Solo Traveling – Exotic Encounters

Solo Traveling

Exotic Encounters

by Renee Kristi

According to Solo Traveler World, statistics show that more single women are in favor of solo trips.   Studies show that over the last four years, 75% of solo travelers were women, while men were 25%.  These women are refusing to miss out on the possibility of fun and adventure for lack of a traveling companion. Some are enjoying adventure and romance in some of the most exotic places in the world.  Cases In Point:

Ibadan, Nigeria – Lynne is a 29-year-old photographer from Chicago, who was visiting this country alone. In the gift shop of the hotel, she meets a young local businessman.  His charm and good looks are captivating and she enjoys the flirtatious banter.  Later, she bumps into him in the hotel’s restaurant.  He is with a group of friends, but he leaves them to join her.  His dimples intrigue her and his eyes sparkle as he entertains her with African folklore.

For the next six days, he becomes her guide and personal escort.  As she travels throughout the country in his jeep, she pinches herself to reinforce the reality of the hour.  She is overwhelmed by what she sees and learns and mesmerized with her companion.

When the time comes for her to return to the States, she suppresses her emotions.  She has fallen in love, but she feels stupid.  He has shown that he enjoyed her company, but there is no indication that the feeling is mutual.  On the way to the airport, it is all she can do to keep from bursting into tears. She looks at him and decides there is nothing back home to go to.  She wishes she could stay.  She stares at the road in silence. His face is impassive. Neither are talking.

At the departing gate, he starts to say something and changes his mind.  As she walks through the turnstile and turns to wave goodbye, he walks up and grabs her hugging her tightly.  He whispers in her ear in Yoruba, (his native tongue).  Fighting back tears, she asks him to translate for her what he has said.  “I love you, my beautiful one,” he repeats in English. “Will you stay here and become my wife?”  She screamed in joy.  “Yes! Yes!” She burst into tears and laughter at the same time.  They were married a month later.