CrazyAuntPurl: Ramble on (and now's the time, the time is now)

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February 19, 2008

Ramble on (and now's the time, the time is now)

One summer, my dad and mom took me and my brother Guy on a trip to California to visit my grandparents. I was seven years old, and we flew from Texas to Los Angeles on the biggest plane I'd ever seen, and when we arrived I saw palm trees and brown air and blue sky. I saw more cars and people and buildings on that trip than I had seen in the collective seven years I had spent on earth.

We went to a Dodgers game and we went to the now-nonexistent Marineland and swam with the sharks, and my brother and I fussed because we hated each other and often tried to kill one another under cover of darkness. We behaved ourselves long enough for a trip to Universal Studios and more time at the beach and I fell in love with all of it, the whole city. My favorite part of that whole summer was when we went to Chinatown and ate dinner at a restaurant called Hop Louie's. I remember sitting around a table seated snugly between my dad and my grandpa, my two favorite human beings on the earth. They ordered things I had never even heard of: paper-wrapped chicken and something sweet and spicy with cashews in it. Crunchy noodles and a mustard that wasn't like French's yellow, it made your whole nose clear out and your eyes burn.

I remember drinking tea from those small rounded cups and warming my hands around the little tealights. During dinner I watched everyone in the restaurant and tried to commit to memory what the waitress looked like, how the food smelled and tasted, it was all so foreign and I loved it. During that dinner I turned to my dad and I said, "Daddy, I'm going to live here one day. I'm going to move to Los Angeles and be like these people and eat here all the time."

And my dad looked me right in the eye and said, "Ok, then. You can be anything you want to be."

That was the whole conversation. I opened the fortune cookie and read it for knowledge, but I didn't eat it ... instead I ate the almond cookies and they were amazing, I'd never had almond cookies before. I thought Los Angeles was the most exciting, glamorous, dangerous, interesting place EVER and I wanted to live there more than anything else in the world.

When I was twenty-two years old I moved west. The first year was complete culture shock and I threatened to pack up and go home every twelve minutes. Eventually, the city grew on me and I grew into it and I loved it. I love it here. I still can't think of a single place I'd rather be most of the time, except Paris. Or maybe Santa Barbara. This city makes me crazy and makes me happy and I love its weird quirks and bad traffic and amazing diversity. I even love the brown air.

Later I got married, of course. The person I married had traveled a lot before he met me and even lived abroad for a while. I had never been off the continent unless you count driving out to Galveston Island as "being off the continent" which I kind of think doesn't count. I had desperately wanted to travel my whole life but never had the money or the know-how or the confidence to just go somewhere on my own. Hooking up with a man who was a travel veteran was such a bonus, and shortly after we were married we started planning our first ever trip together to Europe. That vacation took us to Belgium and France and we got there on a budget airline called "CityBird" (which I think went out of business shortly thereafter) and our rockstar low-cost trip to Europe involved sitting on the tarmac for six hours and layovers in various places such as Armpit, and Other Armpit, and by the time we arrived I was so exhausted and hungry and grumpy that I just wanted alcohol poured down my mouth followed by some french fries. We rented a car and couldn't find anyplace to park and drove around Brussels that first night in circles until we gave up, parked on a sidewalk like the other cars, and hauled luggage across a vast dark city to our creaky, ancient hotel. I was not loving the traveling much at that point.

But after being there for a few hours (and drinking and eating and sleeping) I woke up before dawn and went into the tiny bathroom of our tiny hotel room and I opened the window to see what was out there. The window looked out across the red-tiled rooftops of Belgium and I thought it was the most magical, perfect thing I had ever seen in my life. And I was hooked. We drove to France and stayed in Paris and I was more in love with travel than anything before or since. And we were good travel partners. We traveled a lot together over the years that followed and saw a lot of amazing things and a lot of the world.

In this way I have been really blessed. I've been to places I never even knew existed (Karlovy Vary ... I'm looking at you) and travel has been at the top of the list of best things in my life.

During my divorce, I remember one night hanging out with Jennifer and crying, because it was all soon to be over and finalized and so I said it out loud, this one awful thing that kept popping up in my mind, disturbing any uneasy peace I'd come to with the dissolution -- I had lost my travel partner. I'd lost the one person I saw the world with. And I was so in debt at the time and facing huge legal bills and I saw no way possible to ever go anywhere more glamorous than Van Nuys. Or maybe Burbank.

That was when we decided, possibly after wine, that we were going somewhere, anywhere, but dammit we were going to travel! And we did. Two years ago we went to Paris on a girls' trip. Paris is easily one of my favorite places and I've been there enough times to feel like I know it fairly well, and she had never been and the flight was crazy cheap and it seemed like a good idea. Then some other friends joined us and before we knew it, we were in the City Of Love & Riots. Enough time has finally passed since we got on a big plane and headed off to Paris to be able to speak of that vacation fondly. I can assure you there were good times and laughs on that vacation, but all parties involved will agree that it was hands-down the Most EVERYTHING GO WRONG VACATION any of us girls have ever had. OH MY GOD.

(Ah, yes. You're saying to yourself, "But I thought you had a great time! What...?" Well, we did have a great time ... in retrospect. I do think sometimes the most memorable vacations are the ones that go really off-kilter. And knowing that one day we'd look back on it all and laugh, I only focused on the highlights of that trip which included me bludgeoning a guy in a street with my umbrella. If you think about it, that is not really the sort of Best Happiest Moments you hope for on vacation.)

So when we got back from Paris we promised to never speak of it again. Much. Then time passed and we four girls started laughing about Our Crazyass Trip To France. When I was writing my book I realized that trip was pivotal for me, because travel is good for the soul and makes you get outside your life and see the world new again and consider the unusual. Even if it is Crazyass Psycho Croissant Riot Travel.

And after my book tour, traveling by myself (which once seemed scary and crazy and impossible) no longer felt so terrifying. In Seattle I finally did something I had been scared of my whole life: eating dinner in a very nice restaurant by myself. I did it, I brought a book, and it was in fact quite nice. No one pointed, a few folks looked twice at me, but I had a great meal and excellent wine and left feeling quite satisfied with myself. Not so scary after all.

That's when the idea of traveling by myself -- not just for work but for a real vacation -- started to take root in my head and I would think about it every time I sat waiting for a plane or checking in to a hotel, and later when I got home and got back to the daily grind I would think of it (dream of it) daily. I needed a vacation, a real vacation. Two years is a long time to go without relaxing, and it's been a nose-to-the-grindstone two years. At night I would sit on the bus and look out the window and hope for 2008 to arrive so I would have vacation days again, time to spend on myself. I'd think to myself, "Why work so hard and not take time off to enjoy the world?"

Imagine being able to stay wherever I want, eat whatever I want, linger in a museum as long as I want with no one else to consider but me, no one else's tastes and itinerary to accomodate.... was that selfish to even consider? Maybe. But oh, it sounded decadent and pleasurable to me. Maybe selfish is a woefully misunderstood concept.

Late last year I was staring at a calendar and realized I was coming up on a whole year of not smoking. I calculated how much money I had saved in one year from not buying cigarettes. I re-calculated because COULD THAT BE TRUE? And I felt very much like I SHOULD BUY MYSELF SOMETHING PRETTY WITH THAT BONUS MONEY. Because not smoking isn't really fun, ya'll, though it has saved me some money. And what is the point of doing hard things such as no smoking, no fun if you aren't patting yourself on the back? Buying yourself a little treat? REALLY NOW.

