Lidia’s first adventure alone

My first trip alone was to New Zealand. When I organized it there were so many days asking myself why do you need to go? Why do I put myself in this stressful situation? I did not answer them at that moment, but after my trip I discovered why.

The night before my departure for 3 months work and holiday I couldn’t sleep. I was really nervous and I can guarantee that before I jumped into that plane I had to pass through the airport toilet.

Milford Sound, NZ – Image by aTripinside

My arrival in New Zealand was a huge shock. Their accent is so different and I could not understand them. I was worried with my limited English, looking at their faces, that conversations were taking longer, sometimes shorter or even really funny with no sense.

But at this moment what my eyes were seeing was worth it!

I had an unexpected moment just after arriving in the town where I was to live for a few months. Talking to my mum by payphone came fear of being alone far from home. When I listened to her voice I cried, feeling vulnerable and tiny in a big world. I could not believe it, but I felt homesick.

When we arrive in new places it can be overwheming. Be gentle to yourself giving enough time to settle and get used to it. Time helps to adapt yourself to new surroundings, then you will see with a different perspective and more confidence in what you are doing.

In my personal experience the fear emotion surfaced that day, but after that with so much learning and fun I didn’t feel homesick again!