A solo travel was exactly what I needed
I was supposed to go to LA as a participant in the Work and Travel Program. Unfortunately, I wasn't granted a visa because the program wasn't the best fit for my situation (it's for students and although I am in college, I have worked in the past and have taken up a different degree). It was something that I saved for and was very excited for, so come time that my would-be colleagues were departing, I was pretty depressed. I decided to book a flight to Singapore to get my mind off things. I looked forward to it but I was not sure how I'd feel about it since I knew I was doing it to divert my attention from being upset about my LA contract. I have been to a solo travel in my country before. I enjoyed being alone but the tours put me in a group of tourists where I felt out of place. Singapore was going to be my first legit solo travel.
I got offboarded during the immigrations interview. The officer found it a bit sketchy that I am a student and I was alone. I was with my workmates the last time I left the country but have then resigned. I had some relatives in Singapore but they did not know that I was visiting so it was another red flag to the officer. She just didn't get the idea of backpacking by yourself. I decided not to state that it was a trip to make up for the US trip that I could not participate in. I said I wanted to travel as an early birthday treat for myself before my local practicum starts.
After making it to Singapore, it didn't take long before I thought to myself that being alone in a foreign country was more enjoyable for me than being with a group of friends. I was in charge of where to eat, how to find my way to a destination, where to go. Taking photos was also not much of a challenge since I could control my camera through my android phone. I also had to record vlogs for a class so I felt more at ease and free to take out a camera and film myself documenting the trip.
After two days of being by myself, I decided to reach out to my aunt and cousin (they are not related) who were both working in Singapore. I didn't want them thinking I had beef with them. I did tell them that my intention was really to go on a solo travel and they respected that and were still happy that I spent a couple of hours with them. They took me out to dinner and shopping. We caught up with each one and touched base on some personal matters with the family. I have been distant from everyone but that moment made me feel that I had a family rooting for me.
Throughout the trip, there were instances when my mind would drift into the life I could be living in LA had my visa been granted. But overall, it did not affect how I enjoyed each day. I came home to my country reminded of the great possibilities waiting for me not just in the US as I have intended. Traveling alone put my headspace back to the optimistic and adventurous person that I am.
Submitted April 10, 2019 at 11:42AM by philipsquared http://bit.ly/2Ut74Kv
0 Response to "A solo travel was exactly what I needed"
Post a Comment