And I clicked and surfed and looked and found it, one single perfect ticket and I bought it without any forethought, without any planning, without any consultation or pro/con lists or anything at all but impulse and that same old desire, to see something new, smell something new, taste something new. Someplace I had never gone before with no memories of my past to follow me, someplace with ridiculously cheap airfare, someplace with wine. And I left last week and I just got back and it was everything I imagined and more.

The wine was great. The men were gorgeous. The pasta was amazing. Maybe that's why they say all roads lead there.

Posted by laurie at February 19, 2008 12:23 PM

Comments

thats freaking awesome. im going thru sort of the same thing at the moment. only im saving up to go to scotland and ireland in november for my 30th bday. (and if i run into paolo nutini, it'll be just that much more fabulous! lol)

Posted by: courtney at February 19, 2008 12:28 PM

Gee, I just left you a hi and bye in your last post. Shoulda waited one minute more. heh.

Now I'll read your post...

Posted by: Leeny at February 19, 2008 12:29 PM

Good for you! I'm so glad you got to go!

Posted by: Mary in Boston at February 19, 2008 12:33 PM

Wow! I'm so happy for you.

Posted by: Nancy Knits at February 19, 2008 12:34 PM

I am so happy for you. When I was 25 I left on a whim to travel by myself and it was one of the most liberating things ever. And to go to Rome, with gelato and art and Roman boys......sigh. I don't think I could be more jealous of anyone else right now.

Posted by: Sarah at February 19, 2008 12:36 PM

Congratulations!

I travel alone for work a bit, and every time I do I wonder if I'll ever be brave enough to vacation on my own ... Good for you.

Posted by: Diana at February 19, 2008 12:36 PM

Yay Laurie! You're my hero!

Posted by: Mary in Illinois at February 19, 2008 12:38 PM

Good for you, Laurie!!! That's such a great thing to do your for yourself, and what a great place to choose. I did two months on my own in Europe and have told all of my girlfriends that they must go by themselves on a trip, at least once in their lives. It's freeing and gives you such a charge, doesn't it???

Rock on!!

Posted by: Cashmere Addict at February 19, 2008 12:39 PM

Oh my gosh, Laurie!! That's where you were when I knocked on your last post?? Oh my, how fun!! I'm so excited for you that you did that! You know, lots of people travel alone and not just for business. I've been to restaurants by myself, went to a movie once by myself but never travelled alone.

You are amazing!!!

Posted by: Leeny at February 19, 2008 12:40 PM

Fabulous!! Hurray for you!!

Posted by: Lyda at February 19, 2008 12:40 PM

My greatest moment after I got divorced was driving to Pittsburgh to take the kids to a Pirate game ALL BY MYSELF!

You know you have survived and arrived.

Good for you. You're all growed up now........or are you?

I (we) wondered where you was? Me and the cats, that is.

Posted by: Shari from OH at February 19, 2008 12:41 PM

How amazing!

Posted by: -R- at February 19, 2008 12:41 PM

Oh, I'm so happy you went to Italy.. my favorite place in the entire world (well, other than America, of course). I lived in Italy for 4 years and felt like I had come home. That I had found 'my people'.. of course, this was even with the fact that I don't have any Italian relatives on either side, in either direction..

it didn't matter.. Italy was 'home' to my soul and spirit.

Mama Mia.. wasn't it just wonderful? And, pizza? As it was meant to be. sigh..

And, yeah.. you got to go there too...

Posted by: Jeannie in Korea (for now) at February 19, 2008 12:41 PM

Laurie,when you do something spontaneous,you don't mess around! So proud of you...hope you ate some gelati as well as pasta! Ciao, bella!

Posted by: Kathleen in Philly at February 19, 2008 12:43 PM

Oh My Gosh, that is stinking amazing!! I want to hear all about it; I'm going to Italy in May!! I can't wait; I've never been on a real plane and I've never been out of the country..

Posted by: Betsy at February 19, 2008 12:43 PM

I just read your Paris story and I realized that the only time I whacked someone with an umbrella was on a bus in Rome. It was raining and the buses were packed and I was standing in the aisle. I could feel someone's hand sliding up my leg. I had a short collapsible umbrella under my arm and when I figured out who it was, I angled my umbrella (closed) in his direction and "bumped" him with it really hard. His hand slowly moved off of my leg. That and a few other creepy things made me swear to never return to Rome. I'm so glad you had a good time though!

Posted by: Lynn at February 19, 2008 12:44 PM

Oh Laurie, I am so proud of you, and inspired. I think you have just set a new trend: Solo Travel. It's always been there, but now you've made it hip, cool, fun, and possible for the EveryWoman. Laurie, you are ceaselessly amazing.

Posted by: Melissa from the Inland Empire, soon the desert at February 19, 2008 12:44 PM

This is very Eat, Pray, Love.....

Very, very.....

And I am so happy that you had such a wonderful experience!

Rock ON!

Posted by: orangeblossoms at February 19, 2008 12:45 PM

OMG! That's SOOOO wonderful! Bravo! Look at you...seriously....look at you in that photo....HAPPY!!!!! Yeah for you!!!!!! I'm so happy for you....

....you'd better show us more pictures! (Some of us are traveling vicariously through you!)
Kim

Posted by: Kim at February 19, 2008 12:45 PM

... when I say it is very "Eat, Pray, Love" I am saying it is very COOL! (in case you were wondering)

Posted by: orangeblossoms at February 19, 2008 12:46 PM

How wonderful! Good for you, Laurie. You deserve it and I'm glad it was fabulous.

Posted by: Meredith at February 19, 2008 12:47 PM

Laurie that's FANTASTIC!!! You look like you're having so much fun! Honey, when I grow up, I wanna be just like you.

Posted by: saucygrrl at February 19, 2008 12:48 PM

That is AWESOME! I love hearing stories like this. I'll bet you had a fabulous time! :)

Posted by: Lisa at February 19, 2008 12:48 PM

WOW!!! I love what you've done! I hope you had a blast!

Posted by: Rayleen at February 19, 2008 12:49 PM

First, you scared me because sometimes when you get all retrospective it means someone died, especially when you haven't posted in a while.

Second, I'm happy for you but soooo envious because I spent the weekend cleaning out closets because here in Minnesota we're having our bazillionth day of below-zero weather and I'm about to expire of cabin fever. When I took my monstrous carload o' stuff to Goodwill, the attendant said it had been the busiest day they'd had in months, so I think every Minnesotan who isn't in Florida or California or, um, Rome has cabin fever. Except maybe all those people who joined Annie Modesitt at the big knitting do at the Mall of America. Her picture was in the Minneapolis paper, using a pair of the ginormous knitting needles. I love me some ginormous needles, but I was afraid of going there and wacking the people next to me in the head.

Third, and speaking of wacking, your story about bludgeoning the guy with the umbrella is one of the funniest things I've ever read, in a semi-drunken grrl power kind of way.

Glad to have you back!

Posted by: Jill of the 7 cats at February 19, 2008 12:51 PM

I loved Rome! Of course it may have changed since 1990, but maybe not: it's Rome! It's been there forever!

(By any chance did you see the turtle fountain? That one was my favorite.)

SO glad for you that you up and went!

Posted by: ccr in MA at February 19, 2008 12:52 PM

You are brave and fabulous! I had a feeling SOMETHING was going on...more about the men, please.

Posted by: Jann at February 19, 2008 12:53 PM

hoping to see photos in flickr!

Posted by: cursingmama at February 19, 2008 12:56 PM

That is AWESOME!!! And here I was worried something terrible happened to you--glad you were off having an adventure, because that sounds like so much fun, and JUST what you needed. :)

Glad to have you back, too, though--was jonesing for my Purl fix.

Posted by: Tara at February 19, 2008 12:58 PM

holy crap -- you went to ROME?????

