SOLO TRAVELER
A Village to Yourself
Until deciding to study abroad, I had never heard of the small Dutch village of Well. The old but magnificent village is located in the province of Limburg in the Southern region of the Netherlands. To get to Well is quite a journey– two, maybe three train rides and a bus ride from Amsterdam– but well worth the journey.
Traveling from the bustling city of Amsterdam to the remoteness of the village of Well, I could absorb the beauty of the Dutch countryside; and the uniqueness of the Netherlands as a whole.
There is something magical about Well, it might be the fact that there are no tourists–except for yourself. You can immerse yourself in Dutch culture and eventually switch from being an outsider to an insider of the close-knit community.
Some may say that the 14th-century castle, surrounded by a moat and fields of green, gives the village its charm. I agree, but I do not think it ends there. The atmosphere of Well and its residents makes a solo traveler feel welcomed.
A day in Well can be simple but much fun. I started off my day by exploring Well while riding my bike. I would bike through the little neighborhoods while every passerby smiled and waved “hello.” Biking was a great way to be active while traveling alone. It allowed me to become familiar with the village and take time for myself. I would end my bike ride by stopping at the local bakery to eat Well’s famous chicken and peach sandwich, a delight that sold out every day. Throughout my day afterward, I would make time to meet new people or explore new places, whether that meant sitting by the River Maas to read and converse with locals or entering different local shops and restaurants. As a solo traveler, there was also something new to learn, and I was grateful for everything.
In such a small village, one might wonder if there was any nightlife. The local pub was located in the heart of the village, where residents would gather every Wednesday to socialize. Unsure of the local trends, I wore flare jeans, boots, a black off-the-shoulder top, a sparkled tint of eyeshadow, and clear lipgloss. My first time going to the local pub, or “De Buun”, I was nervous; but upon stepping inside, my nervousness melted away as I was welcomed by friendly faces and heartwarming smiles. That first night, as a solo traveler, I made friends I felt I had known my entire life and who I will remember for my whole life. I began recognizing my friends around the village and became even closer with them throughout my travels.
My experience in Well can be summarized as a place where I felt great anxiety before arriving, only to feel as welcomed and comfortable as I ever have felt. Well was a place where I found myself, lifelong friends, and learned something new every day.
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