When we were preparing to set off on this great adventure everyone told us, “don’t be afraid to go off on your own if you need alone time.” The person I was before this semester thought that it would be fine to go off but that I probably wouldn’t need to, but boy was I wrong. Not to say that spending time with the group isn’t wonderful, I have had boatloads of wonderful conversations and amazing experiences with the group, but occasionally when things get to be a bit overwhelming I find myself craving a place to be alone with my thoughts. As it turns out public transportation is the perfect place for this.

London Tube – Circle Line

It is surprising I know, since modes of public transportation tend to be very crowded, but there is something inherently comforting to me about being quiet in a space filled with other people who are also existing in a state of quiet. However the question becomes what to do when that silence doesn’t exist when one needs it. One thing I use to remedy this is music. With music I can be in the larger group doing activities or in a space filled with loud people and still feel a part of it while having a space where I can think. This is what makes music perfect for buses, walking the streets or riding the train. Sitting staring out the window of the train, I find myself thinking about how much I used to take being alone, or in silence, for granted and how much of a shame it is that it took me this long to figure it out. This is one of many wonderful lessons I’ve learned while being abroad that I hadn’t expected. And as we ride this train and watch the trees fly by the window I’ve just realized that I have a new found appreciation for planes, trains, and automobiles.