As many of you know, I decided to embark on this "odyssey" not only because I love to travel but, even more importantly, because I felt I needed to give myself some time to rediscover who I am. Almost 4 weeks into my journey, I feel I have already made some amazing discoveries along those lines! One of which is survival instinct and learning how much I can do on my own.
I knew going into it that this trip would not be entirely fun and easy. Yes, I have experienced a lot of happy moments, but there have also been uncomfortable and scary situations that I have encountered that I believe have helped (and will help) me to grow as a person far more than the "easy" times. In order to make gains, you have to take risks and deal with some uncomfortable situations.
No need to worry, I am not doing anything stupid! I am just "pushing the envelope" a little by the very fact that I am traveling alone in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar languages, transportation systems, customs, etc., and I can rely only on myself to get by. When every piece of clothing in my bag had been worn 2-3 times, I had to figure out how to do laundry at the laundromat from French instructions (not to mention the fact that I had to get used to wearing clothing 2-3 times before washing). Each time I travel to my next destination, I have to make sure I am boarding the correct trains and sitting in the right seats (with announcements, signs and tickets in a foreign language, of course). And when I start to feel a little lonely, I have to strike up a conversation with someone even if it means sitting down in the middle of a group of 10-15 French students in the common room of your hostel. Well turns out, they barely spoke any English, but I had a great time hanging out with them one evening in Tours, nonetheless!
I must admit, each time I head to a new city, I feel a tinge of anxiety because I know I am walking straight into the Unknown. As excited as I am to see a new place, (I think many travellers in my situation would understand when I say that) there is part of me that wants to stay in a particular place just because it has become comfortable (because I have figured out how to get around the town, to do laundry, where the grocery store is, etc.). Traveling alone (in unknown places with unknown languages, transportation systems, customs, etc. and not knowing anyone) is not always easy, but it has allowed me to discover some things about myself that I probably would not have otherwise. And the more I can rely on myself to take some calculated "risks," the more I seem to gain!
After that grandiose speech about taking risks and trying not to allow myself to get too comfortable, it may seem hypocritical for me to admit that I have been staying with friends in San Sebastian for a week now. One could argue that I have taken the "easy road" by staying for so long in a comfortable place with friends. My only arguments can be (1) I am enjoying spending time with my friends Joe and Laiene, whom I have not seen in years, (2) relaxation is another important ingredient in a healthy life, and (3) the Basque country is beautiful! Where else could I say I am heading to the beach this afternoon (in the middle of October!)? And since Joe and Laiene have had a 4-day weekend, we took a trip to La Rioja for a winery tour on Thursday and hiked an 800-meter-tall mountain on Friday (I'll post pictures on Shutterfly soon)!
Thanks to all of my friends and family for your encouragement and prayers! Feel free to post a comment on my blog or send me an email to keep in touch; I'll do my best to respond. :)