Launch.

                                               

      

Through my whole life, I never believed that I would ever have the opportunity to travel the way I am now.  As much as I am excited, the nerves have taken over.  For the first time in my life, I will leave home and embark on a journey completely on my own.  My family may have tried to convince me to not go to Saudi Arabia (which is where my sister kept telling people I was going), however, they were always supportive.  This is a trip I needed to make on my own for myself.  This is a trip where I grow.

The plane rides sparked my curiosity.  As I boarded the second plane, which also happened to be the longest flight, I realized that not one person around me spoke English.  I first saw this as a challenge, but then I understood that this would, more than likely, be a challenge that I face throughout the whole trip.  Communication then became easier than expected.  Instead of looking at spoken language as a barrier, I became aware of all the nonverbal communication that we could use.  It is surprising how far a smile or a nod can go.  

After three planes, two shuttles, a bus, and a metro ride, we finally arrived at our home for the next two days.  Never being out of the country, I didn’t know what to expect from a hostel.  Post Hostel Prague is more than I could ever want. The fundamentals; cleanliness, accessibility, location, etc.; were wonderful, but the greatest attribute was the environment.  The people that work there are warm, understanding, and incredibly friendly.  They went above expectations by organizing activities and trips and giving advice about anything and everything.  

People that were also staying at the hostel were also so wonderful.  On my first day in Prague, I met people from England, Croatia, Australia, Brazil, and fellow Americans.  Everyone was so accepting.  Being in a place with many people that were in Prague and exploring for the first time was refreshing.  No one expected anything from us, but instead allowed us to grow and experience the beauty of Prague right along side of them.  Although I may never seem them again after these two days, they are some of the best people I have ever met.

Taking the first step to this adventure has reassured me that if I want something bad enough, I can and will do it.  From this day forward, no one can hold me back because I am my own person.  People often become selfish when interjecting their own needs into your decisions.  However, you have to take time to understand what will truly be the best for you. It angers me that I almost let others hold me back from this trip, but it amazes me that I had the strength to listen to my own needs and my own wants.  I am changing.  I am progressing.  I will find myself this trip.  This is about me.