Getting By Through Charades: A Solo Traveler's Tale

Storytime -- and a question! How do you get over language barriers on the road? 🌍 ___ As a solo traveler, I'm often asked about safety + how I communicate with locals when I don't speak the language. Trip + trip again, I'm reminded of the kindness of strangers + the powers of human communication beyond words. 🤝 ___ Recently I was road tripping around Guadeloupe solo when I spotted a turnoff that looked interesting (pictured here). So I turned off. Soon though, I realized it was private property + that I'd need to turn the car around. Unfortunately, what I did NOT realize was that there was a small ditch on the side of the road, which I backed up into...and got stuck in. 😝First I panicked. 😰 I didn't speak French + I wouldn't be able to lift the car without help. ___ Then I calmed down and considered my options. Looking around, I noticed 3 farmers near the tractor in this photo. I ran over to them + began to explain what happened. When they responded, confused, in French, I realized they had NO IDEA what I was saying. And so, I did the next best thing -- charades. I acted out backing a car up into a ditch and then lifting it out. They chuckled at my performance, and eventually even caught on. 😂 In less than three minutes, the car was lifted and back on the road, the men smiling and waving. 💪 ___ I encounter instances like these ALL THE TIME when traveling. Yes, there are bad people out there. And yes, if you can speak the local language things are much easier. But at the end of the day, my travel experiences have taught me that most people are inherently good and even take joy in helping others. 😊 ___ While I refuse to live in fear, as a solo female traveler I do always have my guard up. It's one of the reasons I like to always have a working phone with me + why I carry a safety alarm. And while my life isn't completely void of unpleasant encounters, the majority leave me with memorable stories to return home with. ✈️ * * *