Finding freedom: my first solo trip.

When i was 20, i did a try-out to check if I could be able to travel alone by myself. I took a 3 week long holiday to Gran Canaria, in which I spent the first week with my best friend, and the last week with my parents. The 2nd week I’d spend alone by myself. It was an unpleasant feeling having to see my friend leave after one week – especially for him – but I remember having a feeling of being free. And most importantly, I felt at home on this island. When my parents arrived in the last part of my long holiday, I remember on the second day we were having lunch in the complex’ restaurant. My dad asked me: “And, Kim, are you excited to go home in 6 days?” I swear I nearly started crying and i begged him not to say those words again during the rest of the time. We spent a nice holiday together and when the bus came on the final day to bring us to the airport, I remember tears rolling over my face. That’s how much I felt like my soul needed to be there on that small island off the coast of West-Africa. Exacty 2,5 years later I then took the step of booking my very first solo holiday to the island again. To a hotel I’ve not been before. By then it was my 5th time on the island and I just couldn’t get enough of it. I had booked a package deal so I had the flight, transfer to the hotel and hotel included. It was during this holiday that I had learned how to take the local bus, which was so easy to do, and a very cheap way of transportation. At the age of 22 and 7 months I do not remember ever having had feelings of loneliness or anxiety walking down the streets of Playa del Inglés at night, on my own. There are 350 taxis in that area, street lights are on, and hotels have 24 hour reception. Also very low crime rate. By nature, I’m not easily scared. Or bored. I should check my diary to see which activities I engaged in during my 10-day-stay, but I’m sure it involved ALOT of walking. Probably to the Sahara sand dunes which is a unique desert here in Europe, and extremely spectacular the first time you lay eyes on it. I also remember going out to the discotheques in Shopping Center Kasbah, which at that time – and nowadays still during the summer months – was THE place to be. After dancing and enjoying a cocktail or two, I always got home safe and in one piece. I can say that this experiment was successful and that I was ready for more. More solo travels, more life experience, more happiness and joy. That’s what I was working for back at home. Just a few months before this holiday I had started my Spanish lessons in an evening school. Because, my mind was now made up more than ever. I was going to live on Gran Canaria one day. Renting an apartment, working with tourists, and speaking Spanish. And when I would, I would not leave after a week, or after three weeks. It would just be me and my one way ticket, no return date plan

Photo: 2003, Club Green Oasis, Gran Canaria