For you solo travelers (guys and gals), a nice article on solo dining...
 

Thought I´d share this one...<BR><BR>http://www.msnbc.com/news/883238.asp?0cv=CB20

Thanks, Mina! I used to feel a bit uncomfortable about dining alone, but now I really enjoy it, for many of the reasons mentioned in this article.

That is a great article and so are the others on that site too, pros and cons of dining alone.<BR>I have always thought that your own feelings about dining alone reflect the way you feel about yourself. <BR><BR>I think it is a good opportunity to get to know yourself.<BR><BR>I also think that before a person who might be uncomfortable dining alone while on a trip, should first dine alone in a town nearby one's own a few times, this way it is not such a shock to yourself while in a strange city.<BR><BR>It means nothing that you are dining alone, just what you think it means.<BR><BR>

in general I don't mind it, I've been a bit of a lonner all my life. but it can be a bit hard in Asia.. where eating is really all about being with a gang of people.. and the way ther serve you is ment for famaly dinning. you order many plates and pick from each.. So I kind of feel like a freak eating a plate of praws and huge bowl of Tom yam soup ment for a famaly of 10.. and IM NOT A BIG Guy. <BR>but of course I like being a freak..

I don't mind dining alone when I'm traveling, in fact I enjoy being able to pick a restaurant that suits me in my price range. But, I feel very self conscious in my own area, so practicing at home wouldn't be effective.

Loved this article! Thanks for sharing.

I enjoyed this article too. I do think a lot depends on where you dine alone. I live in a &quot;family values&quot; kind of place in Canada which means its a bit of a difficult place to be comfortably alone. Vancouver, on the other hand is an easy place to be alone in public regardless of type of restaurant, etc. There just seems to be lots of people out and about on their own.<BR>I am divorced now after 29 years of marriage, so I really do have to get the hang of dining alone wherever I am.

Having done a reasonable amount of business travel, both in the UK and abroad, over the last 10 years I know that once upon a time I felt a wee bit nervous about dining alone.<BR><BR>After only one or two meals alone I felt differently.<BR><BR>I do enjoy being able to sit and contemplate, look at my surroundings rather than my companion, to read a good magazine or book, to chat with local staff and to enjoy a good meal.<BR><BR>I absolutely love big social meals out with groups of friends, lots of laughter and frantic chatting, and of course, romantic meals for two with the love of my life.<BR><BR>But eating alone is a different thing entirely and shouldnt be compared.<BR><BR>Much of the positive points are different from the positive points about dining out with friends and partners.<BR><BR>The only amusing times have been when fellow diners have actually taken pity and offered that I come and join them at their table! (Yes this has really happened, at least 3 times).<BR><BR>I politely decline and return to the enjoyment of my meal &quot;pour un&quot;.

<BR>Now retired but was a road warrior for over 20 years and ate lots and lots of dinners alone so this article brought back memories almost all good.<BR>I also use to evesdrop on other people's conversation and made a game out of it. Such fun.<BR>Oh to be young again and hit the road (all expenses paid of course!!!!!)

The very fancy restaurants make me a bit uncomfortable. Otherwise, I usually find someone(s) interesting to talk with, catch up on postcards, or enjoy sipping wine and peoplewatching.<BR><BR>Orgy, I like that you chose that moniker given you've always been a loner.