trial run

I'm starting to wonder if I'll get bored being alone for an entire week.  I tried this thing last week where I went out for a drink by myself during happy hour just to test my limits.  But I went to my favorite "cheers" like bar.  Although I didn't know any patrons, I knew the owner and bartenders.  So it was really only 1/2 way by myself.  I was pleasantly surprised when I was quickly able to start up meaningful conversation with the couple next to me.  I'm usually skeptical of people alone at bars and restaurants that want to chat you up.  But now....I'm learning to become one of them.  Hopefully without the "creepy".  

So, staying in my own country where everyone speaks a language I fully understand makes me feel more comfortable for my 1st solo trip.  I've done solo business travel.  But this will be my first week long vacation that is just me.  I'm really excited.  Lucky for my I have family who have a condo that they aren't using in Miami and have offered for me to stay there.  This will keep expenses down - important being that I still have a year of school left and am traveling on a student budget.  I've planned this trip right after summer sessions end and just before fall begins.  I'll need the break.  For one week I'm packing: a giant hat, stacks for books, 4 bikinis, 2 cover ups, flops, 2 casual dresses, 2 nighttime dresses and a pair of dancing shoes just in case I meet a someone who is dying to teach a girl from Texas to salsa.  The goal: one carry on bag + laptop.