So after 17 days,4 countries and 5 cities I have come up with a list. It goes as follows:
1. You learn to enjoy your own company
There's going to be quiet days and lonely nights so overtime you begin to become your own best friend and enjoy the serenity. No restrictions or settling for other peoples plans. It truely is the independent lifestyle.
2. You learn to make friends
Sounds simple right? But approaching a group when your flying solo can be quite daunting. This is my simple 3 step guideline to successful gain you a friendly figure. Step one ask where they are from, step 2 ask where they have been/going and the last step ask about their favourite place. It's a true conversation hitter and you might even discover you next travel destination.
3. You learn to be aware and alert
From the start of my trip I was officially worlds dumbest traveller. I caught busses to the wrong country,rolled my bag up a hill dropping everything out along the way and walked my way into a scum area greeted by wolf whistles and French pickup lines. You learn the dangerous areas and pick up on strangers habits. Subconsciously you become very observant on human behaviours and this is a necessity for keeping safe...especially when alone.
4. You learn to live in the moment
Of course social media is a major component of life but when your days are adventure driven and fun filled you begin to care less about others lives at home. I have found myself uploading photos here and there but I don't monitor the likes or comments or go scrolling through news feed. It's straight back off the phone to soak up the rush of life.
5. You learn about yourself
As predictable it is for me to say this it's so true. Back at home in the norm I found myself very narrow minded. Getting by with how I was expected to live my life. Study, work,exercise. I have found that every person I have met has had some influence on me in some way or another. Whether their stories have made me more determined or easy going,excited for the future, or just someone to look up to. Being young and dumb I'm not afraid to ask "What's that?" And as childish as it sounds I'm now slightly more informed than prior and actually feel knowledgable.
