the 5th grade from the East Coast of the US to the West Coast. I travelled solo when I went abroad for my Junior Year abroad to Oxford, England. Travelled to Germany on my own and I got lost! I got off at the wrong train station in Hamburg and I went to the poilz (police) station and asked for directions. Travelled solo to Europe to meet up with a tour group (14 days) then I travelled solo from Rome to Copenhagen on the train. I notice that when I travel on my own, I prefer to stay at bed and breakfast inns instead of big hotels. One exception is when I went to the Malice convention in Betheseda (sp?).<br /><br />Susan, on one of my solo trips, I went to Edinburgh for a week. They had this wonderful Children's Museum on the Royal Mile, which I liked better than the children's Museum in London. I think Kiddo will love the children's museum on the Royal Mile. <br /><br />Krista, I find I am braver when I am with friends. Your story reminds me of a friend's teenager. She and a friend were travelling together to Europe. The friend's teenager really wanted to see JK Rowling's midnight reading in Edinburgh but her friend wanted to go to Rome. Eventually, they agreed to split up and she went on her own to Edinburgh because she loved loved the Harry Potter series!<br /><br />Deborah, this is a great topic!<br /><br />DianaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-16202589145731632742016-08-26T10:01:26.136-04:002016-08-26T10:01:26.136-04:00I have traveled alone quite a bit. I find I'm ...I have traveled alone quite a bit. I find I'm braver when I'm with friends, and more likely to go places that might not have been at the top of my list. <br /><br />However, I still remember a horrible, screaming family argument (not my family, thank heaven!) that I witnessed in Vienna, Austria. I decided then and there that it's just hard to be together 24/7. It taught me to split up sometimes when I travel with friends. If I'm not interested in the Museum of Boat Barnacles, I go where I want to go, (sometimes shopping), and we meet up for dinner. Everyone is happy, and we have new things to talk about because everyone had an adventure. It's the best of both worlds.Kristahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11002970043709820868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-48126340477246631202016-08-25T23:18:23.325-04:002016-08-25T23:18:23.325-04:00I so wanted to get here earlier today and post, bu...I so wanted to get here earlier today and post, but I have had the most glorious day, so I don't feel too bad. After picking up my younger granddaughter (turns seven on Saturday) from school, we went and had ice cream, and then we met her parents (my daughter and her husband) at the boat ramp right across the road and went boating on the Ohio River. This was a big deal for me, as I am not a boater, but my sweet granddaughter wanted me to go, as they had gotten a new boat, and so I went. It was wonderful--the scenery, the feeling of floating across the water with the blue sky above, and telling stories to my granddaughter as we sat in the front of the boat. We explored a sandy bank where they often go, and I can't wait to go again.<br /><br />So, I am definitely going to Bouchercon. I'll be the one with bells on or baltering (see my FB post). I can't wait to see all of you who are going! Prepare for some hugs and squeals. I just did a post on my book blog with a little contest for naming the authors in the pictures. The first group of authors were some of the authors who have already experienced my squeeeeeeeee. The second group were some authors I intend to meet and squeeeee to in NOLA. I hope some of us here can get together, including you, my Reds authors and other authors (Lisa A.). Terry Shames is going to join a large group of us going out to eat and to hear some music Tuesday night. I had such a great time going out to eat in Raleigh with Terry and Rhys along. Others are welcome. <br /><br />Traveling alone? I fly alone all the time, but I usually meet someone at my destination. When I go to Hawaii when my husband is there on business, I do sightseeing by myself and love it. I do have a travel buddy that I've traveled with the last few years, and she and I always have a great time. We travel very well together. I wish that I had traveled more by myself before I got married, but for some insane reason, I thought I should get married at 22. My big trip to England and Scotland that I hope to go on in the next couple of years is a little uncertain as to whether I'll have a travel mate or not, but I know some people with whom I can connect in those countries, too. Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41268887869936660972016-08-25T20:00:14.143-04:002016-08-25T20:00:14.143-04:00I just got home from dinner at Spiro's with a ...I just got home from dinner at Spiro's with a Jane Yolen book on my Kindle. ;-)<br />On one of my recent cruises, Norwegian was testing, as part of the open seating, having a "mixer" table for single passengers and anyone else who wanted company at dinner. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41385578059227888242016-08-25T19:20:45.725-04:002016-08-25T19:20:45.725-04:00I love to travel and it's great when my husban...I love to travel and it's great when my husband or friends can join me, but, if they can't, pffft, it'll be fun, anyway! My love of solo travel started with my first job out of college, in R&D for a tech company. They sent me all over the country by myself; in retrospect, I can't believe how lucky I was! I can't think of a trip that hasn't involved learning something surprising, fun, life-changing along the way. The sign on my desk reads "Blessed are the curious, for they shall have ADVENTURES." I love adventures!<br /><br />But I think the thing most people really hate isn't traveling alone, it's eating alone. Nobody can believe I go to nice restaurants by myself... with a book, of course! That's always worked just wonderfully, except in Atlanta. For some reason, people in Atlanta abhorred the idea of a woman alone with a meal and a book, and kept stopping by to express sympathy (and, usually, to ask me to join them.) It was really a challenge not to turn it into a drinking game, but THAT wasn't going to end well... :-D Kristihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07605406591025175181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-40722113457101657262016-08-25T18:37:25.734-04:002016-08-25T18:37:25.734-04:00My husband and I have different interests for what...My husband and I have different interests for what we do in our time away from work. And I encourage it because we have so little time to do what makes him/me happy so do it rather than suffer through something that is not making you happy. For the last four years Steve has gone to SHOT show in Vegas in January. SHOT is shooting, hunting, outdoor and ... T something. He is a kid in a huge-mongous candy store there whereas I'm sure I'd be complaining about how boring it all was and my feet hurt. Last year I decided that I deserve an away vacation, too, so I went to Bouchercon last fall in Raleigh and I'm going again next month in New Orleans. Mystery books are what I love. He would be bored to tears ... or worse, tantrums. So far it's working out. I don't know what I'll do next year. Maybe Bouchercon ... maybe Ireland. :) PK the Bookeemonsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03478996122841311684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-66549244362013506612016-08-25T18:12:19.247-04:002016-08-25T18:12:19.247-04:00Hi Debs,
I love solo travel. My parents never sto...Hi Debs,<br /><br />I love solo travel. My parents never stopped me from travelling alone when I was young. I had fun, and it gave me a lot of confidence. I'm not sure how wise it was on my parents' part, but I took part in things according to my choice, planned on my own as I made arrangements, packed my bags, and left. I've visited places and done things that some of my friends never have done.<br /><br />I started early when I was eight, I think, by taking a train from Salem to a farm about 30 miles north where I joined a farmer who took me in his truck to visit his cows pastured in New Hampshire. On the way he told me all about the advantages of real pastures where the cows eat fresh growing vegetation. He also explained how you can know what the cows ate when you drank the milk. Sometimes it had a hint of wild onion and sometimes apple, clover and local grasses. His home farm had an apple tree the cows would pull apples from. His milk was the best I ever had.<br /><br />I still make trips like that. Sometimes it's summer in Oxford for study and living at Christ Church College, and other times it's visiting a farm. Several years ago I visited a hog farm in Iowa and stayed with the family that owned and farmed it. They lived so far away from town that the family built a small church at the place where four sections of family farmland met. All four related families could attend either as a meeting or when a minister came through, a regular service.<br /><br />Not too many people want to do these things with me. Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-63030906250561930992016-08-25T16:45:28.303-04:002016-08-25T16:45:28.303-04:00I hate being alone, except when I'm working on...I hate being alone, except when I'm working on my books. I would never travel alone for pleasure. It wouldn't be pleasure. Like Lucy, I want to share the experience and impressions of a place with someone. For me, it's a need for companionship. Perhaps that sounds sappy.