Posted by: k8 at February 19, 2008 12:59 PM

what a wonderful place to wander on your own. your story made me happy and made me remember to look at the travel sites more often.

you'll have to post more pictures of Rome. Rome to me is like Paris to you and its wonderful to see it through new eyes without any baggage!

Posted by: rebecca at February 19, 2008 01:01 PM

How utterly wonderful! Wadawoman!!! My heart is smiling I'm so pleased to know someone (sort of) who did such a thing! And huzzah huzzah for cheap air flight. Hope you are refreshed and learned about ever more NEW places to go.

I cried again (at work again) over your integrity and courage in Paris during the umbrella-whacking incident.

Posted by: cecelia at February 19, 2008 01:01 PM

Awsome! Go, you!! Will we see more pix?

Posted by: Mary at February 19, 2008 01:04 PM

Good.
For.
You.

I don't think I'd be brave enough to travel that far away by myself...very very cool. :)

Posted by: Kelly at February 19, 2008 01:05 PM

Congratulations!

Traveling alone is a blast.

Posted by: pyewacket at February 19, 2008 01:06 PM

Yay, you! YAYYOU!

Posted by: Anna at February 19, 2008 01:08 PM

You are so incredibly SUPER! I'm so glad you had a good time and did something spontaneous and happy for yourself.

Posted by: Leslie in Mass at February 19, 2008 01:10 PM

Way to go, Laurie! I'm so glad you got to go - - and I'm SOOOOOO jealous!

(I know Italian guys are gorgeous - - there are LOTS of them in my family!)

Ciao Bella!

Posted by: Liz J in Central Illinois at February 19, 2008 01:11 PM

fantastic! :)

Posted by: sizzle at February 19, 2008 01:13 PM

Oh, I'm sorry, Laurie, this is my third comment! But I had to say that I followed your link to the umbrella story...I missed that one somehow, but dang!! You are my hero! hee hee. That was way cool - you go, girl!! :)

Posted by: Leeny at February 19, 2008 01:14 PM

Laurie- How far you've come and how far you went!

I am so happy for you. Traveling to Italy is a dream that I someday want to do myself.

Once you are caught up on laundry and the kitties are settled again, please, tell us more.

Posted by: Patti in KS at February 19, 2008 01:15 PM

That is soooo fabulous!!! Like other commenters, I was hoping that the radio silence on the blog meant you were off doing something fun...YEAH for you! Hope you will share some pics...and welcome back.

Posted by: aileen at February 19, 2008 01:17 PM

That's so awesome. Can't wait to see more pictures!

You just inspired me to stop putting off getting a copy of my birth certificate so I can apply for my passport. I've had the app for months but kept procrastinating.

Thank you! :)

Posted by: sarah at February 19, 2008 01:20 PM

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you hon.

Posted by: Faith at February 19, 2008 01:23 PM

Wowee! You are amazing. Good for you, traveling all alone.

As I've told you before, I hope your next book is all about your travels. I used to love looking at your now-defunct travel site. You make even the most annoying situations so much fun to read about!

xoxo

Posted by: Christine G. at February 19, 2008 01:27 PM

Laurie, you're amazing! Every time I read your blog I think, "Boy, she's really come a long way." (That's after I think "I'd really love to meet her sometime" which comes after "I want to steal her cats.")

Your journey is inspirational. And...what a vacation!

Posted by: Sarah R at February 19, 2008 01:27 PM

You GO, girl!!!!!

Posted by: Kat at February 19, 2008 01:29 PM

Look at you! Way to go and good for you!
Cheers for Laurie!!

Posted by: Becky at February 19, 2008 01:30 PM

In September 2006 I took my very first overseas trip to London. By myself. It was FAB for all the same reasons you listed....I did whatever I wanted and didn't have to worry about another person's itinerary. People said I was brave...actually, it was more that I was selfish (MY time, MY money) :)

But I so recommend it and I'm glad you got to discover the joys of solo travel (and you are probably a lot better at asking strangers to take your picture...I suck at that).

Bravo to you!!

Posted by: Stephanie in Tennessee at February 19, 2008 01:30 PM

Oh, well done. I've done the travel alone thing, and loved it immensely, and I'm glad you did too!

Posted by: AHT at February 19, 2008 01:33 PM

Yeah, Laurie, for discovering the liberating power of traveling alone! Doesn't it just rock?!

BTW, I am so envious of you. Rome is one of the few places in continental Europe that I wanted to visit and didn't get to during the years I lived in Germany. At least I can say it wasn't my fault, though, I was only 13 when we left and didn't get to control the vacation spot. *grin*

Posted by: Tanya at February 19, 2008 01:35 PM

Traveling by yourself is a release! Everyone should do it at leas once in their life. I went on my own Griswold-style vacation by myself for a month after I graduated college. I met a few folks in hostels, but mainly I was on my own to do what I wanted. It was great!

Posted by: Bobbi at February 19, 2008 01:37 PM

When it occured to me that you hadn't posted in a week, I was hoping you were on vacation.

Travelling alone is really quite wonderful, isn't it? Now that I'm used to it, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Posted by: Misstea at February 19, 2008 01:37 PM

Brava! Brava!

Posted by: Julie at February 19, 2008 01:38 PM

Yay! You go girl! Independence of spirit is one of the best ways to be truly happy.

I have made the executive decision that I get to go back to Europe next year (buying a house right now, so can't be this year) even if it means going alone.

Posted by: Frances at February 19, 2008 01:39 PM

Oh Laurie - congrats. On getting through all that, quitting smoking, seeing the best in things, having the time of your life in a place that is really *the best place* and being on the other side of some pretty treacherous and demanding times.

If you ever want to wax nostalgic on Rome, just ping me. The three visits I've made over the last three years were some of the most memorable and fabulously delicious times in my life and I have a big red heart for the place. Plus a lot of pictures.

Benvenuti a casa! Hai un buon anno!

Posted by: finnyknits at February 19, 2008 01:39 PM

WAY TO GO! I'm so happy for you!

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Posted by: health insurance at February 19, 2008 01:43 PM

I traveled to Australia by myself once. I planned it for 6 months, though. I think a spontaneous trip sounds really fun.

Posted by: Punkin at February 19, 2008 01:44 PM

O.M.G. you lucky duck! We want details. All right, I haven't actually consulted your other eleventy-jillion readers, but *I* want details, and I am willing to bet I am not alone.

Posted by: Lucia at February 19, 2008 01:46 PM

So that's where you were. I just read the story of your defensive skills with an umbrella. Awesome!! Those other countries should be afraid of us American women!! We can be dangerous when annoyed!!! It was great that you could take a fantastic trip like that.

Posted by: Jena at February 19, 2008 01:47 PM

Posted by: Jena at February 19, 2008 01:48 PM

WOW!!! What a great post! It brought tears to my eyes. You go girl!

Posted by: nottotaled at February 19, 2008 01:49 PM

Yeah for you! You are just one one big self-helpy journey, and it is *SO* inspirational to your readers.

I love the sheer victory in your picture. You look like you could conquer Rome itself.

So glad you're back - can't wait to hear about Wine and handsome Roman men. Yum....

Posted by: Julianne at February 19, 2008 01:51 PM

I love Rome. I'm so pleased you went - and by yourself! What an adventure!

Posted by: Amanda at February 19, 2008 01:52 PM

I love Rome! My only trip to Italy was 20+ years ago when I was 18. I spent 10 days between Italy, Switzerland and France with a tour that included three of my friends from high school. Now that I'm older and have a love for history, I've learned so much about the country and the city that I want to go back to Italy and see the places that currently exist for me only in books. I would love to visit the city again but for now I can't wait to see it through your eyes. Congratulations on the solo adventure!

