(Feels like) my first trip

12.14.2004

Though I've traveled extensively in South America (plus two visits to El Salvador), I've never actually travelled as a "true backpacker" through uncharted territory. And never on a strict budget. So, at age 29, I feel a little giddy, anxious, and adventurous — all in a way I've never felt before.

Traveling through Bolivia's easy. At least for me. I speak the language, understand the people, can judge what's safe or not. I blend into different dialects fairly well, passing for camba or kolla as necessary. And. I know a few dollars go a long, long way to keep me fed & comfortable. So. Yeah. I've done the whole backpacker/hostel thing through Sucre, Tarija, Cochabamba. But I know it won't be the same as doing it through Western Europe.

My brief forays into Chile, Peru, and Argentina were similarly safe. On each occasion I traveled to meet friends or family, who'd put me up comfortably & keep me fed. All I had to do was get there. My two trips into El Salvador were w/ parish delegations, making them relatively easy as well.

This'll be so very different, and I've been trying to come to grips w/ it beforehand.

Sure, I speak English, Spanish, even a bit of mangled Italian. But London's more expensive than any place I've visited, and I'll be entirely on my own. At least, in a way I've never been before. There are no friends or relatives available in case of emergency, or just to meet up for a spot of tea & scones. And I've to make sure to keep enough money by the end of my trip through Italy — coming in the part of the year where my stipend money's thinned to its breaking point — to survive two days & one night in Barcelona. Where I also won't know a single soul.

Italy'll be less stressful, w/ my cousin Kathira taking lead, along w/ her friends. But she's young, a recent immigrant, so the budget issue'll grip us both. I'm especially afraid of her spending more than she can afford to be a good hostess; and I'm afraid of me spending too much to give her a great Christmas. It's the fine line an "American cousin" always treads.

It sounds silly, coming from a guy who's lived on his own for most of the past 19 years. Who tries so hard to be independent, self-reliant (even though I know I'm not). But all that posturing is easy when the safety net's right below, isn't it? But this is the real show.

I'm 29 & I've never just struck out on my own for an adventure. After all, I could've just gone to Rome. But I'm deliberately going to London & Barcelona — just because I've never. Here's to looking out across the horizon.

Posted by Miguel at 10:39 AM

Comments

I'm crossing my fingers for a little holiday of my own in Indonesia. No firm plans since I;m waiting for my passport to be renewed. We're in polar situation. You feel apprehension about your trip to Europe, but feel safe in your native country and the surrounding region. I'd feel safe about most places in Europe, but I'd be nervous about going on a little trip to my native country on my own, for various reasons. But you know what? Someone told me a few years ago to chant this little mantra about meeting fears between the eyes, and the fear will pass. ; )

And frankly, I'm jealous. U'll be spending time in a city (that's Rome) I've dreamed about for sooooo long. All the beautiful Roman busts with vacant faraway looks and centuries old paintings that I yearn to sniff and finger gingerly (if that was allowed). I swear, if reincarnation exists, I must have spent a former life in Italy as a painter, perhaps a student of Leonardo engaging in a little rendevous with the master? HAHA. *sigh* Okay, imagination has got me again... sorry. But it's ROME!! City of the rennaisance.

So. Go forth and bring Roma back with you!

Posted by: stephanie at December 14, 2004 03:11 AM

Based on my experience, I can tell you, don't worry, It'll do you good. Traveling around the world opens your mind. You learn a lot about yourself and the world. Europe can be a lot of fun.

One tip. Take a credit card with you, JUST for emergencies. Visa or Master Card can really be useful sometimes.

If you need more tips about traveling around Europe, let me know, perhaps I can help. Although, it looks you already did your homework.

Diviertete! Have fun! Viel Spass!

Posted by: MB at December 14, 2004 05:41 AM

Hye miguel, I just left you a messege. Please send my regards to Kathira and I wish you both a Merry Christmas!

Posted by: Andres at December 14, 2004 07:59 AM

Many Europeans travel like this constantly, so you won't be alone. MY first trip "alone" was to Benelux. It was fun. And if you're lucky you'll meet someone and "spazier" with her/him around city. Have fun, relax, and just have fun (though it will be cold, but who cares, right), N.

Posted by: Nenad at December 14, 2004 08:54 AM

Good luck!!, just be alert.

Posted by: Daniel at December 14, 2004 09:28 AM

Well, I'm not actually "afraid" of this trip, more like just a realization that at my age I've never done anything like this. I'm a little jealous of my little brother who backpacked through South America, and all the people I know who did the same through Europe. I'm an old hat w/ travel, so I'm pretty prepared (I think). I was just navel gazing, realizing that this is the first trip of this kind I've ever undertaken, something many people do in their early 20s, and I'm only now doing.

Posted by: Miguel [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 14, 2004 10:47 AM

In both of those places (London and Barcelona) you know the language, which is 90% of the battle. I imagine you wouldn't stick out in either of those places.

Just think you could be going to China or parts of Africa where you would obviously be a foreigner and the language barrier would be very thick.

I've traveled throughout the Americas, but in each of those places I felt like I fit in and the language never gave me problems (except in Brazil at times). I am waiting for my true culture shock.

Posted by: eduardo at December 14, 2004 12:15 PM