The Panther Newspaper: Ashley Tries Traveling Alone in Paris
As I stood gazing up at the intricate details of the Eiffel Tower, I realized that the only way to get a picture of myself with the famous landmark was to do something I find rather embarrassing: taking selfies in public. I felt like I didn’t have another choice because I had traveled to Paris on my own and I certainly didn’t trust a stranger with my phone.
One of my biggest concerns about traveling alone was the sense of foreboding that I was a target for thieves. I was obviously a foreigner based on my inability to speak French, the constant need to check my map and the Nikon camera hanging around my neck. Even when I was within the confines of my seemingly safe hostel, I was still anxious about leaving any of my belongings astray, considering I was staying in a 10-bed dorm with new girls checking in and out of the room all weekend.
To ease my worries, I ensured that I always kept track of my possessions by keeping them stowed away in the locker conveniently located underneath my bed and I carried everything in a small clutch (which I clung to as if my life depended on it) while walking around the city. Unfortunately, this didn’t stop scammers from approaching me and I believe this was because they thought I might be more susceptible to their pleas as a solo traveler. My hostel had warned me about these people, specifically pickpockets as well as groups of women pretending to be deaf and asking for donations, so I knew to avoid them.
Although I did meet up with a couple friends who are currently living in Paris, I did most activities on my own — such as riding a Ferris wheel called the Roue de Paris, visiting the Eiffel Tower, going to a Disclosure concert, walking through the Louvre museum, dining at a fancy French restaurant and even making a contribution to the love lock bridge. The latter may seem a bit strange, since the site is known for celebrating lovers, but as I clicked my padlock in place and admired the phrase I had written on it, “Love yourself first,” a comforting sense of self-worth overcame me and I remembered why I embarked on this journey: to discover who I truly am.
I have started to describe myself as an extroverted introvert because I love social interactions but also need time alone to recuperate afterward. Taking a weekend to spend time with myself was frightening at first, but ended up being one of the most freeing experiences of my time abroad. The introvert in me loved not having to consistently carry a conversation with anyone and it was surprisingly soothing to feel isolated while surrounded by people — I could remain in my own little world and do whatever I wanted, whenever I pleased.
The idea of traveling alone was nerve-wracking at first but I planned activities every day to keep myself occupied and once I was on the move, nothing could get in my way of having the time of my life.
