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“You mean you’re going to travel alone?”

This is the look of disbelief worn by many of my friends when they found out I’m going to a local beach by myself. The initial look of excitement was replaced by a weird look with the unspoken question, “Why would you do this?”

Whenever there’s a major change in my life, I usually do a reset that was unknown to many. I like to plan my trip separately. I don’t do those package tours because I like the preparation that goes with it plus the changes are easier to do if done individually.

So I head off into the sunset, literally speaking. I realized I had so much luggage when the initial plan was a hand-carry.

I woke up early and headed to the airport—turned out that I was one of the few who were not yet checked in for the flight. Well, got a little sense of importance there being hastened into a special counter while the check-in agent tried to decide if the power bank I had in my hand luggage would ignite into a New Year’s eve celebration.

Fast forward to arriving at the hotel I chose, which turned out to be way farther than it was pinned on the map. (A mental note that I should switch to satellite mode when I do the Google Maps thing.) That place was nearer the back beach and I accumulated two pails worth of sweat when I went to the Main beach. The Main beach was clear and blue while the back was meant for some kitesurfing activities.

The place I chose was clean and quiet. Seriously, there was silence in the air except for the gust of the wind. At night, I was a bit afraid as the only thing dividing me from the second-floor terrace was a thin glass partition with a door that seemed so easy to open. I was thinking worst-case scenario, I’d die in paradise, but it was safe for the few nights I was there.

I moved to two more different hotels because I wanted to experience all the top star ratings. I got a beachfront and one with a few steps to the beach. I ate once a day as I didn’t feel like eating a lot despite the multitudes of long walks by the beach on my own. I think I fell in love with myself, as there wasn’t really much choice.

What did I think about during these days of silence? I thought I was going to think about my past life, but I was thinking toward the current days.

I realized how happy I was to be in such a beautiful place, how lucky I am to be alive, and how much I love the family I left for a little bit of time to have a bit of quiet.

It was amazing to have time for myself—all ready to be catapulted into a new world without the constant calls for things that needed to be accomplished. It’s a beautiful life amongst the waves. I am immeasurably grateful.

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