Well, I set off in less than 10 hours for my European adventure. Right now, I am feeling a mixture of excitement, anxiety, caution, and curiosity. Most of all, I anticipate this journey to be a defining moment in my life.
First of all, apart from currently living abroad alone, this will be my very first time traveling from one destination to the next solo, without the guidance or protection of fellow travelers or guardians. Why travel solo?? The first reason being that I can explore museums, palaces, cities, and other attractions at my own pace. I can bypass whatever I have no interest in, or I could linger in a museum, cathedral or cafe however long I wish to and not hold up anyone else on schedule. My primary reason for traveling solo is for contemplation and education. To experience a different culture, no matter how brief, is life changing. It allows one's mind to be more open. I do not necessarily mean open as an acceptance of the beliefs and values of other cultures but as a learning tool that increases the desire to understand reasons, virtues, and history behind foreign cultural traditions and values. That would mean traveling with full attention in listening, observing, and not making assumptions or opinions based upon what our life-style has taught us.
Traveling solo in Europe today is relatively safe for a young person, but I am also increasingly aware of potential dangers that are present in the messy world we live in. In regards to that, many of you know me well enough, that I will move around with the utmost caution and will be constantly aware of my surroundings. In life, there will always be the question of circumstances beyond one's control. I therefore ask that you will please keep my safety and good health in your prayers as I travel about. I will do my best to make time online and post about my proceedings and adventures as I move throughout Europe.
I begin tomorrow morning after my plane lands in Amsterdam, Holland at 10 a.m. From there, I will continue in a circular movement around Europe back home to London. Berlin is my second stop, followed by Prague. Of all the destinations I selected, I most look forward to the Baroque beauty of Prague and will be spending 4 days there. I continue to Vienna & Salzburg, Austria then sweep west to Geneva, Switzerland and finish in Marseille, France. If time permits, I hope to meet up with my late tutor and good friend Alison in Marseille. Before graduate school, Alison lived in Marseille for 3 years; it would be wonderful to meet up as she anticipates showing me around her old home-city. Then it's back home again to England on September 7th to finish up a rather busy travel schedule!
Despite how much I would love to continue going on about why I want to visit all these destinations, I really must return to packing! I will instead content myself with regular posts to you all along the way. Until then, God Bless & Cheerio!