When I was about 20 I decided to go to Italy with a group of people that I really didn’t know well.  One of my professors was hosting the trip.  I met a great group of folks but it was my first taste of independent travel.   They wanted to see a bunch of stuff that I couldn’t care less about.  I think half of the time I did my own thing.   The joys of solo-travel.

The reason I am telling you this is because that was in 1995 (ish) and I haven’t really traveled alone since. How did I let that happen??

Yeah, I have traveled alone for work jobs but does that really count?  I am not counting it.

And yes, I have had the occasional trips with people where we split up for the day/night.  But that isn’t the same either.

In my head, I have traveled alone many times.  Funny how the mind works.

So, today I hopped on a plane alone.  I am going to the Albuquerque balloon festival in the morning.

I get off the plane. I can do whatever I want.  There are no co-workers anywhere.  No sweet hubs to lead the way.  No family or friends.

I sat in the car.  What do I do.  I had a plan.  But now it is real.  What do I really want to do.

After a series of getting lost and not being able to find things in my purse, I decided to take the gal at the Hertz counter’s advice and drive to Santa Fe.  If I get there early then I can drive back via the scenic route and catch the sunset.

And so I drive.

I stop off at some shops in Santa Fe.  The town is lonely but not really my cup of tea.

Then I drive back.  WOW.

To be alone at sunset with the natural wonders of the middle of New Mexico is incredible.

So, this trip will be two things – being alone with myself and killing it at the festival with my photography.

Follow me on Instagram of FB if you want to see my photos.  I’ll post later.