Home. Finally. Well, that’s not entirely true as I type this from a pub inside the Detroit airport. No, I’m not getting fish and chips again. Yes, I did order another cider. (I conquered most all the ciders in England, maybe I need to start with domestics now?)
Let’s talk about transportation. I think what intimidates people the most about traveling internationally alone is navigating the transportation of it all – that, and, the being alone. Yes, the first time I went into a restaurant to eat alone, it felt…weird. But navigating the travel is A LOT. I’m not going to lie. Honestly though, I was glad that I was just responsible for myself. There was something freeing about that. When you travel with your family or a friend, you (or at least I do this) second guess every decision – departure times, gates, tickets, bus, subway, train, Ubers….if you’re the mom, you know exactly what I mean.
Google Maps is a lifesaver and necessary. Of course, I’m an Apple user, but I found that Apple Maps was either unresponsive or not specific enough in a few circumstances. When you’re all alone in another country across the ocean, this isn’t a good feeling. I’m someone who ALWAYS wants to know exactly where I am so I can make a mental map (thanks, Dad). If you don’t have the Google Maps app, download it immediately. There’d I be, standing on the street in London. I’d type in my destination, choose my mode of transportation and JUST LIKE THAT a ton of options would appear. It would tell me exactly which bus stop, what bus number or the nearest tube station, which platform and what stop. And, of course, I used it countless times for walking different routes. (Did I mention that London is huge? HUGE I TELL YA!)
So, now, I’m going to sit in an air conditioned, American airport pub and enjoy my Blake’s Hard Cider and LARGE ice water. Recap and reflection coming soon.
Alyventures 