<br /><br />On another note, Susan, I've been to Edinburgh twice and absolutely loved the city. It's nice that you'll be able to visit with your husband and son next year. Daniella Bernetthttp://www.daniellabernett.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-56840438765976920102016-08-25T16:16:25.008-04:002016-08-25T16:16:25.008-04:00I have traveled alone, for a whole year as a teach...I have traveled alone, for a whole year as a teacher for a rapid reading/study skills program, and often for pleasure as well, though I'm also happy to have company. A friend once said of one trip, "You're going ALONE?" I assured her there would be people on the cruise. I've met some awfully nice people when on my own. Why miss anything you really want to do? <3 Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-36224456757847855362016-08-25T16:15:44.706-04:002016-08-25T16:15:44.706-04:00Great discussion! I love traveling alone and I tra...Great discussion! I love traveling alone and I traveled all over Japan in my twenties alone also later in Mali in West Africa.Edith Maxwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01388006370860482509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-64712015873477378002016-08-25T16:15:35.583-04:002016-08-25T16:15:35.583-04:00Great discussion! I love traveling alone and I tra...Great discussion! I love traveling alone and I traveled all over Japan in my twenties alone also later in Mali in West Africa.Edith Maxwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01388006370860482509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-12076588207887764212016-08-25T14:58:45.458-04:002016-08-25T14:58:45.458-04:00I tend to do both. More often than not, I travel ...I tend to do both. More often than not, I travel to mystery conventions by myself and then meet up with friends who are also attending. I am attending Bouchercon in NOLA. I have never been to NOLA, so I am looking forward to it. Not sure if my husband will be joining me this time or not. I do think the WWII museum sounds interesting. I am excited about the new experience and about hopefully meeting some new friends!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16432509313245703368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-21214173619439149742016-08-25T14:52:52.144-04:002016-08-25T14:52:52.144-04:00I've always traveled alone and I love it. I te...I've always traveled alone and I love it. I tend to lose myself in places, it can drive traveling companions nuts. Of course, I also love traveling with family, but I'm lucky enough to have a husband who says, "We'll meet back at the hotel at 6." and mean it and not be resentful. Kaithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07758348842858993203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-22126300646182143122016-08-25T14:30:35.669-04:002016-08-25T14:30:35.669-04:00Lisa,
We are getting in to New Orleans on the Su...Lisa, <br /><br />We are getting in to New Orleans on the Sunday before Bouchercon. There are lots of people doing the same, so the city will be a virtual who's who of the crime fiction community. <br /><br />Looking forward to seeing everyone there. I'm moderating an excellent panel on Strong Lead Characters with a stellar group of authors on Friday morning @ 9:30. Maybe I'll see some of you there!Kristopherhttp://www.bolobooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-21854081644734474292016-08-25T13:13:27.430-04:002016-08-25T13:13:27.430-04:00Hank, I haven't been to NOLA since I was a tee...Hank, I haven't been to NOLA since I was a teenager, when I went several times with my folks and loved it, so I'm really looking forward to it. It is my daughter and son-in-law's favorite place, so they're coming, too, with Wren (her first trip to NOLA), although they are not registered for the conference. I can see the days flying by already, and I'm afraid I'm going to be trying to finish my copy edit! Eeek.Deborah Crombiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988750789088153601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-23318138620508057652016-08-25T13:06:38.215-04:002016-08-25T13:06:38.215-04:00Lisa, "my brain returns to me" is an abs...Lisa, "my brain returns to me" is an absolutely perfect way to describe it. That's exactly how it feels!Deborah Crombiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988750789088153601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-70597974370565244212016-08-25T12:55:09.018-04:002016-08-25T12:55:09.018-04:00AND THE WINNNER of Debra Goldstein's book via...AND THE WINNNER of Debra Goldstein's book via the cake blog: well, let Debra herself announce! Yay!