A beautiful piece. I loved this! It probably helps that I live alone in Paris so sometimes I forget to romanticise my life here as much as I should. Thanks for the reminder :)
My first time solo travelling was after a breakup. He had always told me I “couldn’t” because he’d be “too worried” about me and wouldn’t I prefer us to be doing things together and making memories together? I went to Oslo for three days and immediately returned home and booked a month long trip to Hong Kong and Australia. I loved travelling alone!
On that first trip, I made a little list of all the things I found hard or noticed about myself. Eating alone was top billing. I struggled with it for a number of trips, but I’m happy to say that ten years later, and 12 countries solo travelled, not a single thing on that list is still a struggle for me. Solo travelling is a muscle, and all it takes is practice. (So anyone in the comments thinking - I could never do that, PLEASE, try!)
It sounds like you had an incredible time, and I’m totally gonna check out the mojitos (and hot waiter) in cafe Hugo!
Feels like I just had a really good session with a therapist!
Absolutely agree with the lights on thing, fairylights especially!
I tried some of this once, (though not the vibrator thing).
I took myself away a few years ago - to a lovely suite with 2 bedrooms, jacuzzi, sauna, and a wonderful view over Main Square in Kraków. The hotel collected me in a Rolls Royce and it was all very lovely, but I've always struggled with eating on my own. I was very almost tempted by the offer of vodka with my breakfast.
I think you're right though - nobody really gives two fucks. I don't need to hide within my own bubble and I don't need to feel weird about eating or drinking solo!
You wrote some words I've needed to hear for decades, so thank you!
I haven't walked into a pub on my own since about 1992, but I think I could do it now!
How much is a pint these days anyway?
I should be able to get a couple and change from a fiver, right?
As a parisian, I am absolutely delighted that you are enjoying my city alone, I think it's the best way to discover a city and yourself. This was like a breath of fresh air, I now have the need to buy myself a toy ✌
'be a good date' and 'remember, it's sexy and mysterious' were particularly excellent pieces of advice. while I certainly enjoy dates with a living, breathing Other, frankly I'm a better date and always will be.
I have always go everywhere alone, I take myself out for small trips near where I live, I will be soon working and not just studying and I am so excited to be able to go further, like visiting other countries etc... The thing is that eating a full dinner by myself sounds scary hahaha, I can go by myself to local festivities, parties, shopping... But dinner alone sounds terrifying and oddly beautiful and mysterious, may be the first thing I do in my next paycheck, a romantic chic dinner in a place I like and with lots of food. Thanks, nice post <33
Gwan Hats!!! What a trip. Also you can say anything on substack without fear of being banned, they have literal nazis here.
A beautiful piece. I loved this! It probably helps that I live alone in Paris so sometimes I forget to romanticise my life here as much as I should. Thanks for the reminder :)
My first time solo travelling was after a breakup. He had always told me I “couldn’t” because he’d be “too worried” about me and wouldn’t I prefer us to be doing things together and making memories together? I went to Oslo for three days and immediately returned home and booked a month long trip to Hong Kong and Australia. I loved travelling alone!
On that first trip, I made a little list of all the things I found hard or noticed about myself. Eating alone was top billing. I struggled with it for a number of trips, but I’m happy to say that ten years later, and 12 countries solo travelled, not a single thing on that list is still a struggle for me. Solo travelling is a muscle, and all it takes is practice. (So anyone in the comments thinking - I could never do that, PLEASE, try!)
It sounds like you had an incredible time, and I’m totally gonna check out the mojitos (and hot waiter) in cafe Hugo!
As someone who is chronically guilty of seeking to please/receive validation from men, this was a fabulous reframe!! Attention going back to ME bby!!!
Love everything about this H, especially the happy ending. You are light in the darkness of dating. Thank you for another beautiful piece of writing.
I loveeee this
OBSESSED
great piece! is that cafe hugo in place des voges? my wife and i go there every time we're in pareee
Feels like I just had a really good session with a therapist!
Absolutely agree with the lights on thing, fairylights especially!
I tried some of this once, (though not the vibrator thing).
I took myself away a few years ago - to a lovely suite with 2 bedrooms, jacuzzi, sauna, and a wonderful view over Main Square in Kraków. The hotel collected me in a Rolls Royce and it was all very lovely, but I've always struggled with eating on my own. I was very almost tempted by the offer of vodka with my breakfast.
I think you're right though - nobody really gives two fucks. I don't need to hide within my own bubble and I don't need to feel weird about eating or drinking solo!
You wrote some words I've needed to hear for decades, so thank you!
I haven't walked into a pub on my own since about 1992, but I think I could do it now!
How much is a pint these days anyway?
I should be able to get a couple and change from a fiver, right?
This really is one of my favourite pieces on substack hahah
As a parisian, I am absolutely delighted that you are enjoying my city alone, I think it's the best way to discover a city and yourself. This was like a breath of fresh air, I now have the need to buy myself a toy ✌
“Him owning his own company and all” sent me 😭
'be a good date' and 'remember, it's sexy and mysterious' were particularly excellent pieces of advice. while I certainly enjoy dates with a living, breathing Other, frankly I'm a better date and always will be.
Sooo good, I’ve got a solo trip to Barcelona next month for the same reasons - will be trying all of the above
I have always go everywhere alone, I take myself out for small trips near where I live, I will be soon working and not just studying and I am so excited to be able to go further, like visiting other countries etc... The thing is that eating a full dinner by myself sounds scary hahaha, I can go by myself to local festivities, parties, shopping... But dinner alone sounds terrifying and oddly beautiful and mysterious, may be the first thing I do in my next paycheck, a romantic chic dinner in a place I like and with lots of food. Thanks, nice post <33
I like the part about thinking of yourself and leaving the light on! Setting the vibe out! Great read will put into practice
Wow the link is so perfect.