Walking alone...

The other day, I was walking alone in Passeig Joan de Borbó in Barcelona. It’s a wide path which takes you to the beach, bordered by many restaurants at one side. As I said, I was walking alone because I was going to a meeting with other people. It was around 8:00 pm but because it was April, there was still light, climate was good and the terraces of the restaurants were open. 

When I am alone, walking, in the bus, in the metro or anywhere else, I begin to analyze what is going on around me. That day was not different. I could see how the employees of the restaurants invited groups of people to go inside to have dinner. They invited couples, groups of 3 or more people and I realized that in fact, they didn’t tell me anything. I mean I am blond and it’s quite obvious I’m not originating from Spain. Except one case where the man may have read what I was thinking and showed me the menu, I was asking myself why. And I think I put my finger on it: it’s obvious that though you are alone, you may want to dinner, but I think they didn’t invite me because they thought one person at one table is not as profitable as two or more. 

It may be true. Nevertheless, I know people who eat and drink more than I and my partner together… It’s up to them, but I believe it makes people who travel alone feel uncomfortable, who, for this reason, may buy something quick to eat in a supermarket instead of going to restaurant.