Cheers to the solo ladies

Day 100 of the project, 
somewhere outside Port Elizabeth, South Africa

There can be many challenges in being a single female traveler. Security and acceptance of your solo status are obvious. Other issues are less obvious--when is the last time you had to figure out the word "tampon" in Hungarian? Or tried to explain the necessity of a 15-euro pedicure to a bewildered male bunk mate?

In spite of the nuisances, being a solo female traveler strengthens you beyond measure and opens your heart in a way you never thought possible. And perhaps the best reflection of that openness can be found in the relationships with other women.

I booked the female dorm for my first three nights in Cape Town. I rarely splurge for single gender accommodations, but I was lazy and didn't want to change beds halfway through my stay. By the stroke of fate, the ladies in my 8-bed room were mostly in their late 20s and early 30s. They asked me to join them and several guys from another room for drinks. Our eclectic group from eight countries bonded immediately. Being geriatrics with interests other than getting drunk, we did not hit the Long Street discos. Instead, we talked about everyday things and travel over casual beers and teas in the hostel kitchen.

After two evenings of mixed company, three women (Swiss, Canadian and American) decided to go to a bar for a night cap. The quick drink turned into a full-fledged ladies' night. For the uninitiated Y-chromosome set, camaraderie is the name of the game. Stories about men, careers, adventures and experiences are shared. Wine flows. Breasts rest on the table when leaning in for the juicy bits. Peals of laughter erupt at regular intervals. An occasional pause for reflection.

From the outsiders' perspective, we probably looked like old friends on a regular date. It is a nearly universal scene carried out around the globe at any given bar in any given language. And perhaps as solo women travelers, we are kindred spirits. It certainly requires a specific personality. If nothing else, it removes the superficial filters applied to friendship selection at home and places the focus on similarities instead of differences. Which is how it should be.

I am unbelievably grateful for the women (at home and abroad) who I have met and will meet. For your companionship, advice, ideas and jokes. It is for you that I raise a glass and toast--until our paths cross again, safe travels, amazing adventures and much laughter.