Omg. I am all of a sudden discovering your newsletter and you are my new hero!! I am also 24 (25 next month), seven months deep into a solo travel voyage, and have been using my time abroad to explore writing, illustration, and photography. (I was working remotely last year, but quit my marketing / comms job last September.) As a fellow extroverted introvert, I also *love* being alone, and what you just described -- bringing a journal and book and grinning like an idiot at a random café in a new city -- is also myyyy happy place. So I just wanted to say hi!! And that you are my new girl crush! :')
This is a great piece. I I really like the idea of writing myself a love note. I've never done that. I may have to try and perhaps use parts of that as a prompt for my own newsletter.
Feb 22, 2022·edited Feb 22, 2022Liked by Tatiana Gallardo
Thanks, Tatiana, for your comments. So many things happen to your soul and bodily awareness when you allow yourself to travel. Indeed, travelling is expansion on so many levels, and I´ve not ever met a true traveller who could and would not break the restraints on freedom society puts in our human track.
I often ponder. How can we reach and upkeep the flame of freedom we all carry inside? These are not "only words," they come from a deep feeling of spiritual and bodily longing. I have tried with all my might to break free. I have travelled to my heart´s content and have not done so for money, fame or any other worldly incentive. I have travelled to gain experience, inspiration for my writings, to expand myself from within. I somehow knew, I had that space inside, and I wanted to meet with an expanded, more mature and more spiritual edition of myself. I was often in direct and very confrontational danger, but I was not ever harmed except for a few bruises and a couple of sore eyes. I remember writing poetry on the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I remember surviving in the streets, I remember the most profound, nightly strolls alone but accompanied by a divine feeling of safety by the river Tonle Sap. I remember looking at the stars, and feeling profound stillness and gratitude. I remember turning the river into a poem, and I sure remember drawing for the street kids in crayon on paper, and how these abandoned souls were the only ones who´d give me a meal for my drawing.
I remember crying my eyes out. I remember praying from the heart. I remember loving like I´d never stop. I carry the whole picture within me, and am slowly putting it all on paper. I wish to write much more in my newsletter: Alma´s Newsletter on Substack. But I´m onto some epic text also currently. I normally don´t talk much about my writing projects as they are untouchable in a sacred way to me.
I´m a traveller and somehow lone wanderer myself for 24 years now.
I´m trying to get a newsletter together now but I´m not technical in the least.
I´m a poet. I´m also into painting but mostly indoors.
My favourite soundtrack is "Chuva" with Signe Svendsen currently, else I´m also into Laurie Anderson and classical be it guitar, violin or piano or flute.
Gracias Tatiana. You made me remember the joy of solo traveling and doing things for myself, most importantly being out there solo knowing that nobody minds if you are!
Resonates completely. I agree being alone is not antisocial. Even if alone there’s great community eating in a restaurant - I especially enjoy eating at the bar, being part of a crowd at a concert, moving with others through museum galleries, crossing paths with other walkers on a hike… I too find a soundtrack gets me moving - Breathe This Air by Jon Hopkins. I’m jealous of your adventure in Argentina. I wish I’d had the courage to do when younger. Enjoy and keep writing!
Bravo Tatiana. I am happy you are experiencing that being alone and being lonely are not the same. I remember when being your age, Central Park with a blanket, a newspaper and lunch was my spot during many summer days. I eventually traveled solo in north and central South America nourishing my mind, soul and spirit. After a short encounter with an empty nest, many years later, reconnecting with my alone time was very welcome indeed. It still is my treasure, my joy, my stillness, my quiet.
Didn't know you were in Argentina! So glad your embracing the sun and yourself (God, I sound like an ad for some sort of tropical chocolate or something). Have fun, keep yourself busy, and, for the love of pete, tell yourself a joke every-so-often, nothing is better than making yourself laugh! Good luck with your date and good luck in Argentina!
I loved this. I hope you're enjoying every minute of that Argentinian sun, and I can't wait to see what you make out of the things you stock that tiny fridge with. Happy Valentine's Day, Tatiana!
Omg. I am all of a sudden discovering your newsletter and you are my new hero!! I am also 24 (25 next month), seven months deep into a solo travel voyage, and have been using my time abroad to explore writing, illustration, and photography. (I was working remotely last year, but quit my marketing / comms job last September.) As a fellow extroverted introvert, I also *love* being alone, and what you just described -- bringing a journal and book and grinning like an idiot at a random café in a new city -- is also myyyy happy place. So I just wanted to say hi!! And that you are my new girl crush! :')
This is a great piece. I I really like the idea of writing myself a love note. I've never done that. I may have to try and perhaps use parts of that as a prompt for my own newsletter.