(I've not commented before, but I started reading your archives after I read your book. I've got about a year to go to catch up. You got me interested in trying to knit again after a bad previous introduction about 15 years ago. I'm on my second scarf, and I'm using Noro yarn. Thanks! Oh, and my six furballs say hi to your furballs.)

Posted by: robin at February 19, 2008 01:52 PM

Good for you! You deserved it! And you've just provided me with another incentive to put the butts down for good.

Posted by: mzmouze at February 19, 2008 01:54 PM

You are just incredible. And you know what? I want to be like you someday.

Posted by: Anna-Liza at February 19, 2008 01:55 PM

Your next recipe needs to be how to travel alone. I've wanted to go to Chicago *forever* (6 hr drive, 20 min flight with about 10 million flights a day) but I worry that I will either a) be too terrified to leave my hotel room or b) end up on the wrong street on the wrong side of town without an umbrella and a SoCal girl to wield it.

Posted by: mollysusie at February 19, 2008 01:56 PM

Holy Crap that is so wicked cool. Can't wait to hear all your tales of fun. It is very EPL!

Posted by: suetreiber at February 19, 2008 02:05 PM

Congratulations!
Solo travel is fantastic.

Posted by: Vanessa at February 19, 2008 02:06 PM

Hmmm. I've had no problem travelling in my native Canada solo. Maybe I can go to Australia by myself.

Posted by: Angela at February 19, 2008 02:07 PM

Are you a Zeppelin fan? Ramble On is such a good tune...

Posted by: Laure at February 19, 2008 02:10 PM

YAY YOU! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jen at February 19, 2008 02:12 PM

WOW! Well done! Travel is so worthwhile, especially if you're on your own and can indulge your own wishes. Do it again! You write so well, too - really conveying the excitement that you feel on each discovery. Thank you for blogging.

Posted by: Samantha at February 19, 2008 02:13 PM

I love Rome. Next time please pack me in your suitcase.

Posted by: uccellina at February 19, 2008 02:14 PM

Congratulations!!! That sounds like a wonderful trip. I hope you avoided any riots this time, and really relaxed and enjoyed yourself.

Posted by: Kate at February 19, 2008 02:15 PM

Oh Laurie, I'm so happy for you! And I just love the picture at the end of your post - you look so happy!!! You deserve every second of it.

Posted by: Pat at February 19, 2008 02:16 PM

Man, Laurie, you really have a LIFE! All the misery and wine and struggle have brought you to this fabulous place. I'm so inspired, and yes, give us photos and details!!

Posted by: Nita at February 19, 2008 02:17 PM

omyhell. The one place in all the world I want to go visit soon - you better give us more info on your fab trip in the next few posts!

Posted by: roggey at February 19, 2008 02:22 PM

*hug* yay!!! congrats CAP, you are such an inspiration!
=)

Posted by: catherine at February 19, 2008 02:24 PM

I am so happy for you. So glad you got to see one of the most beautiful places in the world. I hope you got to do some shoe shopping and eat some Italian ice cream too. You deserve it!!!

Posted by: Nik at February 19, 2008 02:26 PM

Oh! A reason for no noise. I'm so thrilled for you. While am looking forward to hearing more have my fingers crossed it was lacking in crazy-arsedness. ;-)

Posted by: trashalou at February 19, 2008 02:28 PM

Yay for you! Completely jealous - but so very very happy for you!

Posted by: Liz G. at February 19, 2008 02:28 PM

I'm sitting here crying away. It doesn't seem that long ago you were so anxious and not sleeping and so sad. I couldn't be any prouder of you if I had given birth to you myself! You are an inspiration to me who's never even lived alone for one night. I hope you had an AMAZING trip and I can't wait to hear all about it.

I love you and I'm completely overwhelmed by your bravery. You're my idol!

Posted by: Liz R at February 19, 2008 02:29 PM

Fun! I can't wait to read CAP's Guide to Rome!

Posted by: Andree at February 19, 2008 02:35 PM

Dude.

That sounds so amazing that for one brief, amnesiatic second I thought, "Wow, I wish I weren't married."

I have a great marriage, and I definitely don't want it to go away, but there are totally things we married girls miss out on... Like thinking of exactly what we (and only we) want. Congrats on a successful trip.

Posted by: Natalie at February 19, 2008 02:35 PM

Good for you!

Posted by: Dana at February 19, 2008 02:38 PM

You go girl!

I've always wanted to do something exactly like what you have done. And maybe I will.

Posted by: Bevvy at February 19, 2008 02:38 PM

Bravo, Laurie! I want to be grown-up too, someday...(and I am alot older than you). I am feeling very tied down at the moment,(and in reality I have a very nice life). I am envious of your ability to grow and accomplish things others only dream about. You are lucky and brave and smart!

Posted by: Gretchen at February 19, 2008 02:43 PM

See? It probably wasn't as bad as you imagined. Congrats.

Posted by: Dagny at February 19, 2008 02:51 PM

Yay! I'm so happy for you. I was wondering what you had been up to and I'm so glad it's something grand like that.

Posted by: Kari at February 19, 2008 02:52 PM

Oh, good for YOU! Wonderful! Rome is staggering, in so many ways.

I'm reading your book and loving it!

Posted by: Jennie at February 19, 2008 02:54 PM

You get SO MANY comments! But I wanted to say how happy I am for you. And this is an exceptionally good blog entry. Thank you for writing it, Laurie.

Posted by: Judith B at February 19, 2008 02:55 PM

Amazing. I love it, you literally made my day! Glad to hear you had a wonderful trip.

Posted by: Sonya at February 19, 2008 02:56 PM

Welcome home girlfriend. Glad it wasn't just a nasty bout of the flu.. but something totally amazing. You deserve it more than anyone.

Posted by: Beth at February 19, 2008 02:58 PM

So...who took the picture?

Posted by: Anonymous at February 19, 2008 03:00 PM

OMG, YOU WENT TO ITALLLLLYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

Oh, jealous! Envious! Totally happy for you! Inspired by you.

Cannot WAIT for the day I do exactly as you've done and jet off to some exotic locale I've always dreamed of visiting. Soon, my friends, soon!

Posted by: Jeanne B. at February 19, 2008 03:04 PM

GOOD FOR YOU! I went to Amsterdam by myself in 1998. I couldn't quite get why people were so surprised I went overseas by myself but I got it later. It's so atypical. But so much easier than people think. And you don't have to accommodate someone else's schedule. And I loved Rome, I want to go back so badly, I only scratched the surface. Loved the Tickitaly service, it is AWESOME.

Posted by: Sue F. at February 19, 2008 03:15 PM

You went to Rome? By yourself? And didn't tell us?

Hahahaha, girl, you ROCK.

Posted by: April at February 19, 2008 03:15 PM

You're my hero!

Posted by: Jackie at February 19, 2008 03:19 PM

Grrrrrl, I am so freakin' proud of you!!!! You are my hero.

Beth

Posted by: Beth at February 19, 2008 03:19 PM

BRAVA!!! I'm 42, married, 1 child, 2 cats, 3 guinea pigs. I totally get why you'd want to go away by yourself! Where to next? Congratulations!

Posted by: Aldona at February 19, 2008 03:20 PM

Good for you! Hope it was everything you hoped for and more!

