Courage!

Finally, my long awaited trip to the Galapagos - check one off the bucket list! Though excited, 24 hours before, some anxiety builds - what was I thinking traipsing to South America by myself?! A solo adventure to Costa Rica a number of years - an impulsive internet booking to a surf camp for 1st time surf lessons - in the pre-smartphone era had me running to the only payphone in town on dusty roads trying to book a flight back to Miami. Yet, that trip was life-changing - a new love for the water, surf skills, and a new group of travel buddies, some of whom have become my dearest friends (See Diane Dusini's Nicaragua Travel Journal, Un Hombre y Dos Mujeres!).

And then a sign - I grabbed the NYTimes Sunday magazine for my morning subway commute and came upon an article about the joys of solo travel by Andrew O'Hagan (Yes, Please - Party of One). A swell of joyful emotion, pride and adventure ensued. I copied the article and tucked it in my suitcase for any moments of doubt on my trip.

But, positive signs continued to pop up! My seatmate on my flight to Miami is a talented make-up artist who promises a complimentary makeover on my return to NYC, 2 female travelers on my flight to Quito give me the you go, girl! cheer when they hear of my solo trip, an adorable guide and driver, Christian, picks me up in Quito and upon arrival, at the cozy, intimate Hotel La Rabida I am greeted by the softest, sweetest bunny Brownie who wants to spend the night with me. I have the best sleep I've had in months!