Why are you solo?

Skychi at Sun Moon Palace in Cancun, Mexico

At breakfast this morning the waiter asked me "Why are you solo? As a matter of fact I have been asked that question several times by male waiters. I understand the culture of Mexico is one of an emphasis on  "FAMILY". I  guess they cannot understand how I be by myself or eat by myself.

Watermelon Sculpture at Mexican Restaurant

My first day at lunch at the Mexican restaurant, the waitress did not want to seat me because  I was by myself. I thought it was interesting that the single gentleman ahead of me did not have that problem. They seated him immediately.

Chef preparing my Grilled Grouper

Why are you solo?
I answered that I am a flight attendant. I am used to traveling by myself. I don't think that answer was acceptable to him. He still looked puzzled. I am certain that I am not the only woman here traveling solo. However, this does not stop the asking of the question, Why am I alone?

Fruit Station at Buffett

This question has me asking and examining myself, Why am I alone?
Upon further introspection, there are other reasons for why I travel alone. I am divorced with four adult offspring. I have yet to meet my wandering soul mate.

Garnishments for Grilled Meats

Yes, I am "soloito". I am the little alone person.

Grilled Grouper, Cactus Salad and Shredded Beets

Churro with Ice Cream & Petit Fours

This morning, I was in line at the hostess station of the Mexican Restaurant of Sun Moon Palace waiting for a table. I ran into two women that I had met the last night. The hostess rushed to seat the three of us.

Skychi with one of the Chefs of the Mexican Restaurant

That's was my "Ahh! Moment". I realized I was choosing to eat alone and be alone. The question by the waiters of "Why are you alone?" was not due to their lack of understanding. It caused me to reflect upon who I was choosing to "be" which was alone. I had met many people but I had not sought their companionship during meal time. I finally got it. The question is not so much "Why are you alone?" but "Why do you choose to eat alone?". I did not eat all my meals alone. However, I got that I did choose to eat alone several times.

Breakfast in Room

Breakfast with my roommate

Thank you for the awakening moment. Now I can shift to not be "solo". Sometimes Travel can help you learn about yourself.

Healing Vacation in Cancun with Nature's Sunshine

Skychi squinting in Sunny Cancun

I have been sick with a weak immune system for sometime. Last week I had blocked ears and I still have a chronic cough. I am fortune enough to have won an all expenses paid vacation to the Sun Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico with Nature's Sunshine. I am here for five days with my Naturopath Dr. Hugh Jenkins and his lovely wife Gwen. His wife Gwen is a Health Consultant. She does my ear candling to unblock my ears.

Swinging Bar

Swim up Bar

Sun at Pool

This vacation could not come at a better time. I have been sleep deprived from working as a flight attendant. My trip after returning from the AAERG 11th Annual Convention in LAX, I was awake from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. in the morning. The flight I was working was to suppose to land at 10:30 p.m. We had flight delays due to weather and ended up sitting on the runway until 2 a.m. I was exhausted from being awake and working for almost 24 hours. This really took a toll on my health. I got sick with the flu plus the co-pilot had the flu too. I am still battling a chronic cold.

Skychi lounging in Hammock

It is great to be on vacation with a natural healing doctor. He and his wife are guiding me on the herbs that I need to heal my body. I have learned that I was not taking my herbs properly. I was taking the herbs according to the maintenance recommendations on the bottle. Dr. Jenkins and Gwen told me that I should be taking  herbs in larger quantities because my body is under stress from flying, sleep deprivation, and improper diet.

Dinner under the Stars & Moon with 2,200 Natural Health Experts

I am sitting in the presence of 2,000 natural health experts. I will share with you the info I learn at this convention in upcoming blog posts.

Breakfast in Room at Sun Moon Palace All-Inclusive Resort

If you are interested in natural healing and herbs, then visit my website to take a Health Analyzer at Skychi's Health Store at http://mynsp.com/Skychi.

Morning walk on the beach

"Invest in traveling the world. You will be better!"

http://kiermatthews.wordpress.com
Kier V.B. Matthews, CTIE

Vice President, Travel Industry Sales

Europe Express & Brian Moore International Tours

Kier Matthews

1. What message do have for students who want to travel?

 – The world is vast! Go explore! Even if you have to do it on a budget. It will make you a better citizen!

2. What are your childhood memories of travel ? 

-Traveling to Buenos Aries to visit my father who was working there. So glamorous!

3. Where did you dream of traveling when you were a child?

- England

4. Did you travel as a child?

 – Travel for me did not start until I was a teenager

5. What did you learn as a child about the expectation for black people to travel? 

– That we could only travel via car. We were not rich enough to fly.

Europe Vacation 

6. Did you admire or know of any Black people that traveled when you were a child? 

– My favorite aunt used to travel all the time and I admired her desire to see the world and bring it back to us.

7. Why should Black people travel? 

– Traveling is the great equalizer! You learn more traveling that any college degree. But, get the degree!

8. What was your first trip? 

– NYC on an air plane. It was a Boeing 747 operated by PanAm.

Europe Vacation

9. How did you plan for it?

 – My parents planned it all. I just had to remember how to behave on the plane.

10. What was your experience there? 

– I just recall the vastness of the big apple. I was so excited.

Europe Vacation

11. Was your travel experience what you expected?

 – Yes. It was way more than I ever imagined

12. How is your travel experience as a Black traveler different from what you perceive as a White traveler? 

– I think people are VERY shocked to see me in first class and at luxury hotels. They think I’m a celebrity, rapper or athlete. Not a senior executive.

13. What is your voice as a Black travel blogger?

 – I blog about luxury travel, experiences, and products.

14. Where do you dream of traveling now? Why?

 – Australia and Asia – Because my wife wants to go! I want to take her to the places of her dreams!

Europe Vacation with Family

15. Anything else you would like to add? 

– Invest in traveling the world. You will be better!