<br /><br /> …is Kathy Reel. If she will send me her address (dhg@debrahgoldstein.com), I'll be glad to send her a book and some swag for running late :). <br />Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-13023577743782050922016-08-25T12:46:12.913-04:002016-08-25T12:46:12.913-04:00This is a topic right up my alley: I LOVE travelin...This is a topic right up my alley: I LOVE traveling alone. I probably travel alone better than with companions. I relax somehow--my brain returns to me, in a way--that might not make sense, but I don't know how to explain it. The first time I traveled alone was right after college when I moved to South America. I burst into tears of fear as I entered security, surprising my parents, and then I was fine,and since then I've thrived on it. Novel research, my own personal writing retreats -- it's all good.<br /><br />Even little trips give me pleasure. Tomorrow I'm taking the train up to Seattle to do an event at Seattle Mystery Bookstore. I'll only be there for 24-hours, but I'm excited to sit on a train for three hours and just "be" (but I'll be working on the WIP mostly). <br /><br />Can't wait for Bouchercon! Who else is getting in early to do the tourist thing?Lisa Alberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12591430453957883948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-78803203878655017172016-08-25T12:28:33.602-04:002016-08-25T12:28:33.602-04:00Great topic! Traveling more for book research (and...Great topic! Traveling more for book research (and writing with no interruptions or obligations) is a major goal for the next couple years! I envy those of you who can do it!!<br /><br />I love traveling alone too, which is great because my husband has canceled on me at the last minute on several major trips. On one, I met friends for a house party then drove around France for a week by myself--once I bought a TomTom navigating by myself got easier. When I was single, I use to travel alone most of the time--for business and for fun--and often met interesting people along the way. When traveling with other people, we tend to stay more to ourselves which is kind of disappointing at times.Lark Brennanhttp://www.larkbrennan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-34646102645669919772016-08-25T12:26:32.770-04:002016-08-25T12:26:32.770-04:00Yes, traveling alone for work, and together for pl...Yes, traveling alone for work, and together for pleasure. (I love that JOnathan carries my heavy stuff!--even though I can do it just fine on my own.)<br /><br />ANd ye, KAye, it is a juggle to travel in a pack! We have several couples we go away with, and it's terrific--but we're all used to each other's quirks, and have learned to (mostly) ignore them. <br /><br />Hey--let's make sure we all know who's gong to Bouchercon! Susan, Debs, Hank, Rhys..<br /><br />Rowena--you are so brave! oxoHank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-14124086482227992592016-08-25T11:32:46.560-04:002016-08-25T11:32:46.560-04:00I think I've probably come across as antisocia...I think I've probably come across as antisocial, which I think everyone would agree I am NOT. I am not shy, I love being with people, and I'm always interested in people. So maybe that time alone serves as a counter-balance. And I think all of us who write, at least, have to have the ability not only to spend time alone but to enjoy it. Otherwise work would be hell. (Not to say that there aren't days when it is...)<br /><br />Karen, you zoo days sounds amazing. And I put in the photo of the kingfisher, because I know how much Hallie loves birding (as do I.) It just said "common kingfisher) so not sure if it is American or not. I'll bet Hallie can tell us.<br /><br />Looking forward to seeing everyone at Bouchercon! But I am giving myself a "quiet day" when I get to New Orleans, and will have to retreat to my room periodically:-)Deborah Crombiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988750789088153601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-7045804771131471442016-08-25T11:18:33.403-04:002016-08-25T11:18:33.403-04:00Susan, I'll be at Bouchercon, and very excited...Susan, I'll be at Bouchercon, and very excited to have a chance to meet you, at last. And to seeing all the Reds and Reds-adjacent, as well! <br /><br />Hallie, love the photo. Is it a kingfisher? From which country? <br /><br />You all know I was in Europe recently on my own, completely alone for only a week, but considering I have only been traveling internationally since spring of 2001, it was a big deal for me. Our supremely well-traveled Rhys, though, gave me a couple of pep talks that made a big difference in my enjoyment. <br /><br />Having traveled extensively within the US, mostly with my husband, it was a refreshing change