We were talking about vacations and that some people never travelled far because their reason was always, they were saving money. Saving is a virtue, but sometimes we do not really know what we are saving for. Old age? Or for security? For whatever it is, I think saving is a virtue, I do not deny it. In the event of saving, we missed out on a lot of opportunities. As you grow older, your body is not as flexible and adapatable to seasons, weather etc. The chances of you travelling would generally be much less. Then my mother was saying that company was also important. It is hard to find good company to travel with. I agree, but I said, people can also travel alone. They don't always need company to travel with, to which she did not agree and said, at least you have someone to look out while you go to the loo, on the plane etc. I seriously think otherwise. Yes it is good to have someone to look out for you when you do those stuff, but what I mean is, you do not have to depend your happiness on others. Does it mean you stop travelling altogether just because you can't find someone else to accompany you? I don't think so, not in my opinion.

Last year, my auntie, mom and I were having breakfast in the cafe in the hotel lobby (in Vancouver). It was an early morning, the table next right beside the window was a petite Japanese lady. She was alone, having breakfast. My mom made a comment which I did not like, "See, if you come alone, you'll be like her - alone." I looked at the Japanese lady. What I saw was plain happiness, contentment, nothing negative. I did not reply my mother, but just felt she had a negative opinion about people travelling alone, that something terrible will happen to them. I admire the Japanese lady, I also envy her. She was enjoying her solitude, something which many people do not and will not enjoy. She is my model of aloneness. She is happy, not afraid that she is being lonely. In fact, she will always remain in my memory. I cannot remember her face, she was smiling and radiating with contentment as she ate. I love that look.

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