Singles and the City
Travel for Singles
Many companies are now catering for the ever growing sector of the singles travel industry. In the 21st Century, singles travel has really taken off in a big way in North America and Europe. More and more singles are embarking on travel as a way of sharing their experiences and to meet new people.
Oli puffs the "sheesha"
Who could forget the hookah-smoking caterpillar in "Alice in Wonderland?" The sheesha was immortalized by the character in the tale. Recently, puffing on a sheesha pipe is fast becoming the coolest pastime for most singles. It's exotic, sociable, friendly, and a little bit different say those who choose to relax with a sheesha.
I am amazed that Sheesha cafes are becoming fashionable hang-outs and are now finding favor around the world. Stepping through the doors of most sheesha lounges you are like being transported away to what could be a coffee shop in downtown Amman, Cairo, or Manama. In sheesha lounges, you could be forgiven for thinking it's midnight at the oasis.
I was in Manama, Bahrain for a business trip when I have first experienced to puff the sheesha pipe. I couldn't forget the atmosphere inside as exotic and sweet fragrant billows of smoke bathe the Bedouin-like room. Luxurious fabrics drape from the ceiling and soft candle light flickers against the burnt orange walls. Arabic music videos are beamed onto the walls.
Singles sit enjoying each others company laughing, chatting and relaxing with a shared sheesha. There's no alcohol or fancy food, just mint tea and snacks, making it a unique alternative to city bars and clubs. When I was in London, I noticed that the sheesha is a growing thing. Stress levels are high, people are working longer hours and they need a place to de-stress. Most of the customers get to know each other and it becomes very friendly and sociable.
I always wanted to go for something authentic and different. And visiting these sheesha lounges is like seeing artwork and designs from different Arab countries ---- a bit of traditional and a bit of modern. For those who were able to visit sheesha cafes, it's a bit like walking into the exotic Mideast.
Jim on being "layas"
I love traveling. According to my parents, this is innate which I manifested very early. As a toddler, the moment I woke up, I'd asked to be carried or put in a stroller and be taken for a walk. They said, if I was asked where, I'd say " duun!" (there!) with fingers pointing to somewhere far. They also said that I wouldn't stop crying unless they obliged. Just to appease the monster, they'd walk me around our village till they were exhausted or till I wasasleep. I have no recollection of these eventsbut Ifeel sorry for my parents (and those who took care of me). That must have been tormenting.
At my age, I'm not as lucky to have people willing to take me to places I want to go and whenever I want to. But I'm blessed to have a job which requires me to travel to distant places every now and then. Because of this, I've been to manydifferentcountries that existed only in my dreams.I thank God everyday for such a wonderful grace. In our maiden article, I said that singles can travel whenever they please.Nowallow me to add- whenever their jobrequires them so. This has proven rightfor me. Let me tell you why. Few weeks ago, I was told by my American boss to fly to Cape Town, South Africa. It took me just a few minutes to say yes. Now,I'm here in Changi Airport, Singapore writing this articlewhile waiting for my connecting flight to Cape Town. It's really so convenientfor single persons to just pack their luggages and go. It's a different story for those who aren't singles anymore. I have married friends and officemates who tell me that before they agree on travelling, it takes careful consideration and sometimes, even bravery, to take the assignment. It's quite hard for them to just leave a loving partner, cute children, and all the responsibilities that will be left behind while they're gone. I understand them. I still don't have my own family but I could just imagine how hard it would be to leave them even for just a short period of time. This thought hasmade merespect more our dear OFWs. Such a noble sacrifice they do for their loved ones.
When I went to visit my cousin in Macau last year, she asked me when I'd settle down. I told her that I honestly don't know because I still have a lot of dreams to fulfill and a lot of places to see. Isuppose that response still stands. For I couldn't imagine myself sacrificing my own family just to chase my dreams. That would be so selfishof me. So I guessfor now I'd keepfulfilling my dreams and ambitions in lifeand continue going to distant places whenever circumstance asks me to. In other words, I'm travelling still.
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