Traveling is fun but this trip wasn't easy.
As I said earlier (if you still remember), I have to admit that my sense of direction is not good. Not bad, just not so good. My shortcoming is that I like to assume and do everything based on my own assumption. I assumed that I know everything in fact I didn't. I assumed I was walking in the right direction in fact I was walking in the opposite. Another shortcoming is that even thought I know I might be wrong, I wouldn't want to stop. I just kept walking but never wanted to slow down and look at the map. Thereby most of the time I went further and further from where I supposed to go and ended up losing my way. I was trying to overcome these shortcomings throughout the trip, and I'm glad that I did get better. This lesson applies in life, do not always assume. Assumption kills. Accept the fact that you are wrong, stop being wrong, and make the wrong right.
Though I had problem in finding my way, at least I know what attractions to visit as I had my guidebook with me. But I also figured out some alternatives if you don't have or don't want to carry a guidebook.
- Internet, is obviously one of the best way to get all the info you need, but bear in mind that not everywhere has Starbucks and not every McD offers free wifi.
- Asking, is an easy way. You can know what's the best by asking the locals. Only if you can speak their languages or they can speak English.
- You can go to the tourist information center yet as you've read in my previous posts, just make sure you don't arrive too early, too late, lunch hours, weekends and public holiday.
- Most city offer free city map but sometimes they do not tell you about the attractions. If they do, you may find there are too many places to visit, sometimes it's just that you don't understand alien languages which the places are named, not all places worth seeing. And I don't follow the map, that's the point.
- You can also take the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses. Hop on, it straightaway drives you to the main attractions of the city. Hop off, walk around, take pictures, do whatever you want, and wait to hop on the next bus whenever you want. Provided that you have the money.
- If you don't want to waste your money, some cities do offer free walking tours. People gather in specific venue and time and walk together with explanations given by the guide. Of course, there is no free lunch in this world. Although it's free, you're still required to give some tips.
- You won't get lost in Rome, because there are tourists everywhere. If you can't even afford the 'tips', just follow the 'crowd', they will always bring you somewhere. Tour guide speaking Japanese, Italian, Spanish, English, Mandarin, really, whatever you prefer. Just follow.
- I also find that postcard can be a good indication of attractions. If you really have no idea where to visit, take a look at the postcards, at least you can find some beautiful places which are worth seeing.
- If you have plenty of time, you basically don't have to do any of the above, just walk around.
Language is indeed a problem. I thought so long as I can speak English, I will be fine in every single corner of the world. Innocent, I know. In fact not everyone speaks English. However, although language is a problem, it never is a hindrance of communication. Apart from talking, people communicate in different ways, by gestures, writing, drawing. Even a smile means something. After listening to different foreign languages for a long time, I was actually happy to be back in Liverpool. At least I understand what the people sitting next to me or on the street are talking about.
Another thing is money. As not all European countries use Euros, it was sometimes quite confusing having whole bunch of coins in your hand, with currency of different countries.
Everything is nice under the sunshine and blue skies. But not everywhere has nice weather and not everyday is a good day. I couldn't help but my mood was indeed controlled by the weather.
I travelled alone.
I was a girl who travelled alone.
I was an Asian girl who travelled alone.
I was a young Asian girl who travelled alone.
If single, female, Asian and age each receives some form of unequal treatment, just imagine me. Well it wasn't that bad, I didn't mean discrimination, just being looked down sometimes. I can take it. People like to judge. One thing I've learned is not to be bothered about other people's judgment.
All in all, this is definitely an invaluable experience for me. What I've been through, what I've seen, tried or tasted, my feelings and thoughts, will be in my mind for the rest of my life. Also, I am glad that I experienced the journey all by myself. I always think that there are so many things in your life that you have to face alone, and this trip is part of it in my life.
This journey is just a piece of puzzle in my life. Many pieces yet to be collected but we all know life is never complete. I'll try. Still gotta move on anyway.
I've learned a lot from this trip
however it changed me
it didn''t make me a superwoman
I'm still me.
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