Posted by: Tanya M. at February 19, 2008 03:26 PM

Congrats on having the guts to go there by yourself.
Glad it was worth it for you.
:)

Posted by: Micky at February 19, 2008 03:30 PM

How cool! I'm not much of a traveler. Before my husband took me to Tortola (British Virgin Islands) for our honeymoon I'd never been on a plane trip. I'd flown once, but in a tiny 4 seat deal and just over my town so I could say I'd been in a plane). And yet, here I am at this very moment shopping for a plane ticket. I'm not going out of country (not by myself, not yet) just going to visit my grandparents in South Carolina for a week in March. I need a break from kids and married life and school and Girl Scouts. *ahhhh* I can't wait.

Posted by: Risha at February 19, 2008 03:32 PM

Oh.My.God. I am still wiping away the tears from my crazy laugh-fest at the umbrella story. I love it!!

Kudos to you for discovering the absolute best way to deal with life-- getting away from your own for a while and seeing the world. I tend to take these big trips whenever I have to make life decisions, and they are so valuable. And Rome! One of my very favorite cities in the world.

Just so you know-- you really brighten my day ;-)

Posted by: Jen at February 19, 2008 03:33 PM

Wooooo! You go girl!! I'm so excited for you.

Posted by: Julie in WI at February 19, 2008 03:35 PM

Good for you! I do enjoy traveling by myself. My first trip to Paris was alone. All my friends and co-workers thought I was crazy, but it was glorious.

It looks like you had a wonderful time. :)

Posted by: Laiane at February 19, 2008 03:36 PM

Cool!

nde letrada!

Posted by: patricia at February 19, 2008 03:40 PM

You GO! I have a co-worker who always says he'll wait till he has someone to travel with. What a waste. Enjoy life as it is now. I'm a single woman who finally realised that and I have traveled alone and with groups and have had a good time either way.

Posted by: Caroline at February 19, 2008 03:41 PM

Yeah, Laurie! You went to my absolute most favorite places in the world. I would move there in a heartbeat if I could. In fact, we are planning to go back in 2009...I can't wait to hear more details of what I'm sure was an amazing vacation!

Posted by: Lora at February 19, 2008 03:42 PM

I don't care that I'm the 100something comment because I know you will read this.

Congrats on taking that solo trip to one of the cities on my list of places to visit soon. I am so happy for you and think this trip is the result of your healing, dont you?

And where are the other pictures???
We want more pictures.

Posted by: Janet at February 19, 2008 03:46 PM

Is THAT why you haven't posted all week?! Well. I can't think of a better reason not to post all week. In fact I am crazy jealous. :) Hope you had a wonderful, fantastic, brilliant time in Italia, and also that you will tell us all about it! Please!

Posted by: jules at February 19, 2008 03:58 PM

Cool!!! I was in Rome last month! I erm haven't gotten my photos up yet though. oops...

Posted by: sassymonkey at February 19, 2008 03:59 PM

You are so brave. And if you don't speak Italian, you're even more brave. Post a long telling blog with lots of food details. :)

Posted by: Carrie at February 19, 2008 04:02 PM

Dear Laurie:
You must forgive me of my thoughts of late... I've been reading you for a little more than a year, and lately I thought we'd been drifting apart. (Drifting apart like two people who have never met and only one knows anything at all about the other but anyway.) But I read this post and I really must compliment you. I began this post thinking, what's Laurie been up to lately... oh, one of her classic and inspirational reflective posts. What a great story... oh, wow! she ended up in CA after that great trip with the fam. Travel is great, but touched with sadness as we know the outcome of the best travel partner. Time is passing in an instant... she's weaving all of the major progress in... OHMIGAWD SHE WENT TO ROME!!!

Fantastic job! I'm so proud of you! I actually teared up reading this masterpiece. You totally sucked me in. And you've drifted me right back, I'm a big solo traveller, or was when the time called for it, and never regretted a second of it!
Yours truly,
A

Posted by: Annabelle at February 19, 2008 04:03 PM

Holy Crap on a Stick!

Way to go!

Posted by: nancy at February 19, 2008 04:06 PM

Laurie, how exciting! You deserved it! Nothing like getting out there to see the world on your own...BTW Isn't Karlovy Vary a lovely spot a few hours bus ride out of Prague??

Posted by: Sarah at February 19, 2008 04:09 PM

Yay! So glad you had fun! Isn't Rome the most surreal place? There are all these great chunks of alien-looking antiquity lying round the place like they just fell to earth. I visited there once, and had a great time in spite of my travelling companion, a chronically underwhelmed and grumpy boyfriend. I wish I'd gone alone, and maybe someday I will.

Posted by: Dulcinea at February 19, 2008 04:11 PM

huzzah, laurie! I did a month by myself in England/Scotland/Wales in 2007, isn't it just the most amazing thing?! I can't wait to go on my next solo trip in 2010!

Posted by: camelama at February 19, 2008 04:11 PM

You're magical. I can't wait for my first solo trip.

Posted by: Thea at February 19, 2008 04:18 PM

I am so happy for you! Italy is at the very top of the list of places I want to visit. That's wonderful that your not-smoking had such a terrific end result.

Please feel free to tell us more about the wine and lovely men!

Posted by: Rebecca at February 19, 2008 04:19 PM

That is so awesome and wonderful. Good for you!

Posted by: Maggie at February 19, 2008 04:23 PM

so glad you had a great time - welcome home ! you are truly amazing!

Posted by: Lynette at February 19, 2008 04:26 PM

I've always had a fantasy of just picking up and hopping a plane to vegas for a weekend by myself where I can play roulette and not have to worry about meeting up with my friends and all that.
I can't believe you hopped a plane to freakin ROME on a whim!

Posted by: Scrapper is green with envy at February 19, 2008 04:29 PM

Way to go!! You are just possibly the most inspiring newly divorced,book author,cat herd leader, knitting maven to hit the "New Millennium Woman" club. I have to confess I was a bit concerned but had a suspicion you were up to something Fabulous!!!!!I have a (then single)friend who went there to study mosiac tile work ( all by herself, never before!). My parents were treated to a yellow ribbon Cancer survivor (dad) trip plus Ireland a couple yars ago by family friends. We still laugh about how EVERYTHING that came out of my Mom's cakehole for MONTHS was preceded by the phrase "When We Were In Italy.....AND( Ok last Italy reference...) I used to know how to say " The Stench of Your Ignorance Poisons the Air" in Italian!!.(a guy I used to work with taught me) I know; not too useful overseas
but it sure sounded good rolling off my tounge
at my place of employment at the time. Ok, sorry I just had to share. GO Purlie!!!!!
You soooooo rock!!!!

Posted by: schnoobie at February 19, 2008 04:32 PM

You are a ROCK STAR!

Posted by: Anniessa at February 19, 2008 04:35 PM

You are so flippin' awesome Laurie! You really inspire me. Way to go girl!

Posted by: Jill at February 19, 2008 04:47 PM

Good for you, Laurie!! Next time, though....TAKE ME!

Posted by: Beth Ingersoll at February 19, 2008 04:50 PM

Wow. Freakin' awesome. Congratulations and welcome to the decadent, luxurious, bind-boggling world of solo travel. I'm very impressed - and proud of you. (I feel I don't have the right to be proud of you - pleased, thrilled, glad for - but not so much proud.) It is a couragous step to travel alone. I love travel for the change in perspective to one's world view and what you learn about yourself. And I wish you all the best. Welcome back. Thanks for sharing with us. And may you have many more trips.

Posted by: Bullwinkle at February 19, 2008 04:50 PM

awesome for you! wow!

i wish i were brave enough to do something v similiar!

i think you inspire more people than you realize.

Posted by: nancy k at February 19, 2008 04:54 PM

good for you, purl!!!