to make my own schedule, and one that didn't revolve around where and when to take photographs. :-) One of my best days happened in Innsbruck. My travel agent had advised me to take a day trip to Salzburg from there to visit the Mozart House, etc. However, it had been raining and cold all over Europe (this is when Paris flooded), and the forecast for Salzburg was more of the same. I just couldn't face trudging around to yet another museum or church, in pouring rain, especially when it was only going to be cloudy in Innsbruck. <br /><br />The desk clerk showed me how to get to the funicular that went up the mountain on the other side of the Inn River, and I decided to visit the Alpenzoo, Europe's highest zoo. A mere 12.50 Euros bought a ticket back and forth on the Zaha Hadid-designed funicular that crossed the Inn and went straight up the mountain, and included entrance to the zoo. The day turned out great, with intermittent sun, not a drop of rain, and spectacular views of the city, far below and across the river. I spent a lovely day hiking up and down the mountain, checking out native Austrian Alpen animals, chatting with visitors from all over the world with small children, and having a traditional Austrian meal (late) at the beautiful old hotel at the zoo. <br /><br />Best of all, my "dinner" later was nothing more than a glass of the local wine, Gruner Veltliner, and my favorite dessert of all time, the regional Sacher torte. That would never have happened if I'd been traveling with anyone else. That day remains one of my favorites of the whole trip, too.Karen in Ohiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18002794561817071780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-20555206231745194152016-08-25T10:15:06.533-04:002016-08-25T10:15:06.533-04:00What a timely post this is. I'm sitting here ...What a timely post this is. I'm sitting here working on my next Jungle Red post which is about my upcoming trip to New Orleans for Bouchercon.<br /><br />I love traveling alone. Always have. I'm pretty picky about who I do travel with, and so far, Donald Barley is my favorite traveling companion. But. I still like those occasional trips by myself.<br /><br />Like Debs, I love having that alone time to really observe, think about and process some of the places I'm visiting, sites I'm seeing. Like Hank, I love the total freedom of doing what I want, when I want without saying, "yes, I'd love ice cream for dinner. I believe I'll call room service."<br /><br />I recently had a "girl's week at the beach" trip, but I was careful about who I invited and was pretty sure those who were coming would mix well together (although, really, you don't ever know for sure!). Not only did it work well, it worked so beautifully we're already planning it again for next year. This came about because, frankly, I've been fighting some depression since my mom died last year. I needed some girlfriends around to be silly with, but at the same time could allow those random tears. They will never, I don't think, fully understand exactly how much that week at the beach helped.<br /><br />I've rambled, haven't I?<br /><br />imagine that.<br /><br />I love traveling alone. And, honestly? Would do more of it if I could afford it.<br /><br /><br /><br />Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Museshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07486129009717476920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-60998203797386864562016-08-25T10:02:52.448-04:002016-08-25T10:02:52.448-04:00I'm with you, Dru Ann. A little bit of both. I...I'm with you, Dru Ann. A little bit of both. I like having other people around because I get terribly lonely. I'd probably rarely leave my hotel room. Yet I do like trips when I get some time to myself - usually to write or just decompress. Because I am an introvert and I need that.<br /><br />Whenever I travel with my family, it feels like every minute has to be scheduled and just -- ugh. But then there are the moments when we are en route or hanging together and one of the kids will say something funny. Or I'm traveling with my SinC buddies and there are those moments. Like coming home from Bouchercon last year when we thought we were going to have to evacuate the airport. One of my friends had just come back from a pedicure and she was still wearing those flimsy flip-flops. All she could think about was not messing up her toenail polish! It was hysterical.<br /><br />I'll be at Bouchercon and yes, looking forward to it. My husband will have free time while I'm doing the author thing - I'm trying to convince him to go to the WWII museum. He's such a history buff.Liz Millironhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04919409969263609919noreply@blogger.com