The Lonely

“Spells of acute loneliness are an essential part of travel. Loneliness makes things happen.” 

– Jonathan Raban

(via Candy Chang)

I thought that I might keep this blog real professional and only write long winded and arrogant entries about the various exhibits and performances I'll be seeing. 

But, let's be real. 

Yes, I applied for this travel grant because I wanted to go adventuring and to explore how people creatively cope with and mediate conflict.  But on a more personal level, I also wanted to see if I could learn to be alone for an extended period of time.

Maybe that sounds stupid, but it's real and I don't know how the hell to do it. Sure, I can sit in my room by myself for a couple hours (or days) at a time if I want.  And, I've done that before.  I eventually get antsy.  I find something to do, someone to be with.  Then, I knew that I could call up a friend or a family member or wander out to a public area where someone I know would be able to offer support. 

That does not exist when one is traveling alone.  There's Facebook, Skype and Google+ but that's certainly not the same as physically being with someone you know and love and can share regular experiences with. While traveling alone, I cannot spontaneously show up at my best friend's apartment when I am upset, and know that she will listen to me cry and let me sleep on her too-small couch. A hypothetical situation, of course...

So, here I (willingly) am.  I am uncomfortable.  I am socially alone and often, physically alone.  And, I think that I might just be ready to make friends with the lonely, if not with some complete strangers.