Posted by: AlliMack at February 19, 2008 05:02 PM

Good for you Laurie! I remember the first time I went on vacation by myself. I has just broken up with my first serious relationship since my divorce. I know it sounds silly, but I felt empowered. Even today, I know that I can do anything because I traveled alone. Good for you!

Posted by: Heather at February 19, 2008 05:16 PM

you make me cry...

Posted by: barbara at February 19, 2008 05:23 PM

Oh, I'm so happy for you and jealous at the same time! You seem to have found the perfect balance between being a truly inspiring human being, and being a very real person.

I hope you had the best, most wonderful vacation imaginable.

Posted by: waitandsee at February 19, 2008 05:29 PM

How incredibly awesome! I'm glad you had a great time, and GOOD FOR YOU. It's important to treat yourself well.

Posted by: Carol Ann at February 19, 2008 05:29 PM

I don't think I've ever seen you so happy.

You deserve every last drop of it!

Love and Laughter,
Amy

Posted by: Amy at February 19, 2008 05:30 PM

Hot damn! I am late to the show, but so happy for you. Is that a handknit scarf you are wearing? Is that Eugenio taking your picture? Do tell!

Posted by: Trixie at February 19, 2008 05:38 PM

Oh, it's not selfish. Not even close. The freedom of not being on anyone else's schedule, not having to worry about making another person happy, to have the ability to do whatever you like and make whatever spontaneous choice that seems like fun at THAT VERY MOMENT - it is one of life's greatest joys and the true fruit of being an adult.

I'm so jealous. Rome is at the very top of my list for international travel. I think I could spend months just wandering around and looking at history.

Posted by: Marcus at February 19, 2008 05:39 PM

Hi Laurie,

My first ever holiday alone was in Rome (and in February as well!). I had the time of my life despite being scared witless at the beginning (I had read an excessively cautious guidebook for women travelling alone). I consider that trip to have been an important step to discovering my adult self. While I was there, the possibilities seemed endless, and I was able to discard many unnecessary limitations that I had imposed on myself.

Thanks for the reminder.

Posted by: Ingrid at February 19, 2008 05:39 PM

Wow! I'm so impressed with you! Congrats! I hope you give us more details later.

Posted by: (formerly) no-blog-rachel at February 19, 2008 06:07 PM

And did you take the Umbrella of Power with you? Did you have need of it?

Posted by: Amanda at February 19, 2008 06:10 PM

Horray for you!!! You deserved this happy wonderful exciting vacation!

Posted by: Kris at February 19, 2008 06:17 PM

I'm with you. I love LA. I loved living there and it wouldn't take a lot to get me back.

And I love Rome. I think you took the best vacation ever. What a smart cookie! mmmmm...pasta.

NO! mmmm...gelato.

Posted by: Laurie D at February 19, 2008 06:19 PM

Welcome back! We missed you! Can't wait to see more pics and hear all about it. PS: Evan is almost WALKING! xo

Posted by: Allison SuperCrafty at February 19, 2008 06:21 PM

You just made my day! Thanks!

Posted by: Gussie at February 19, 2008 06:26 PM

Congrats on giving yourself a well deserved holiday!

Posted by: smittenknitten at February 19, 2008 06:28 PM

Laurie! OMG I am so glad you went to Rome!! I loved Rome!!!!

Posted by: Courtney at February 19, 2008 06:32 PM

Laurie--so pleased; you've added another layer to your already stunning patina.

Traveling alone is possibly the #1 growth- enhancing (but yet non-fattening and enjoyable) pastime. It lets you explore inside and outside.
Possibly the very best gift you can give yourself!

I feel travel-related books are in your future...used to think they were in mine...but, too much going on now...but still enuf time to high-tail it out of FL and go winery hopping with my honey for a week shortly. I've so missed him these past 4 mos. Hello Napa/Sonoma...even in the rain!! Take care, girl. Blessings, K.

Posted by: gypsybaker at February 19, 2008 06:33 PM

You totally rock!! Congratulations--and tell us more!

Posted by: Groovy Granny at February 19, 2008 06:39 PM

hot DAMN!

way to LIVE!

Posted by: denise f in c'ville, va at February 19, 2008 06:47 PM

Awesome!

Posted by: Karen at February 19, 2008 06:49 PM

***Standing and Clapping*** Bravo!! Bravo!!! My pass port came in last week. I think I may have to do the same thing. Bravo!!!

Posted by: Lesley at February 19, 2008 06:52 PM

You. Rock.

I'm thrilled for you.

Posted by: Warrior Knitter at February 19, 2008 06:54 PM

Well done. I've never posted before, but this one really hit me. Two years ago in Costa Rica I saw a woman traveling on her own. I would see her everywhere, out hiking, sitting at a restaurant...you name it. And she always, always had this look on her face that was sheer happiness, peace, and contentment all at once, but with a twinkle in her eye. Some days I wish I would have snapped her picture, but instead I'll just take my own when I'm there.
Your journeys are inspiring. Thanks for sharing them.

Posted by: Jane at February 19, 2008 06:55 PM

My favorite city in the whole wide world - la bella Roma! I'm so glad you went, and hope you will share some of your adventures.

Posted by: Diane Sloan at February 19, 2008 07:26 PM

Laurie..
I cried at this..just a few happy tears at the bottom and I was glad to see I wasn't the only one. You make people happy. We feel invested in you or something and it's so wonderful to share in joy.
Thank you. :)

Posted by: Lynn at February 19, 2008 07:30 PM

I couldn't be prouder of you than if you were my own kid.

I love that you didn't let this be discussed by your stalkers... errrr... readers. [Because someone was bound to say you were nuts or some fool thing.] You just went ahead and done it.

Well, we want pictures! We want descriptions of the food [the pasta!] the weather!

Let us live vicariously through you.

Yes, I am proud of ya. Good on ya!

Posted by: The Other Ruth at February 19, 2008 07:37 PM

love the led zeppelin reference...oh hell yeah!

and ROMA! the only place I've been except for the good old U.S. of A...oh yeah, and to Jamaica with my ex-husband for our honeymoon. i think i'll stop counting that.....

CONGRATS!!!

Posted by: meg at February 19, 2008 07:38 PM

WOW~~~!!! That's awesome. I was wondering where you were! And it was someplace more fantastic than I came up with, that's for sure. I think of you almost hyper-ventilating outside Jacob Javits center in NYC, saying you just wanted to go home, and now less than a year later you are travelling to Rome by yourself. Way to go! (oops, sorry, pun not intended!)

Posted by: Kris at February 19, 2008 07:51 PM

Girl, you ROCK.

Posted by: Bev at February 19, 2008 07:53 PM

Oh, great. Now I'm totally crying again, totally losing my shit. OK, it's not your fault that you happened to post this on the day I got my period, but you should know - THERE WERE TEARS!

Posted by: Velma at February 19, 2008 07:55 PM

OH THANK GAWD! I was starting to worry in a Jewish Bubbe hand-wringing I'm-cold-go-put-on-a-sweater kind of way...and here you were out being a big girl and discovering something BIG which is one of my favorite things: One's SELF is mighty fine company! It's just grand being The One Who Decides, is it not? (and OH my dearling, you have arrived - not just back in California, but *arrived*.) One such as YOU is a creative, bright, clever, independent, confident 21st century woman and I applaud you. And then I stand up (the napkin falls right off my lap) and APPLAUD AGAIN!! Standing ovation, my dearling, for you. LOVE IT! (Now I can go read the messages thank you.)

Posted by: Anonymous at February 19, 2008 07:57 PM

THAT WAS ME! I hit "send" too quick, I am NOT "anonymous" I am your devoted Bubbe! There's a lesson here: "Haste Makes Waste".

