The last three stories are about an older woman traveling the world alone as a tourist. Did you find this adventurous/brave or foolhardy? Have you ever taking a vacation by yourself? Would you, if presented with the opportunity?
Created: 11/04/19
Replies: 14
Join Date: 10/15/10
Posts: 3442
The last three stories are about an older woman traveling the world alone as a tourist. Did you find this adventurous/brave or foolhardy? Have you ever taking a vacation by yourself? Would you, if presented with the opportunity?
Join Date: 11/30/19
Posts: 25
I personally find traveling alone a bit brave, but only because I must depend on my own wits, map reading skills and lack of fluency in another language. I am more open to interactions because I am not surrounded by friends or family, and this provides great pleasure in travel. I am also more aware of details as I keep a journal. Berlin's character in Paris relives moments from art and literature in a way that adds to her enjoyment and appreciation, "seeing what I have read". She captures tiny details, that inform us of her happiness/questions about life/death in the cemetery or at the Louvre. In Sombra and Luna Nueva, Jane and the unnamed woman connect with strangers in a very intimate and emotional way. Her descriptions are like small paintings at the bull fight and at the pool.
Join Date: 08/10/17
Posts: 215
Traveling alone is an adventure that needs to be experienced to be appreciated. I have only done it once but my adult daughter does it all the time. Maybe it is a generational difference.
Join Date: 08/01/16
Posts: 70
I have traveled alone and found there was sense of freedom and anonymity in doing so. As well, there were times when I was quite nervous about being alone in certain surroundings.
Berlin's musings and descriptions in The Louvre are wonderful. She so clearly describes her thoughts and her observations on her visits. Her ruminations on capturing death are fascinating.
I do not believe that Berlin gave any thought as to whether or not she was being brave or foolish in traveling alone. She has an adventurous spirit and goes where it leads her
Join Date: 04/26/17
Posts: 258
It is a fact of life that many women outlive their significant others. If you don’t do things alone, you stop living. I have no trouble traveling alone and I do feel a sense of accomplishment when I travel to a new place. Technology has made it so much easier to travel.
Join Date: 07/10/14
Posts: 72
I find traveling alone a great adventure. I do agree with the comment from Lole about how this forces you to interact with other people that you may not have if traveling with a companion. And because of that your travel experience becomes richer and more memorable.
Join Date: 01/12/16
Posts: 24
I recently traveled to Paris alone. My first three days I explored on my own-the Eiffel Tower my goal. I was terrified of taking a train or taxi but had no fear walking 2 miles through Paris to get there. My walking tour yielded many sights and smells and sounds I would not have experienced traveling underground. Then I joined a tour and my experience dramatically changed. How I envy the main character’s freedom to explore the Louvre day after day, new hall after hall. Her description is being in the space around the Winged Victory rang true. This was my favorite story.
Join Date: 04/25/12
Posts: 51
I found the experiences described in the last three stories expansive and revelatory for the woman and thus, good examples of how travel can open up the world for us (as well as our inner world). In the story "Lost in the Louvre", she wonders if she can 'catch death' and gains a deep understanding. In "Sombras" an excursion to a bullfight has a harrowing incident that examines how death is handled by different cultures and people. And "Luna Nueva" describes a visit to a pool that brings different people together for a brief moment in time where they connect in a very basic and human way. For me, these stories showed what we can gain by being adventurous and venturing out. I've not traveled by myself, but would hope that I would be open to the world around me.
Join Date: 05/11/15
Posts: 100
I found the characters to be brave and adventurous. I am not - at least that way. For me, one of the joys of travel is sharing the experience with another. But I really admire her 3 characters for their freedom of travel, and of engaging with strangers.
Join Date: 10/12/11
Posts: 256
I would love to travel alone as a tourist, but I feel that my time to do so has long since passed me by. I think that doing so is adventuresome; however, I also feel that I might have been disappointed since I wouldn't have been able to discuss my experiences with another person. I feel the same way about reading a book on my own--I enjoy sharing ideas and insights with others.
Join Date: 04/21/14
Posts: 39
I think she was brave, but apparently she had money to be able to travel.
I would definitely not travel alone with the condition the world is in.
Join Date: 06/05/18
Posts: 245
I have traveled by myself for work as well as for pleasure. There is perhaps a little bravery in it and if you are careful, very little foolhardiness. I do agree with MarieA above - part of the excitement of travel is sharing your experience with another.
Join Date: 05/29/15
Posts: 460
I've never really traveled but like to read about those who do. I do think traveling alone, especially overseas, is very dangerous these days.
Join Date: 07/11/14
Posts: 69
These were my favorite stories of the book. I haven't yet traveled alone, but I would think it would be interesting to set one's own itinerary and take one's time. I do love travelling with my husband and kids and grandkids, but sometimes there's so much on the agenda for each of us that I can visualize a solitary expedition would be fun and rewarding. I can see myself, like the author, getting "lost in the Louvre."
Join Date: 05/26/18
Posts: 77
I think traveling alone is exhilarating. As a younger woman, I felt adventurous and independent. It gave me confidence. As an older woman, I worry more about illness and injury without a travel buddy.
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