As summer came to an end I literally dreaded the flight back home. Not due to fear of flying but surprisingly, I was pretty emotional about leaving. Those 4 months couldn't have gone by any quicker. 3 months spent in a foreign university with a much interesting teaching style and less than a month backpacking around Europe. Backpacking was literally the icing on the cake for me.
I read an article about how travelling alone can actually teach you a lesson or two about life. Mostly involving deep thinking and self-discovery moments. But I can relate a thing or two though I didn't backpack alone.
I guess I can start with the fact that I have no issues with getting lost. I feel that it is almost necessary to keep your map in your pocket and walk to whatever random path you take atleast for a day. I really find it more enjoyable because of the number of surprises around every corner that you turn into. Like that moment we discovered a quaint little restaurant selling cicchetti in Venice. Then it turned into an obsession to try every single cicchetti. Sorta. Come to think of it, I guess I didn't mind that much because we didn't have a long list of "must see" places. We just went around like free spirited travelers. Unless the weather is scorching hot like in most parts of Italy, then out comes the diva in us. In me, to say the least.
I am not so much of an introvert that I used to be. Even back in Liverpool, I thought I wasn't that outgoing until I have a few sips of liquid courage. It really felt like I was having a Raj from Big Bang Theory moment. Though, I have no issues talking to the opposite sex like he did. I would say, drinking for social purposes. It was such a shame that I finally crawl out from my introvert shell towards the end of the programme. But whilst backpacking, I kind of had a self redeeming moment where I met a handful of new faces and can actually hold a conversation without feeling like an awkward fool. In all honesty, staying in hostels can be fun but it really depends on the room mates you get assigned to share the dorm with.
I underestimated my love for desserts. It was bad. European desserts are just...so pretty to look at. Even better when it ends up in my stomach. It had gotten so bad that it came to a point of having atleast an ice cream cone a day. Spotting a gelato or bakery shop/stall is like discovering a gold mine. There was a moment where I had too many chocolates that I avoided it for a couple of days. Anytime of the day is somewhat perfect for dessert. But that also mean that I had put back on the weight that I painstakingly loss in Liverpool.
Most of my fears turned into something pleasant. It was quite a relief to know that my life is less restricted as I conquer them one by one. The biggest one I had was the fear of flying but I didn't have a single break down through the entire trip. I still get a little nervous before boarding but I debunked the fact that take offs will trigger my anxiety.
This may or may not be life related but I will point it out anyway. Spain and Italy wasn't as scary as everyone claimed it to be. However I beg to differ for France. Sure there is the beautiful Eiffel tower to look at but the subway stations are just plain dodgy and that is where most of the pick pocketing activities happen. However, I guess it doesn't hurt to be more vigilant when travelling. Just don't get to the point that it turns you into an uptight and overly paranoid tourist.
Been sorting through my pictures and figured I should do a post about my backpacking trip. Not sure but we'll see how things goes.
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