Good morning everyone, you’re welcome to my blog today.
The idea of a solo trip has always been quietly in my head, just like a small dream waiting for the right moment to be manifested. I woke up feeling excited and finally decided to take the step. I got into my car and informed my mom and my sister that I would be traveling.
The plan was simple. I would drive across the country, see where the road would take me, explore some new dishes, and experience whatever happens along the way.
Before leaving, my younger sister Vera stood by the gate watching me. She asked, “Are you sure you want to do this alone?” She looked worried and asked if I wanted her to come along. I leaned out of my car window and told her, “Sometimes you have to walk through life alone.” I assured her that I would be safe. She nodded and told me to make sure I called so they would know I was safe. I agreed and promised to always let them know how I was doing.
I drove out with mixed feelings. The road slowly disappeared behind me and everything got replaced by quiet fields, peaceful villages, tall trees, and the freedom of being on an open road. It felt energizing. For the first time in a long while, it felt like I was moving at my own pace, and I had my peace.
After many hours of driving, I decided to stop at a roadside restaurant to pick up some food. The signboard there was rusted and old, almost falling off, but the smell of food drifting through the restaurant convinced me to go in.
Stepping inside, I met an old woman standing behind the counter. Her name was Madame Teresa. She welcomed me warmly and said, “You look like you’ve been on the road for a long time.”
I chuckled and told her it had only been a few hours.
She offered me a hot plate of rice and stew and said, “The road teaches patience. Where exactly are you heading?”
I told her I didn’t have an exact destination. I was just on a road trip to clear my head. Before this time, I had gone through a breakup in my relationship and I needed time to clear my thoughts.
“Sometimes the best journeys are the ones with no clear destination,” she said.
While I was eating, I noticed a young lady sitting at the table nearby reading a book. She looked up and smiled.
“Solo traveler?” she asked.
“Yes,” I replied. “It’s my first time.”
She introduced herself as Nora. She closed her book and told me she travels alone sometimes. She said it can be scary, but it can also be relaxing. We talked for a few minutes about traveling, and hearing her stories made me feel like the world is a beautiful and big place filled with so many possibilities.
Soon it was time for me to continue my journey. I thanked Madame Teresa and said goodbye. I also waved goodbye to Nora before leaving. It was already getting dark and the sun was setting. The road ahead curved gently into the hills and the quiet side of the village. As I drove, the sky turned orange and purple, the beautiful colors of sunset. It was so fascinating that I pulled over to watch it. I captured the beautiful moment with the small camera I had with me.
For a few moments, everything felt silent except for the breeze and the sounds of animals coming from the bush around me. I realized something important. The journey wasn’t only about discovering new places, it was also about understanding myself and choosing my peace again.
Later that evening, I realized that I hadn’t even called my sister or my mom to tell them how my journey was going. I looked at the fading sunset and smiled, feeling the deep beauty of nature.
“It is indeed a new beginning for me,” I said softly.
I picked up my phone and called Ada. Her voice sounded excited.
“Big sister, how are you?” she asked.
“I’m doing perfectly well, my baby sis,” I replied. I told her the trip was going very well and that I was currently watching the sunset, and it was truly beautiful.
I started the journey again, my headlights illuminating the road ahead. I didn’t know exactly where it would lead, but for the first time, it felt exciting rather than frightening.
I had come to realize that sometimes the best journeys are not the ones that are well planned or have a clear destination. They are about the people we meet during our journey, the lessons we learn, and the quiet moments we spend admiring the beauty of nature and finding peace along the way.
Relaxed and hopeful, I continued driving into the night, ready for whatever the road ahead had waiting for me. I was clearly positive that it was going to be good.
Thank you for stopping by my blog today.