Yes, I hike alone. And I truly and genuinely love it. When I’m alone, I really ‘experience’ much more. With someone else, especially when there’s conversation, I seem to lose part of the surroundings and the experience. Apparently, I find it difficult to multitask. Talking and simultaneously seeing, feeling, and hearing doesn’t work for me. That’s why I never listen to music or a podcast on the way.

However, that doesn’t mean I’m always alone. Along the way, I often meet people, sometimes for a short chat, sometimes for a longer conversation. And very rarely, I walk a short distance with someone.

But most of the time, I am alone. And no, I don’t feel lonely. Definitely not in nature. I love being able to go at my own pace, to stop whenever I want, and to fill my day as it comes. I don’t have to consider anyone else and I don’t always have to talk. Silence is one of the most delightful things that exist.

Of course, there are moments when I would like to have someone around. To share something, laugh together, or just sit quietly. Living alone doesn’t mean you don’t have a need for (physical) contact.

But being alone and being lonely are two different things for me. I can feel lonely in company and not feel lonely at all if I don’t encounter anyone for days.

Moreover, I always have the company of my own thoughts on the way. Sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse.

Asking doesn’t cost anything. Do you have a question? Every Sunday, I answer one.

Vragen kost nix is Dutch for “Asking costs nothing.” Nix is a playful, made-up word. It doesn’t actually exist in Dutch. It’s a phonetic spelling of niks, the Dutch word for nothing, and it’s also a nod to my name, Marnix, shortened to Nix. Every Sunday, I publish a new edition of Vragen kost nix, where I answer a question from one of my followers. It can be about my travels, life on the road, or anything else they’re curious about. So, if you have a question, just ask. Asking costs nix!