I constantly hear how brave and incredible I am for venturing the world as a solo female traveler. People are always telling me they could never do what I have done. While that is very sweet and encouraging, I firmly believe anyone can do what I did with the right motivation and support. However, it’s important to acknowledge that not every day was a picturesque stroll through Spain or a hike up a stunning mountain in Scotland. There were days of getting lost in countries where language barriers existed or dealing with rude restaurant workers after an already tough day. Despite these challenges, I will never regret my travels. I’ve learned from the hard times, and this post is proof that resilience can carry you through anything.
Today, for the first time since my disastrous initial days in Ireland, I felt like giving up on this solo adventure and heading home. Or maybe even returning to Scotland until they kicked me out. But today, I am flying to Paris—a place that has topped my bucket list for years! Although I’m sad to leave Spain, I am thrilled to finally see Paris.
To start my day off I initially purchased the wrong ticket for the tram and had to buy another one. When I arrived at the larger train station that would take me to the airport, I struggled to read the train schedule. Thankfully, someone at the information desk, though speaking broken English, was able to guide me. While waiting for the train, several people asked me if this was the train to the airport. I told them the agent had said it was. However, after boarding, we realized we were misinformed. We deboarded at the next stop and waited for the correct train. Thankfully, the ladies I befriended spoke Spanish, and although it was different from Castilian Spanish, it was better than what I knew.
The new train arrived, but after just one stop, we were informed it had broken down and we needed to depart. Luckily, I had given myself plenty of time to get to the airport because the train took forever to arrive. Finally, we were on our way to the airport. I hugged my sweet new translator friends goodbye and waited in line to check my carry-on. Being on a cheap Iberia Express flight, I was only allowed one carry-on—my backpack. After dealing with a malfunctioning computer and an unresponsive attendant, I was held up in TSA due to a couple of newlyweds too busy making out to move the line forward.
Once through the TSA, I checked the screen for my gate, which just said JFK. I headed to the JFK terminals, hoping for further instructions, but something felt off as the area was deserted. It turned out my gate had changed to M33. I then power-walked 15 minutes in the other direction, cutting it close to my boarding time. I arrived just as they were closing my boarding group and was then bused to my plane. Finally, I made it onto my flight and was off to Paris.
Upon arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the baggage claim took forever. Everyone from my flight was annoyed. While waiting, I made friends with a family from Texas, and we decided to conquer the Paris tram system together. Despite the tram being crowded and the announcements hard to hear, we managed to find our way. I bid farewell to my fellow Texans, but soon realized I had gotten off at the wrong stop. Frustrated, I dipped into my emergency funds and called an Uber, ready for this travel nightmare to end.
After checking into my somewhat dingy Airbnb, I broke down crying. It had been a rough day, and although I was almost ready to pack up and head back to the States, I decided to let myself have this moment and regroup tomorrow.
I walked to a pizzeria, knowing I needed carbs and a drink to combat the day. It felt strange to sit down without asking for a specific table, especially as a single diner. When I entered from the patio into the small restaurant, a man called after me, asking what I wanted. I told him I needed a table for one. He then pointed to a table and said, “Lucky for you, I speak English.” Oh boy, what a fun day! I brushed off his rude comment, ate an entire 16” pizza, and washed it down with an Aperol Spritz. I am going to learn from today’s mishaps and move on. After all, “tomorrow is another day.”
This entry is from my travels to Paris from Madrid on June 6, 2023.
Today’s helpful tips
Take the opportunity to make friends wherever you go, allow yourself to have a good cry when needed, and then shift your focus to the positive aspects of your situation —like being in Paris!
