How does a sociable woman start over when she's not sure where she'll end up? I placed an ad for a travel companion on two internet sites that specialize in finding travel partners. I also told friends in communities where I'm well-established (the gym, dancing) so hopefully I'll up my chances of finding someone with whom I feel safe. Here's the ad I wrote:
I'm seeking an easy-going, quick-witted travel companion, starting August 7, 2006. I'd like to drive up coast from San Francisco and explore beautiful towns, nature, and National Parks in N.Calif, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Prefer someone strong to hike, bike, and be open to new adventures. I'm escaping Los Angeles to start over somewhere CLEAN. The photo of me hiking was taken July 11, 2006 and that black strip in background is no shadow. That's black smog, covering buildings, cars, and people. Other than that, L.A. is great. Oh, and the traffic. Give me a country home! Please. And in the fall, I'm open to exploring Colorado and New Mexico. I'm a fun-loving woman, with personality, humor, very outgoing, though enjoy quiet moments, too. I can drive in the car without talking for fifty minutes. After that, a chatterbox. I work out daily: hike, walk, weights, yoga, dance. I find sustenance in friendships, nature, meditation, and creative writing. I finished a novel, some screenplays and stage plays, too. I love to dance, travel, play piano, go to concerts, (especially symphony- Beethoven any day) and sing-- not that I'm good. I have a strong sense to protect the environment and animals, and speak out on behalf of those who have no voice. I appreciate warm, loving people who practice kindness to others, and hugs. I read a lot. Love to learn. Have adventures in mind, spirit, nature, cultures, and with a new special man. I'm Sagittarius with a Pisces rising. I'm educated in life, travels, and school. I have a B.A. in literature from UC San Diego. I have a Master's in writing from USC. I'm self-employed in marketing, and I write. Oh, enough history... I'm in my future, breaking free from the L.A. chains that bind me between deal makers in Mercedes Benz and immigrant workers in pick-up trucks, spewing black clouds and honking horns. And I'm heading for the mountains and lakes for some shared fun and fresh-breathable air!
I've had respondents but haven't met the one I'm sure to be comfortable with who is available. I have one friend who may be available and we'll know more next week. If need be I'll travel alone. I've done it before and I do meet people on the road. Though good company is always the best. Here's a paragraph I added to my ad when I decided to place it on a singles site, which I put up breifly, and then took down. Seeking a partner beyond travel seemed to be a pretty tall order when I'm packing, plus I'd prefer to meet a man more naturally. Yet I wrote... and then got back to packing.
My ideal partner has a great smile and contagious laugh! He's sensual, appreciating the beauty and textures in life. Thoughtful. Athletic. We walk up mountains and melt with sunsets and fresh air. We dance. We camp under the stars. He's curious and loves exploring. And I like listening to the sound of his mellow voice. We laugh a lot. Take things lightly. He's probably self-employed, for he takes initiative. He's creative too. And seeks to understand others rather than judge. We cook together. Dream up great adventures and live them.