… There is a Telegram group of Persians live in Germany, who are interested in traveling. Months ago, I had an online discussion with a Persian guy I barely talk with, about some phycological subjects; He was the main member of the group I mentioned, asking me to join the group and travel more.
I told him that I am not into traveling and for me, it is like a pointless waste of time and money as there is no achievement at the end. If I stay home and learn something, it makes me more satisfied than going somewhere far away.
He started a discussion which was interesting to me; the main point of his view was that we are from a generation who has been raised with strict parents in a very conservative society. We have been taught to be PERFECT all the time to be loved. We can not appreciate the moments of just being; for us, achievements are everything; We do not allow ourselves to waste time – which means do nothing.
As I am very open to new ideas and challenging myself, and, as I criticize myself a lot, maybe again as the result of being part of a fucked-up generation, I took some moments and tried to absorb his view. Then, as the first step, I joined his traveling group.
Months passed by. After deciding to travel somewhere to break the cycle of being overwhelmed outside home (read more here), I checked that travel group and saw some trip plans in December. “Well, this is the time! Just dive into i!” I told myself.
I had no preferences, so I chose the Budapest trip; the timing was good, it was not long, and I found it a nice destination to go (of course after some Googling).
On the other hand, I wanted more! You know, more pressure! More challenges! I wanted to make the trip harder with more train stations (which scare me), uncertainty, and vague turns of events. I was thinking, if you wanna set yourself free, you should face more fears.
I also should mention that I have a nice pen-pal friend in Czechia, like for 3 years. Let’s call him “N”. I really like “N” and his partner. Our emails have been very friendly, and he was there when I was struggling in Iran with different situations. We got very close friends. They even invited me to their home when I was in Iran, all costs included; but as I am strangely proud, I refused and said that I only visit you when I am already living in Europe somewhere on my own.
Well, I am now!
Since I came to Germany, “N” had some business trip to Germany once in a while, but we were not able to find a good time slot to meet. So now I emailed him and told him that I am traveling to Budapest; how about coming to Prague afterward and visit you in person, finally!
He was happy. We exchanged some emails and set the dates and a rough plan. Now I knew that the travel will be challenging enough! It would include lots of fears of mine to face with: an airport to fly to Budapest, train stations to go to Prague and come back to Germany, unknown cities to go to, unknown places to stay at night, vague trip plans, and lots of new people to meet!
Not that vanilla, right?! I could already feel the fear inside while thinking about it …
To be continued …