Going Solo

Eva Rottenanger

Description

Going Solo is an evocative armchair journey around the world aimed at inspiring confidence and courage, not only in travel but in self-exploration, that will have readers itching to hit the road. The author combines an up-close-and-personal experience of the joys and realities of day-to-day travel with insightful observations on expatriate living and the immigrant experience. By inviting a deeper contemplation of the social, historical and spiritual similarities and contrasts discovered along the way, the memoir shows how every outward journey can be a platform towards a truer, more intentional version of ourselves as our old beliefs and priorities are challenged. Contact with unfamiliar environments adds meaning to life by helping us define our values and our place in the world. The memoir concludes with meditations on questions raised and offers travel tips for newbies to help them on their way.

Sujets

• Santé et bien-être
• Développement personnel
• Special Interest
• Travel

Informations

• Publié par: Xlibris AU
• Date de parution: 15 septembre 2022
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781669830719
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 3 Mo

Extrait

In Praise of Going Solo.
 
“ Going Solo was a totally satisfying read on many levels. At times I was absorbed in anecdotes and enjoyed vicarious experiences in places I’ve never visited or in contemplations on the meaning of life. At others, I was transported back to my own travelling days, both as a tourist and as an expat in Asia, where unpredictable events caused me to laugh out loud or wonder at my own temerity. Most poignant for me was the author’s quest to understand herself through travelling; her origins and her place in the world – a quest very familiar to this reader. I unreservedly recommend this book.” Jude Scott . B. Ed: Retired teacher and seasoned world traveller. 2 years as expat in Malaysia
“As someone who loves to travel, I found a soulmate in the author of this book. To me, travelling is also a way to find my own meaning, belonging and identity. While reading Going Solo, I was fully immersed in the narration and felt myself walking beside the author on the same streets of Bangkok, London, Chicago and other cities. I’ve found a piece of myself there and for this experience I’m very grateful.” Kate Ignasheva . B. Mgmt: hotel & school manager: travel and culture enthusiast. 2 years as expat in France and China
“Seasoned overland travellers will find that Going Solo evokes such rich and wonderful memories of their travel adventures that they will want to dust off their backpack and go ‘walkabout’ on the global stage again. For others contemplating solo overseas travel for the first time, the book provides both the inspiration and practical advice to simply take the leap and go. Eva details an eloquent and insightful analysis of the reasons for, benefits of and joys of solo overseas travel. She captures the magic arising from the people we meet along the road and the invaluable insights into self that come from the journey while immersing oneself in local culture, scenery, history, culinary delights and philosophy.” Patrick Carmody B. Com: overland trail traveller. 4 years a commercial financier in Hong Kong
“Going Solo gives great insights into the history and cultural diversity of countries and the edge of travelling solo. It is completely engrossing and compelling while offering intriguing, thought-provoking insights into how different people live in various countries; a learning process even for me as a former expat. Immerse yourself in the memoir, one chapter at a time and let your imagination go with the flow. A definite must-read!” Genie Phillips . MBA: travelled globally for work. 6 years expat experience mainly in Singapore and South Korea
“An excellent travel companion especially for those new to solo travel. Going Solo takes you on the author’s journeys over the years across continents, cultures, and into herself. The chapter on Thailand and musings on that nation’s inherent contradictions resonated with me as it’s a country in which I’ve lived and travelled extensively. Reading the memoir led me once again to reflect on the web of contradictions that lie at the heart of any cultural engagement including mine. Cognitive dissonance to be sure, but that’s at the root of personal growth. Travel on!” Gregory Jones . MA: educator. 40+ years living between Australia and Thailand for teaching and humanitarian causes.

Going Solo
 
 
A Travel Memoir in Search of Meaning, Belonging and Identity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eva Rottenanger

 
Copyright © 2022 by Eva Rottenanger.
 
Library of Congress Control Number:
2022912777
ISBN:
Hardcover
978-1-6698-3073-3

Softcover
978-1-6698-3072-6

eBook
978-1-6698-3071-9
 
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
 
Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.
Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.
 
 
 
 
Rev. date: 01/19/2023
 
 
 
 
Xlibris
AU TFN: 1 800 844 927 (Toll Free inside Australia)
AU Local: [phone] ([phone] from outside Australia)
www.Xlibris.com.au
820300

 
For my children and family,
and for those needing confidence to travel.
May you be forever curious, courageous, and fortunate enough
to explore our world, and yourselves.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The names of people mentioned have been changed to protect their privacy.

