The plane is coming in for a landing...in a country you've
never been to before. You don't know your way around, you
don't speak the language, and you are going it solo!? This
is the one part of travelling round the world on my own
that terrifies me. I'm sure others have experienced this
first hand. I'd love to hear your stories, to relieve my
nerves..
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I call it "Terminal Anxiety", and after 116 countries, I still get it when the bus pulls into the station in some city in Brazil or Taiwan and I am going to be kicked out of my seat on the bus, which for the first time seems actually comfy. I think it is a feeling that never goes away.
I travel frequently alone and have spent the last 20 months
on the road. The fear doesn't go away but I have found
that making careful plans of what I will do when I have to
give up my safe seat helps. I always use a guidebook (LP,
Rough Guide or another) and work out where I will stay the
first night with a second and third option in case it is
full, how I get to them using public transport or if a cab
is needed and about what it should cost. Although guide
book prices are usually out of date they give at least a
ball park figure to aim for. With a bit of planning I
don't feel quite such an easy mark as I tumble off the bus
or plane and if anyone sleezy asks where I am going I have
a confident answer.
...think of it as a wake up call to be aware of what is
going on around you. Hug this feeling to your self and
cherish it 'cos its at these moments that you know that
your really alive. I remember some years ago on my first
trip to Africa my travel agent a Kenyan by birth gave me a
list of dos and don't upon arriving number one being don't
let them know this is your first trip to Africa be
confident know what your talking about and be forceful
about what you want.
All very good advice except that in my naieve belief that I
was doing all of these things I now realize that I was a
dead give away as a first timer to the continent I made
many mistakes including almost asking the taxi driver to
drop me off on some deserted road because I was scared that
he was taking me on some wild ride to the back of beyond
only to murder me in some isolated location. I made a plan
and took careful note of any sign posts that might help me
to locate my position after the mugging and robbery I was
sure was going to happen took place. While the plan took
shape in my brain the taxi turned a couple of corners and
landed me right in the heart of the city and at the door of
my hotel. the driver was most courtious and helped me with
my luggage I was so relieved that I gave him an enourmous
tip almost double the fare, he was very keen to by my
driver and guide for my whole stay in his city.
I can still see his smile when I close my eyes all these
years later. I'm sure he knew I was a first timer over the
next few days he often turned up at my hotel foyer early in
the morning to wait for me and show me around he refused to
take me to a couple of places because he thought them too
dangerous for a young lady on her own (his idea not mine).
I laugh now but that first taxi ride was quite terrifying
there have been other times when that little inner voice
gets an edge to it and my palms become moist and my blood
roars around in my veins but at these times I know I am
really alive and there is a difference to a real danger
situation and you'll recognize the difference listen to
your inner voice it will help you many times over.
Jim may call it "Terminal Anxiety", but I call it "Free
Falling". I cherish the first few minutes, hours and days
in a new country and compare it to a first kiss with a new
lover. Countries, like lovers, when new and unexplored,
are thrilling and full of unanswered questions. Soon
enough you will come to understand their moods, rhythms and
glorious differences between one and another.
-
Not all first kisses are wholly enjoyable, howeverà.I have
a few stories including landing in Turkey (1991, right
after the Gulf War) with nothing but Singapore Dollar
(uncashable) travllers cheques and $10 Canadian emergency
money IÆd packed over S.E. Asia for 8 months. I spent the
first few days trying (periodically) to cash the
cheques...finally the $10 ran out, just about the time I
discovered I could get cash advances from the Turkish Banks
on my Visa card (now that is easily done in Turkey, in '91
it was an all-day event).
-
Crossing the border into Romania (1994) by local bus from
Hungary (only 2 travellers on board were me and my friend)
and the Romanian driver held everyoneÆs passports for about
20 minutes as we continued to ply through the boarder
villages headed for Aradà.being convinced that our
Passports had been sold at the borderàbut no, they were
returned to us safe and sound.
-
From Indonesia to Poland...the initial orientation is never
the calamity you dread. Whatever you fears, be assured
that the majority are unfounded. With over 20 countries
transversed, IÆve yet to experience being unable to "find
myself on my feet" after a "Free Fall". And, clearly, I
still love the leap!
I decided to go on a trip, be it by plane or boat or
ship......and so my lyric goes. Much to the concern of
many friends I informed them I was going on a backpack trip
to London. No tour, no plans just my maps and instincts.
A 52 year old women is not expected to do such things,
travelling alone and to the far off side of the world.But my
adventures over London, Scoland then Belgium and Rotterdam
were exciting and such a thrill. Staying in Hostels and
exploring these places was just awesome. My arrival at
Darwin in Northern Territory, Australia opened up further
adventures in the outback Australia right down to Ayers
Rock. Staying in the Hostels and meeting so many interesting
travellers. Back up to Townsville and down the Eastern Coast
of this big country.
Two months of travelling seeing the Winter Xmas on the other
side of the World and then to the hot humid days in
beautiful Australia. Many stories to tell my friends and my
backpack full of interesting treasures. So age need not be a
barrier, go for it and enjoy yourself. There's lots of
information and maps, and McDonald's everywhere where the
toilets are clean and most times tips are optional.
Hi lyn,
I am a memeber of this middle-age love to travel group and
would love to hear some of your experiences. I did 4 months
in Europe many yrs ago..seems like yesterday...and am
planning for a long trip to Asia toward the end of next yr.
E-mail me if you would like to continue this conversation.
Caren
Hi...I'm planning a trip to Australia this fall and will
be on the east coast for 2-3 weeks. Can anybody give
me any ideas about some laid back-not so touristy-places
to visit? I like the off the beaten path type of places
that have some touristy stuff to do...thanks in advance
for any information. Happy travels!