Twosome Travels

Today, I have pondered the possibility of travelling solo.

Maybe to a European city, for a couple of nights away. Going somewhere different, doing something by myself, feeling a swell of accomplishment and sense of adulthood. I’ve known extroverts who do so and love it, for the opportunity to meet new people. I’ve known introverts who love it, for the need to be without other people. Frequently, I come to the conclusion that ultimately it’s not really something I would personally enjoy. It doesn’t seem to fit in with the main reasons I like going on holiday.

I have recently returned from Copenhagen. It is a compact city, the people were friendly and the food is expensive. I wouldn’t have enjoyed it much alone, one of the benefits of going with another person whose preferences align very much with your own is that you still mostly get to do exactly what you want, because it’s what they want to do, too.

On our first morning, as the sun was beating down and we were desperately searching for somewhere suitable to eat, we were approached by a man on a bicycle. Upon requesting a recommendation for breakfast, rather than give us directions, he took us there. We then spent the next half an hour or so sat with him in a bakery, drinking coffee and eating the treats he selected for us. Meanwhile, he marked on our map places to go and eat and visit during our trip. It was an unexpected but charming start to our holiday. Would it have happened if I were alone? Perhaps, but I may have been more wary and less open to the opportunity.

On our last morning, as the rain was spitting down and we were filled with cinnamon and cappuccinos, we went to seek the little mermaid statue. It was thoroughly underwhelming, but a sight that needed to be ticked off. Full of foreigners taking selfies, an odd representation of the modern world. What would this have been like ten years ago? We walked the route along the water to the city centre, singing our hearts out in grey daylight; a song from The Little Mermaid. Would it have happened if I were alone? Unlikely, I would have been far too self-conscious. But a pair of people singing in the rain is somehow okay.

The many hours in between were spent eating sushi, Indian food, and the famous smørrebrød, in a traditional restaurant, far from the tourist traps. We had a daily Danish pastry, walked many miles, saw the lights of Tivoli, The Bridge and activities featured in Travel Man. We also had an afternoon in our fancy apartment, eating crisps and talking about friends, relationships, hen parties, weddings, memories of previous trips. Because what is a holiday if not to allow time for relaxation? Would it have happened if I were alone? Partially, but much of my time at home is spent alone, so it’s not really worth going abroad just to do that.

Part of what I like about going away with someone else, or even a group, is the chance to spend a solid section of time with them. No chores, classes or other commitments. It gives rise to a depth of conversation and intimacy that you might not otherwise get the chance to discover in the small chunks of time usually spent in their company. It builds bonds, consolidates your relationship, gives you anecdotes to share with others and reminisce with each other. Sure, there’s the potential to get annoyed with certain characteristics, but overall the experience is a positive one, something I plan to continue for a long time.

This is not to say that I would never travel solo, but while there are the willing participants to join me, I’m in no rush to do so. Now, where to consider for our next city?

Flitterbox: The Little Mermaid ~ Part of Your World