Also, fellow Cuban here. Hi!
I will be heading out to Sta. Fe for a couple of solo days before joining friends. Never too late to go solo!!!
Thanks, Tatiana, for your comments. So many things happen to your soul and bodily awareness when you allow yourself to travel. Indeed, travelling is expansion on so many levels, and I´ve not ever met a true traveller who could and would not break the restraints on freedom society puts in our human track.
I often ponder. How can we reach and upkeep the flame of freedom we all carry inside? These are not "only words," they come from a deep feeling of spiritual and bodily longing. I have tried with all my might to break free. I have travelled to my heart´s content and have not done so for money, fame or any other worldly incentive. I have travelled to gain experience, inspiration for my writings, to expand myself from within. I somehow knew, I had that space inside, and I wanted to meet with an expanded, more mature and more spiritual edition of myself. I was often in direct and very confrontational danger, but I was not ever harmed except for a few bruises and a couple of sore eyes. I remember writing poetry on the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I remember surviving in the streets, I remember the most profound, nightly strolls alone but accompanied by a divine feeling of safety by the river Tonle Sap. I remember looking at the stars, and feeling profound stillness and gratitude. I remember turning the river into a poem, and I sure remember drawing for the street kids in crayon on paper, and how these abandoned souls were the only ones who´d give me a meal for my drawing.
I remember crying my eyes out. I remember praying from the heart. I remember loving like I´d never stop. I carry the whole picture within me, and am slowly putting it all on paper. I wish to write much more in my newsletter: Alma´s Newsletter on Substack. But I´m onto some epic text also currently. I normally don´t talk much about my writing projects as they are untouchable in a sacred way to me.
COURAGE FOR THE YEARS OF WANDERING.
Alma.
HEY!!
I REALLY LIKED YOUR PIECE.
I´m a traveller and somehow lone wanderer myself for 24 years now.
I´m trying to get a newsletter together now but I´m not technical in the least.
I´m a poet. I´m also into painting but mostly indoors.
My favourite soundtrack is "Chuva" with Signe Svendsen currently, else I´m also into Laurie Anderson and classical be it guitar, violin or piano or flute.
Bless you.
Alma
Gracias Tatiana. You made me remember the joy of solo traveling and doing things for myself, most importantly being out there solo knowing that nobody minds if you are!
Resonates completely. I agree being alone is not antisocial. Even if alone there’s great community eating in a restaurant - I especially enjoy eating at the bar, being part of a crowd at a concert, moving with others through museum galleries, crossing paths with other walkers on a hike… I too find a soundtrack gets me moving - Breathe This Air by Jon Hopkins. I’m jealous of your adventure in Argentina. I wish I’d had the courage to do when younger. Enjoy and keep writing!
Ahhh, I’m so jealous of you right now but love reading how you are living your best life out there! Amazing! Enjoy! Xxxx
Brava to you, brazen and brave, a winning combination. Great and expressive “Wanted” poster.
The real number for "free" is not 0, it's 1.
Great read ! thanks for sharing. Enjoy your trip.
Bravo Tatiana. I am happy you are experiencing that being alone and being lonely are not the same. I remember when being your age, Central Park with a blanket, a newspaper and lunch was my spot during many summer days. I eventually traveled solo in north and central South America nourishing my mind, soul and spirit. After a short encounter with an empty nest, many years later, reconnecting with my alone time was very welcome indeed. It still is my treasure, my joy, my stillness, my quiet.
Didn't know you were in Argentina! So glad your embracing the sun and yourself (God, I sound like an ad for some sort of tropical chocolate or something). Have fun, keep yourself busy, and, for the love of pete, tell yourself a joke every-so-often, nothing is better than making yourself laugh! Good luck with your date and good luck in Argentina!
Fun Tatiana! Enjoy your solo loving in Argentina! I am sure that we will be reading about your fun adventures!
Admiring your self-discoveries from a far……..and because it’s Valentine’s Day……love to me and you!
I loved this. I hope you're enjoying every minute of that Argentinian sun, and I can't wait to see what you make out of the things you stock that tiny fridge with. Happy Valentine's Day, Tatiana!