My husband was a textile designer and travelled to Japan to visit textile mills. I have always been fascinated by the Japanese cultures but could never go him as our children were very small and had no one to care for them and then in later years, he became physically unable to endure the trip.
He died 5 years ago but my longing to travel to Japan never ceased. I have always felt a connection with Japanese people – a feeling which I cannot explain. So 2 years ago I decided that “while I can, I will”. Since we had been on a few Elderhostel programs, I felt secure doing this trip without any of my friends as there are usually a few single people on their trips.
At Kennedy Airport, I met a couple of other “singles” on the same tour and already felt comfortable with my decision to go solo. The trip focused on the cultural heritage and customs of Japan and we travelled to Matsue by plane, to Kyoto by bullet train, to Kanazawa by train and to Tokyo by plane.
The hotel in Matsue provided cotton kimonos that could be worn while walking around the hotel, so I did. It felt comfortable and natural. We visited samurai residences and castles. We got to meet some local people and I began to feel comfortable using the hotel’s unique toilets. And the Adachi Museum of Art Garden – voted #1 in all of Japan. The graceful way that they prune and cut-utterly magnificent!
The bullet train to Kyoto is an example of Japanese focus on cleanliness and promptness. What a city! People do not cross an intersection unless the light is green, they calmly wait-not in a hurry. We visited the Raku Pottery Museum , the Ikenobo Flower Society, and had a chance to interact with a class at a Junior High School where we were invited to have lunch with the students. The children brought lunches from home in bento boxes that included sushi, rice, fruit and vegetables…no sandwiches. Even the way the food was arranged in these boxes were works of art.
I discovered that not too many people were interested in going to the modern art museums, but I was, so alone I went. Japanese taxis are incredibly clean-the drivers wear white gloves and the head rests of the seats are covered with white lacy fabric (like what your grandmother used on her dresser). The museum was having an exhibit of contemporary French impressionists and much to my surprise, it was mobbed. And, at one of the temples-I sat quietly looking at the gravel garden that my husband had visited and tried to duplicated in our garden. That was a very special moment.
Kanazawa was our next destination and I very quickly fell in love with that city. We were fortunate to be there when the city was having their annual parade of the many organizations. It lasted into the evening and included school bands, traditional dancing, and government agencies. Families brought blankets to sit on the sidewalks and I noted that they even took off their shoes before sitting on the blankets. Alone, I also went to the Contemporary Art Museum, which was recently built and it was housed in one of the most beautiful and modern buildings I have ever seen.
Tokyo was our last stop and we were there only for 2 days, which was enough for me. A local resident helped me find the special stores that sold beads for my knit beading jewelry.
I have learned that, now that I am a widow, I still have a need to explore. That even alone, there is much learn about myself. And to me, that is one of the joys of life. [Leave a comment here.]
ElderChicks 
Hi, Elena… I certainly admire your spirit of adventure. In fact, it seems to me that most of the solo travelers are women. Bill
Thanks, Bill
Actually, there were 3 single men on the Japanese trip and one of them is now in a serious relationship with one of the women who also came as a single….so, you never know.
I enjoy your travelogue and also, look forward to you sharing the art of beeing a happy senior.
Thanks, Ed
I don’t think there is a special art of being a happy senior. I think it’s a process that requires insight and acceptance. Perhaps having good genes helps.
Dear Elena,
I have traveled much of the world, but never to either Japan or China……haven’t given up on it yet, though.
I have a very small group.. 5 so far going on a trip to the lands of the Bible….Great women….in Nov.
with Steps of Paul cruises…..they have a website…..you can look at our trip on it….and I have a once in a lifetime price, as I am a Meeting and Event planner..
Nov.10-21st…..
If you are interested, I will call you or send info.
Love your motto !!! same as mine “While I can, I will !
So much of this world to see, so little time.
Adele Crivaro…..adeleatsuperior@aol.com
Hi Adele,
I have already traveled to Israel and now there are just a few other places I want to experience “while I can”. My next visit will be to Barcelona. I don’t know when, but it should be sooner than later. If you have ideas about that, let me know.
Wow. This sounds like an amazing trip!
I always wanted to go to Alaska with a relative of mine that passed away. We didn’t make it. However, I will make it there one day. It’s on my list of things to do before I get too old.
