I have always wanted go to Europe. The history, the culture, the architecture, the ambiance, everything is just so captivating. I imagined my first time in Europe would be with someone I love, at least 3 weeks, hopping on the buses and trains from city to city with a big heavy backpack, and Italy would preferably be the first country I visit. But it wasn't at all like how I imagined it.
One of my best friends decided to go to London during Easter and she begged me to go with her because she didn't want to travel alone. I was tempted, so I said yes. She wanted to go to London for the whole 10-day vacation because she loves London so much (although she has never been there), and I couldn't bare the thought that I only visit one city in Europe as I would be so close to Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam, etc. So, I suggested we should go to Belgium for a couple days. The itinerary was set to go to London, then to Brussels. At the very last minute, my friend did not go on to that plane due to some family emergency (which I totally understand but sad anyways), so I ended up going alone. And that is my very first trip alone as well!
I have always wondered what it's like to travel alone, and now that I have, I am not sure how I feel about it. It felt so free. You don't have to make any compromises, or discuss with anybody about what you want to do, where you want to go, what food you want to eat, and when you want a break. You can just do whatever you want in a brand new city that you are trying to explore. It felt great and you can see more of the city because you are less distracted. However, when you were walking along the River Thames in London at night or listening to the beautiful classical music being played on the street in Bruges, you'd wish someone was next to you to share that moment.
Stay tuned for my Europe trip posts!