 
Thoughts on Taking Journeys
On the Reasons
‘The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page.’ (Saint Augustine)
‘See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.’ (Ray Bradbury)
‘To travel is to take a journey into yourself.’ (Danny Kaye)
On Going Solo
‘ The inner journey of travel is intensified by solitude.’ (Paul Theroux)
‘You’re the captain of your ship; don’t let anyone take the wheel.’ (Michael Josephson)
Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do – now. (Epictetus)
On Starting Now
‘Set free the bowlines, sail away from safe harbors. Dream. Explore. Discover.’ (Mark Twain)
‘Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.’ (Steve Jobs)
‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ (Lao Tzu)
On Finding ‘The Place’ Inside You Where Your True Self Resides
‘Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.’ (Marcus. Aurelius)
‘The end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. Those who arrive at the end of a journey are not those who began.’ (T. S. Eliot)
On Living as a Traveller and Global Citizen
‘I am a citizen, not of Athens, or of Greece, but of the world.’ (Socrates)
‘Travel as much as you can - and involve yourself as an internationalist.’ (Christopher Hitchens)
‘We may have different religions, different languages, different skin, but we all belong to one human race.’
(Kofi Annan)
Viewing the colour images and video clips of my journeys adds another dimension to reading this travel memoir.
These can be found on my website. https://www.evarottenanger.com

Contents
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
Belonging: If Not Here, Then Where?
THAILAND
The Journey and People We Meet Are as Important as The Destination
Hot and Humid Bangkok
The Inspiring Ancient City
Memories of Chiang Mai and Traditional Building Styles
A Glance Behind the Social Scene
Exploring Hill Tribe Communities
On Free Speech and Politics
Reflections: The Land of Smiles Can Mask Growing Discontent
PORTUGAL
Fabulous Faro
A Familiar Anchor Adds Balance to the Art of Going Solo
Slowing Down in Sleepy Tavira
Lounging In Lagos: Beaches and Blue Sky
At Tables for One, To Be or Not to Be Alone Is a Matter of Perspective
Prestigious Porto: Birthplace of Port Wine
Cuisine: Portugal Will Win You at First Bite
Going Solo Versus Compromising with A Travel Companion
An ‘I Told You So’ Gets Bottled and Corked
Mountainous Covilhã
Medieval Belmonte
Windswept Serra Da Estrela
Adorable Coimbra
Conimbriga: Roman Ruins
Vibrant Lisbon
The Land of Azulejo Tiles
Surviving Salazar’s Dictatorship: Thirty- Six Years of Suffering
Passionate Fado
Reflections: The Yearning to Return Begins as You Depart
MOROCCO
Marrakesh: A Little Culture Shock at First
Lost In the Medina: More Courage Than Sense
Where’s The Cobra?
The Atlas Mountains
The Berbers of Morocco
Pit Stop at A Small Mountain Village
Ait Benhaddou: An Ancient Fortress
Into The Den of a Carpet Merchant
Ouarzazate: Home of Movie Studios
The Art of Haggling
Planning And Maps Are Essential
Reflections: Marrakesh – A World with Its Own Beauty, Vitality, And Legitimacy
SPAIN
Exploring Seville by Horse-Drawn Carriage
Mindset, Expectations, And Dealing with Disappointment
Seville’s Cathedral
Royal Alcázar Palace
Winding down: reflections on an all-too-busy day
Cultural Perspectives and Entrenched Biases
Gracious Granada
A Stroll Around El Albaicín
Fabulous Flamenco: Roma Style
The Roma
Alluring Alhambra
The Transience of Power Set Against the Endurance of Beauty
Málaga
Exploring The Old Town Centre
History Was Unkind to Málaga
Spain Under Franco: 1939 to 1975
Like A Phoenix from Ashes, One Civilization Rises from The Fall of Another
Málaga: An Arrival and Departure Hub with Much to See and Do
Reflections: Spain’s History Shaped Stunning Architecture and A Proud, Pragmatic Nation
FRANCE
Lyon: Arrivals Anywhere Can Be Arduous
Cité De Pérouges
France Seems Perpetually on Alert
Lyon’s Long History Is Embodied in Its Built Environment
La Basilique Notre Dame De Fourvière
Lyon’s Silk History
Inspiration And Architecture Meet At La Confluence
Reflections: Lyon – A City with Old-World Charm That Looks to The Future
ITALY
The Journey to Lake Como
Memorable Menaggio
Charming Varenn