When individuals research overseas, they normally have a listing of cities and international locations they need to go to. However generally your pursuits don’t align with your mates, and also you’re confronted with a call: spend some huge cash on a spot you’re uncertain about, or keep behind and determine one thing out by yourself. As a substitute of staying at dwelling, I selected to take a number of journeys on my own and expertise one thing new.
Tivoli
My first solo weekend was early within the semester, and I wasn’t fairly positive how I wished to spend it. On Saturday, I visited a museum and wandered by means of Rome, seeing the Colosseum for the primary time and actually taking within the metropolis’s magnificence at my very own tempo.
The following day, I took a day journey to Tivoli. Lower than an hour by prepare, I stepped into an enthralling city the place I hiked alongside waterfalls and wandered by means of quiet streets. It was a refreshing change of tempo from the power of metropolis life.
Deciding to go away Rome alone, determining the prepare station, and navigating unfamiliar locations confirmed me what I’m able to. It gave me a way of independence that stayed with me for the remainder of my time overseas and helped me cease fearing being alone.



Santa Marinella
This previous weekend, I as soon as once more parted methods with my pals and spent the weekend in Santa Marinella, a small seashore city simply north of Rome. Inside 5 minutes of getting off the prepare, I used to be on the seashore.
Strolling by means of the city gave me a way of nostalgia- it jogged my memory of Florida. The climate was superb, with sunshine and 70-degree days nearly day by day. Mendacity on the seashore, individuals watching, listening to my audiobook, and swimming made for the right stress-free weekend.
Sunday was spent again in Rome. After church service, I sat in a park and journaled for hours, appreciating the quiet environment after busy journey days.

Perspective
Trying again, some individuals may see these weekends as lonely, however I noticed them as peaceable and as alternatives to develop. It actually comes right down to your mindset.
I discovered easy methods to navigate the busy Rome prepare station alone. I found out easy methods to learn departure boards in numerous cities. I practiced Italian with locals and skilled new locations at my very own tempo, whether or not that meant slowing down or packing loads in.
I additionally discovered extra time for reflection and prayer within the quiet moments, taking in every part round me and feeling grateful for all of it.
Was it uncomfortable at occasions? After all. Did I miss a continuing dialog? Sure. Nevertheless it was in that discomfort that I noticed myself develop.
And truthfully, that’s the purpose.
Among the most significant elements of finding out overseas don’t occur in huge teams or completely deliberate journeys. They occur whenever you select to go or keep, even when it means being alone.
The put up Taking Journeys Alone appeared first on Off-Campus Research.

