Yes, Mom

I was not suprised to find a message in my inbox this morning from my mother berating me for my "immature" behavior last night and I would like to take the time to address what my intent was in posting. Because a lot of people who read my blog are thinking of doing a similar trip, it is important that they understand the kind of situations you can get in.

I thought I was being smart last night by going out with people I could trust (the employee of my hostel who could be held responsible for my dissapearance) and attaching myself to a group of friends who speak my language. But those safety nets fell apart, and I got stuck in a predicament that could have ended badly if I didn't have my wits about me because I am consious of the amount of alcohol I consume. Unlike the other American girls last night, but they can afford to do that because they have friends who babysit them.

Should you just stay in every night if you are a girl travelling alone? No. But you should always be aware of your surroundings and know your way home via streets that are big and usually populated. And if things do go badly, do not lose your cool. Just get out of the situation as quickly as possible. And when it is over, think of things you could have done differently (there was really nothing, other than remembering my money was in my shoe, but even then I had taken the precaution of only bringing just enough for the evening).

If you were offended by my blog or worried about my well-being or now think I am irresponsible, I am sorry. But the point is, everything has a risk. This trip is rife with them. All I can do is decide which risks are worth taking and never let myself be oblivious to what is going on. And although I adopt a cavalier additude about dangerous situations after they happen, I am very shrewd and serious when they are happening.

But now back to my trip:
Even though San Sebastian was dreary and cold again today, I ventured out. The second mountain was covered in a rain cloud, so I scratched my plan to climb to the castle-thing and instead got lost in San Sebastian, because I had not done that yet. Then I made my way down to the beach and watched the waves crash against the seawalls and sometimes even come up over them. There were holes drilled in the ground and as the waves came and went it sounded like San Sebastian was breathing. Incredible.

Now I am waiting in the hostel for my night train to come and take me to Lisbon. Only 4 days until my mom meets me in Madrid. We have looked up bullfighting and reserved tickets for the Opera in Rome. I cannot wait. As long as she keeps the lecturing down and the fun pumped up. :) Which she will. She out parties me anyday, which makes the e-mail I recieved today less threatening.