I want to go to Alaska and go mushing!
Congratulations on completing your trip. Keep that traveling spirit!
You too! and make that trip sooner than later.
Your joy from this trip leaps off the screen and will probably encourage others who read it to try “single “travel. It is so rewarding because you can do what you alone want to do on your own terms. I discovered that years ago but, alas, no longer travel. Sharing prolongs the experience and sharpens the memory of it. Continue to pursue your dreams!!! .
Thanks for the sweet comments. That’s why I always say, “while I can, I will” because one never know what lies around the corner. Hope to see you soon…love, Elena
Elena, you always inspire – with your curiosity, courage, and sense of humor. I love the pictures. Vicarious travel is good, too! Thanks for making it possible.
Dear Thelma, I never thought of myself as being able to inspire, but apparently you have brought that out in me. As I get older, I find that I tend to be more of a philosopher and am more eager to enjoy what I can today and not wait until tomorrow. Am I becoming a Buddhist?
Your daughter seems like a woman of many talents!
Elena – what a nice story – good for you – someone once told me to try a lot of things once and the fun things twice – your certainly making the highest and best use of our “golden” years Enjoy Bea
Thanks, Bea,
I like the motto. And if it’s really fun, why not 3 or 4 times?
Hope you are enjoying the summer. Hopefully we’ll see you before Florida?
This is wonderful, Mom! Thanks for sharing your story. You are an inspiration for so many. Now–where are you off to next?
xoxo,
Lisa
Barcelona is lurking in my mind. Maybe not this year, but soon. I would like to go without a walker…love, Mom
Barcelona was so much fun, we did do it twice. I’m hoping for a third time one day. It’s a real walking city full of wonderful architecture, art, music, and great people. Good to plan before needing a walker.
What I wonderful motto “while I can, I will”! It’s exactly how I feel.
My husband doesn’t travel so a few years ago I started going by myself. Elderhostel trips are wonderful and I never feel alone because there is always someone to talk to at a meal or on a tour.
I’ve used my miles for a trip to Paris next May. I couldn’t coordinate with an Elderhostel trip so I’m going alone for 13 days in Paris. Excited, scared in equal amounts. I’m planning on renting some kind of small apartment rather than staying at a hotel.
Best wishes to you on your next trip,
Jan
Wow, Jane, good for you! I think it takes a bit of courage to go totally on your own as you plan to do. Have you been to Paris before? Let me know how it works out for you. Perhaps your experience will give me the boost that I need for the next step.
Actually, I was thinking of going to Barcelona in May or June of next year. I think it is a city one can easily do without a tour guide.
Have a wonderful experience and then write about it……Elena
Dearest Elena,
As always great humanity with interesting observations. Great way to connect with Alan! You ‘look’ Japanese in the photo but still – like our friend. (We went to Korea last August – a year – and felt great admiration and empathy with the people.) Unique and effective manner of sharing!
Thanks! Ralph and Sallie
Thanks for the comments. I loved being in Japan. Hope you have had a good year. Please extend my love to all in your family…love, Elena
What fun! the more you do it, the better it gets!
you never know what serendipity kind of ex-
perience you will have! keep at it as long as
it is still exciting. my hat is off to you! mimi
Right on, Mimi! think that’s one of the biggest (open) secrets to aging well is to keep your mind focused on new experiences and don’t be afraid of taking risks. After all, what do we have to lose and look at all we might gain.
Dear Elena,
Over the years I have had the wonderful experience of travelling to quite a few countries. However, I always had a husband travellng with me. I admire you so much for doing this on your own. I am not sure that I could do that.
P.S. I see you quite often and could have told this to you in person, but I love the idea of communicating with so many other women in this way. Just keep on doing what you have been doing “while you can.”
Love, Corinne
Thanks for your comments, Corinne….and congratulations for being able to figure out how to make a comment here. Quite a few of my friends had great difficulty in navigating so you are an elderchick with technological ease…Elena
Corinne, seeing people communicating this way is wonderful. Thanks for being a great ElderChick.
I loved this piece. Thanks for the inspiration to continue exploring. It’s our world too, our great big world.
Loved this, you inspire me to keep trying to do things I sometimes think I am too old to do alone. Thank you
Great for going alone!