Posted by: dale-harriet your bubbe in WI at February 19, 2008 08:00 PM

You go girl!

AAARRGGHH!!! I'm so jealous. The only place I'm going to this year is Chicago. In February. Eeeks.

Posted by: TC at February 19, 2008 08:03 PM

Good for you! You look great the photo!

Posted by: M at February 19, 2008 08:12 PM

I was JUST telling my youngest sister how you write the BEST essays - and now I'll have to tell her to read your blog!

Congratulations! You are doing so many amazing things - because you've lived through the worst and you know that if you can slog through that, you can plan amazing, wonderful things and HAVE THEM!!!

Posted by: otherLisa at February 19, 2008 08:28 PM

OMG! i'm thrilled you went to my favorite travel country ever! i've never been to rome, but i swear i'll go back to venice, and then see rome and tuscany.

did you feel like hepburn on a roman holiday?

and didn't you just love the language, food, coffee, wine, gelato and...and, and?!

YAY !

mck.

Posted by: mckay at February 19, 2008 08:31 PM

Congrats on your trip and a year of not smoking! My aunt bought a swimming pool with all the money she saved by not smoking for a year.

Posted by: Elizabeth K at February 19, 2008 08:31 PM

traveling by yourself ROCKS. That's one part of being single that I miss the most. It's not selfish if you're not hurting anyone else. In fact, it's taking care of yourself. Glad you're home safe - we missed you!

Posted by: lisa at February 19, 2008 08:34 PM

whoa...

Posted by: Keri at February 19, 2008 08:41 PM

Well hooray for you. What a fanatastic trip!

Posted by: Debbie at February 19, 2008 08:55 PM

Wow...that's awesome! Congratulations!!!! And thanks for helping us single girls validate when we want to do something hard, reward ourselves or, heaven forbid, be selfish.

You're amazing Laurie...

Now get your backside on a plane and come speak in Wisconsin. You can stay at my house. I do a decent crock pot.

Posted by: Abigail at February 19, 2008 08:59 PM

You're an inspiration. I haven't been able to afford to go anywhere great in almost eight years, but dammit, I'm saving and going somewhere next year if it kills me!

Posted by: Kelly at February 19, 2008 09:31 PM

Brava, cara mia! You look amazing and happy. (Rome was my first trip to Europe, with a boyfriend who knew travel, and I got the bug.)

Now I want a fancy European vacay! (And with the new European anti-smoking laws, you probably didn't even notice the not smoking bit.)

Posted by: Anne at February 19, 2008 09:33 PM

I wondered where the heck you were. Glad you had a good time and got to look at nice looking men!

Posted by: Stine at February 19, 2008 10:19 PM

What a trip....literally!

Looking forward to hearing more about Rome, what you did and what you loved most.....I'm going in August, so I'll be taking notes during your report.

Posted by: Jan B at February 19, 2008 10:54 PM

Good for you! I LOVE to travel too, and frankly, prefer to do it alone. I've been to over 30 countries, most of them by myself. But now I have a bf who won't travel alone...and doesn't even like to split up for the day when we are travelling together. It drives me crazy! I want to sit in a cafe and read a book and knit a sock and then just wander, but he is not that type at all. We're spending all of March in Morocco and I'm afraid we are going to strangle each other. I envy you!

Posted by: Rachele at February 19, 2008 11:11 PM

Laurie, you are the most awesome woman!!!! And I'm so freaking jealous!!

We totally love you. From one Southern woman to another. Fur sure! ;)

Posted by: samantha_in_the_valley at February 19, 2008 11:27 PM

I salute your Bravery!

Posted by: lynne at February 19, 2008 11:30 PM

Good on ya, hun!

Posted by: Elemmaciltur at February 19, 2008 11:52 PM

Geez, like I needed another reason to love you?

You are fabulous!

Posted by: Leslie - knitting therapist at February 20, 2008 12:31 AM

Funny enough, I just spent a week and a half in Italy by myself. I needed to travel and that's the place I love. 5 lovely alone days in Rome- so I know how you feel! It really is quite liberating to not be on anyone else's schedule but your own. I was completely nervous at first but I got over it as soon as I realized that just because other people were traveling in groups didn't mean I couldn't befriend and hang out with them! I made so many awesome friends just being a lonely looking (but not feeling- only in the evenings) American. Cheers to you and the fabulous trips we have the courage and brilliance to take on our own!

Posted by: Noelle at February 20, 2008 01:00 AM

I can't believe you came to Rome without mentioning it before! I would have had the (cat-hair covered) red carpet out - next time the wine's on us!! - from a group of Rome-based readers of your blog

Posted by: Isobel at February 20, 2008 01:03 AM

I'm so, so jealous. I only live a hop and a skip away from Roma (London, UK) but I've never been there. Italy, yes, capital of, no. Can't wait to hear of your adventures with lots of pics of Italian men. I seem to remember that even the baggage handlers at the airport look like a young Jack Nicholson...

Posted by: Serenknitity at February 20, 2008 01:04 AM

Travelled myself a few times and it is most definitely a combination of scary and exhilarating. This last year I went to some music festivals by myself. I saw every single artist I wanted to see and danced like a lunatic and didn't care who saw me...didn't matter.

We're only here once - go girl!

Posted by: Maureen at February 20, 2008 01:54 AM

YES YES YES OMG. There's nothing like the Coliseum at sunrise, or sunset... hell, *any* time of day. Or those dishy Roman mens. Mmm.

Rome is truly the Queen of Cities, no matter what others say. So glad you went! And so proud of you for taking the chance. *happy dance*

Posted by: tantekoo at February 20, 2008 02:10 AM

Congratulations! Single travel is terrifying at first, but amazing when you get there. All that time to do what YOU want, sleep in for as long as YOU like, get up early if YOU want to, spend two hours looking at a single painting in a gallery just because it speaks to YOU, without worrying what someone else wants. Eating when you want, where you want. I am very proud of you (which considering you don't know me from Eve could be multo wierd, but eh!) and glad you had a wonderful time!

Posted by: Claudia at February 20, 2008 02:16 AM

Traveling alone is the best. There's nothing like being able to decide what you want to do and go do it. One of the things I regret about having found a permanent partner is that I don't think I'll ever manage to get back to Italy or Scotland alone...

Posted by: Anonymous at February 20, 2008 02:31 AM

way to go!!!

totally proud of you and a little jealous of your adventure! can't wait to see pics!!

Posted by: rhett at February 20, 2008 02:35 AM

Okay...weird. I am studying abroad in Italy, and my art history class was just in Rome over the weekend. I guess we were there at the same time. :) And just for future reference for your next solo trip, Rome totally kicks the pants off of Florence (which is where I'm staying).

Posted by: Sophia at February 20, 2008 02:43 AM

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Posted by: jfihft at February 20, 2008 02:54 AM

Dude, that is the coolest thing I've ever heard of. You have no idea how much I envy you right now... I've always wanted to Travel (with a capital "T"), and to Rome, most especially, but money is so tight and my fiance is reluctant and I don't think I'd have the guts to just get up and go by myself. So I just wanted to say, "Go you!" Wish I had your spunk.

P.S.-- You don't speak Italian, do you? Because that's one of my greatest fears of travelling abroad: not speaking the language. How did that go for you? I'd love to hear more about your grand Rome adventure. Maybe it'll give me some ideas for when I finally get the chance to go!

Posted by: Nicole at February 20, 2008 03:28 AM

Dude, that is the coolest thing I've ever heard of. You have no idea how much I envy you right now... I'm 24, and I've always wanted to Travel (with a capital "T"), and to Rome, most especially, but money is so tight and my fiance is reluctant and I don't think I'd have the guts to just get up and go by myself. So I just wanted to say, "Go you!" Wish I had your spunk.

