Eurotrip Solo

“Are you crazy?”
That’s family and friends respond when I told them about Eurotrip solo.
Even though I did it often in Indonesia and Asia but they think Europe is a different thing.
I’m disagree but I can’t really blame them. The fact that I’m not coming from western country is one of the reasons. Indonesian are subconsciously trapped in cultural doctrine said woman shouldn’t travel solo.
Beside, it is way far and we’ve heard unpleasant stories about how unfriendly and dangerous Europe could be.

Somehow I do terrified. But my curiosity told me to keep going, especially when I think about how challenging it would be.
I just can’t give up on my lifetime dream for what so called frightened.. Now or never!

So this is the beginning of my big adventure; a chance to make own experience instead of listen to someone else’s.
Amidst stressful school activities, I decided to arrange the trip on my own from visa, flight, hostel and train to tourism sites info.
Because of my graduation ceremony, it was a tight schedule; 12 days to visit 6 cities!

Being able to see the beauty, uniqueness and charm of Europe firsthand such a best gift in my life.
Despite all those amazing view and building, I’ve highlighted three differences between Europe and Indonesia:

• Dorm
Why share bedroom with stranger if private room is affordable?
This is the reason why dorm is not popular in Indonesia. The price of 3 stars hotel room here is equal to six beds dorm in Europe.
I guess I did well, maybe because I didn’t spend much time inside.
It is a bit strange that I didn’t see or know my roommates but at the same time it is so easy to meet another traveler in the common room or restaurant.

• Walking
This is not a favorite activity for Indonesian, especially one who lives in big city like Jakarta.
Either pollution, pedestrian malfunction or Indonesian mindset that light skin is beautiful, there’s always way to avoid walking under the sun. In addition, taxi and motorbike taxi called ojek are cheap and everywhere.
For me Europe is real paradise as I love walking.
Fresh air and proper facilities makes my 7 hours a day walking easier.
Of course my legs are stronger and nicer than gym result!

• Maid
Most of Indonesian has maid, even if they are not rich.
It is a common thing so we grew up with “someone will do something we want” mindset.
During this trip I have to remind my self about bring dirty dishes to certain place and clean the table after breakfast at the hostel.
The positive side of living without maid is I’m healed from electrophobia.

I would say that I don’t like my Eurotrip. I do LOVE IT!
I’m glad that I did it because this out of comfort zone journey makes me realize how lucky I am and be more thankful for that.

In Paris I’ve got helps from people they told me to avoid.
Bright smile and warm personality of a homeless man made my windy day, even he doesn’t speak English. I was lost at 2 in the morning and a Senegal man named Yousouf help me find way back to the hostel.
Otherwise, in Pisa I didn’t find the famous Italian warmness.
As most of Indonesian, I thought all European are rich until I saw a man slept on the street near Palais du Justice.

Life is unpredictable. This is what I’ve learned from Eurotrip.
Since then I keep myself open for any kind of situation, think simple and enjoy every single moment in my life.
Live. Life. Love.