I recently returned from my adventures in Europe and Asia. Among other things, I saw live music, cathedrals, well-dressed people, the sun, family members, two brides, two grooms, and two coworkers. The month was filled with music, laughter, and many, many steps.
One thing I can share is about Airbnbs. Sometimes, it can be an adventure just to open the door to the apartment you paid hundreds of dollars for.
I learned this lesson in a fun way when I arrived at my Airbnb in Lisbon. I found a tall door with a lockbox containing the key to my apartment inside.
I couldn't reach or open the lockbox.
Neighbors gathered on the street, trying to help. The group was unsuccessful, but I did complain to many locals, which is what traveling is all about.
The Airbnb concierge, a tall woman, took an hour to arrive. When she finally showed up and easily opened the lock, she looked down at me and, in a calm voice, said, "It's okay. You're just a little girl who needs a little nap.”
Her words soothed me. I learned that it's okay to be bad at your job sometimes, as long as you allow someone to nap afterwards.
Since then, I have been mentally tallying whether I am a little girl who just needs a little nap or not. I have not reached a conclusion. So, I thought you all could help me as I summarize my last month.
Am I, or am I not, a little girl who just needs a little nap, according to last month's activities?
When I booked all the travel myself:
No, not a little girl.
Yes, I need a little nap.
When all my travel plans worked out and ended up being more fun than expected:
No, not a little girl.
Yes, I need a little nap.
When I met my coworkers in person for the first time, we had a great time:
No, not a little girl. (Little girls should not have coworkers.)
Yes, I need a little nap. (all that drinking wine in Lisbon is tiring!)
When I was interrogated by Israeli airport officials for traveling alone:
Yes, I am a little girl. (In retrospect, that may not have been the right thing to say.)
Yes, I need a little nap. (accompanied by a sob)
When I went to the beach by myself, I couldn't reach every part of my back, which resulted in it burning and peeling:
Yes, I am a little girl.
No, I do not need a little nap (especially not on the beach with my back facing the sun. That would be a bad idea!)
When I went on many tours, I listened intently and nodded my head:
Yes, I am a little (bit of a pick-me) girl.
No, I do not need a little nap.
When I attended two weddings with people my age:
No, I am not a little girl. 😞
No, I do not need a little nap. (I don't have time for napping when I'm supposed to be finding myself a husband. Grumble grumble grumble.)
When I ate a fly during the vows of one wedding:
Yes, I am a little girl (and I am now part-little fly)!
No, I do not need a little nap (nor to lie down in any way, must stay vertical and quiet!)
When I had the best wine in Portugal, hummus in Israel, and pizza in Italy:
Yes, I am a little girl.
Yes, I need a little nap (food coma).
When I arrived back home, I jumped straight into work:
No, I am not a little girl.
Yes, I need a little nap.
When I saw The Little Mermaid at the movies for 5 dollars:
Yes, I am a little girl. (but I want to be a little mermaid, Daddd!!)
No, I do not need a little nap.
When I went to see the "Like Water for Chocolate" ballet at the Met Opera:
No, I am not a little girl. (but I wish I could be a little girl in a ballet class again.)
No, I do not need a little nap. (this performance was too exciting to nap during)
When I saw Josh Gondelman's show at Union Hall:
No, I am not a little girl (I can laugh at adult jokes AND understand them!)
No, I do not need a little nap (but I do need to go to sleep by 11pm on a Sunday night)
So, who am I? And more importantly, am I allowed to take a nap?
Please comment below and let me know!
Also, if you have any questions about my solo travels, feel free to ask in the comments. In my last post, I wrote about how I used ChatGPT to plan for this trip.
During my adventures, I felt joyful, like a little girl, and took many siestas. I highly recommend traveling alone and taking siestas. However, be warned that time will fly by quickly and before you know it, you will need to prioritize responsibilities once again.
It is time for me to return to my usual adult routine, which includes cooking, helping my sister with school, working on side projects, practicing yoga, walking a lot, and publishing a weekly Substack for adults. The Substack covers serious adult topics such as what I learn at work and for fun about technology and the human condition.
I can't do it without you, so I hope you will continue reading my work. Please please please? In return, I will do my best not to bore you to sleep. Pinky promise!