Posted by: Nicole at February 20, 2008 03:31 AM

Aughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Had just been wondering where you were since it had been a little while since you last post.

GOOD FOR YOU! I think taking a solo vacation somewhere really, really wonderful would be divine.

Posted by: Debbie at February 20, 2008 03:41 AM

you are awesome, and your bangs still look awesome!!!!!

Posted by: cathy at February 20, 2008 03:55 AM

You know I think about you and that umbrella attack all the time!

Posted by: Violetsrose at February 20, 2008 04:54 AM

Laurie, you are so awesome. Your posting brought a smile to my face. I'm glad you had fun in Rome. Give the kitties a pet for me.

Posted by: jeanpeace at February 20, 2008 04:54 AM

Congratulations! You are such an inspiration.

Posted by: Macoco at February 20, 2008 05:00 AM

Fantastic! Good for you!

Posted by: Nancy at February 20, 2008 05:36 AM

OMG, you totally made me cry (out of pride? envy? I don't knos). Good for you, girl! Be proud of yourself...and don't you just love travelling alone? You can go back to that same store/park/museum five days in a row if you want, and no one says "but you were just there yesterday, why do you want to go back". I love travelling alone too. And I am bloody jealous!
; )

Posted by: Anneh at February 20, 2008 05:42 AM

Wowee! What a wake up call for my "attached to husband/kids/etc" self. Could I do that too? I am in awe of your courage, good for you.

Posted by: Dora at February 20, 2008 05:43 AM

I am the opposite of you: I travelled alone and with girlfriends before finding a man with whom I wanted to travel. I even moved to another country alone!

Now I am getting married and he is taking me to Barcelona for my honeymoon and Rome for my birthday. Life couldn't be better for both of us -- for entirely different reasons.

Where next for you Laurie?

Posted by: Juliana at February 20, 2008 05:57 AM

Thanks for sharing your tale. The photo is wonderful, and it looks like you had an absolutely fantastic time! Hope you're still sighing over it for weeks to come. :)

Posted by: Alyssa at February 20, 2008 06:08 AM

woohoo - I love it!! You travelling, me travelling, Rome, everything!!

Posted by: setters at February 20, 2008 06:14 AM

That was the greatest build up to the greatest picture - EVER!!!! Good for you. I'm hugely impressed. I hope there's more pictures and stories to come. I was wondering where you've been. I missed reading!!!

Posted by: Aimlessly at February 20, 2008 06:15 AM

Laurie, I wish your blog had a facility to collect recs (or gold stars or whatever). You have written yet another great post! (You sound like you'd be fun to go on holiday with, too.) I can't wait to read about your adventures.

- Pam (if you ever come to London, please look me up)

Posted by: PipneyJane at February 20, 2008 06:26 AM

Lucky dog!

I prefer to travel alone, actually. I find other people cramp my tourista style and get on my nerves far too much for me to enjoy the travel.

Although I did get to NYC with a friend who didn't totally end up on my sh*t list after. Which was kind of nice, and now I can almost understand why most people prefer to travel with someone along. :-)

Posted by: Kaite at February 20, 2008 06:26 AM

OMG!! If you ever start to doubt you ability to write, come back to this post. You know how to deliver an ending!! I am SO happy for you! I hope you had a great time and I can't wait to hear about it!! I hope that I will be inspired to quit smoking from your example. One Year!! Good for you!!

Posted by: mctwin at February 20, 2008 06:27 AM

I clapped out loud!!! YAY YAY YAY for you!! I was born without the traveling genes but love to experience it through others(especially those who tell fantabulous stories, like yourself). So come on with them already!!!

Molly

Posted by: Molly(in east Texas) at February 20, 2008 06:28 AM

As the days passed with no new posts, I just knew you were on an amazing vacation. I couldn't be happier unless of course it was ME who had been on an amazing vacation.

AND you got it right; traveling alone is da bomb!

Posted by: MX at February 20, 2008 06:51 AM

I don't know you, I mean not really. And you don't know me. Not at all.

But that didn't stop me from seeing that picture and actually letting out a loud squee!!!

And when one works in a library, one should not squee.

And now I might have small little tears in my eyes every time I see that big picture of you in front of the Colosseum, because that just ROCKS.

Posted by: libwitch at February 20, 2008 06:53 AM

You. Are. Awesome.

Posted by: marn at February 20, 2008 07:08 AM

Wow, I'm so jealous. Exotic location and you look absolutely amazing too. I'll be your travel buddy!

Posted by: Shea at February 20, 2008 07:08 AM

You are my hero as well. I think I am going to save up my money for next year. This year it aint' happenin'. No Tax refunds just owing taxes. I am now excited to check out deals on Yahoo. Hmm where will I go.

Posted by: LeiAnne at February 20, 2008 07:08 AM

Wow! Just - wow! That's SO awesome! I got chills reading your post, that's how good it was. Yay, Laurie!!!!

Posted by: Dharmamama at February 20, 2008 07:19 AM

I also got goosebumps at the last bit, this is amazing. Please post lots more details and pictures soon. I've been wondering for a while whether I'd be ok travelling on my own, and I need just this sort of inspiration!

Posted by: Sarah Brett at February 20, 2008 07:28 AM

Good for you! Tell us stories! Show us pictures of your trip!!! We all want to hear every detail!!!!!! (ok, so now I'm speaking for everyone, but I'm sure they all agree).

Posted by: Laura at February 20, 2008 07:50 AM

Smoke free for a year. Congratulations!!!

Posted by: Diana at February 20, 2008 08:01 AM

Yay! Good for you. I LOVE Italy. Oh how I need to go back.

Posted by: Christine at February 20, 2008 08:18 AM

WOW --how cool. But we missed you!!!

Posted by: laurie d - to at February 20, 2008 08:25 AM

I really needed to hear that today. We had to put our sweet boy cat, Egbert, down yesterday. Life's kind of sucky and I just needed some *hope*! Thanks. (Got any more pictures to share?)

Posted by: Steph B at February 20, 2008 08:40 AM

Hooray!!!!!

Posted by: Meem at February 20, 2008 09:01 AM

Awesome! I can't wait until I'm as grown up as you are so I can go on spur of the moment trips to Rome! You are a model for all single women out there.

Posted by: Melissa at February 20, 2008 09:04 AM

Woo hoo!! You should be extra proud of yoruself. I've traveled a bit, lived in France for a semester and I've even traveled alone. But I thought Rome alone was too daunting with the men and butt pinching and purse snatching (I have no idea if it's really like that thought). And you did it without thinking twice. Go you!!!

Posted by: jennu at February 20, 2008 09:15 AM

How amazing are you? Totally amazing, that's what. Rome! Clearly, it was fabulous. Can't wait for more photos and stories.

Posted by: Jenni at February 20, 2008 09:18 AM

OMG! More, please!

That was such a great post. I was reading it in a tiny sneaky window at work, so I totally got the surprise! I didn't see the picture until the very end.

You rule, Laurie.

Posted by: ZestyJenny at February 20, 2008 09:18 AM

I'm tearing up. That is so freaking awesome. I am so happy for you, proud of you, proud of us all whenever we have a trip to Rome moment. You are incredible and you keep reminding us that we CAN DO IT.

Posted by: Krista M at February 20, 2008 09:24 AM

hee hee! that's awesome!

Posted by: maryse at February 20, 2008 09:24 AM

Laurie, how funny - I was just there, too, our time must have overlapped a little bit (I was there from Feb 9-16). I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did!

Posted by: June at February 20, 2008 09:47 AM