Emergence of a Solo Traveler

by Olaolu Matty (Germany)

I didn't expect to find United Arab Emirates

I was never the adventurous type. The thought of going on a solo journey filled me with dread. Despite being born by a father that saw the world, and listening to his epic stories, I had no desire to take what I deemed at the time, unnecessary risks. Even though my favorite authors, Robert Ludlum and J.R.R. Tolkien wrote many fascinating adventure stories, I was quite comfortable with never leaving home. Jason Bourne was my superman; flying around the globe on short notice. All I could do was dream about the world with no intention of seeing it. As a massive Lord of The Rings fan, one of my favorite phrases is from The Walking Song - "Home is behind, the world ahead." Frodo Baggins, Sam Gamgee and Pippen Took are at the beginning of their treacherous journey to the Shire. Despite obvious knowledge of the dangers awaiting them, they embraced the unknown, forged ahead and it changed their lives forever. You must be wondering how Frodo’s adventure or the mention of a master assassin is pertinent to this story but if you read on, it’ll become apparent. My story might not be as epic, but it is truly a tale of the unexpected. In the fall of 2010, I completed my application to Hult International Business School’s Master's program. To this end, I was invited to apply for Hult's Accelerated Leadership Track in Dubai - a program that pits the best applicants from around the world to solve complex business consulting scenarios. I was absolutely delighted to be selected for this all-expense-paid trip. I even put up a Facebook status about it. When the euphoria finally wore off, the trepidation crept in. It would be my first ever ‘solo’ trip. I’m pretty sure the Middle East isn’t everyone’s first choice destination for a solo trip but what can I say, it was all paid for and if I stuck with the group at all times I'd be fine. This did nothing to allay my fears whatsoever. All the myths of traveling alone filled my head. The thought of getting stranded with no acquaintances and all. I told myself I was being melodramatic. I could either respectfully decline the invitation (which I was very tempted to) or grow a pair and jump on the plane when the time came. Did I mention that I hate flying? I’m also 6”2, 100kg and mildly claustrophobic. Well, in February 2011, I was off to the Middle East! I think it was the taxi ride to the hotel from Dubai airport that changed my life forever. I have no clue how long it took; I was oblivious to time at this point. One moment we are driving from a state of the art airport, through the desert and onto a highway that was as modern as it gets, with supercars flying past in both directions. As we approached the city, I struggled with the contradiction I was witnessing. I was intrigued by an article I had read days prior. It explained how a few decades earlier, Dubai was pretty much a desert until the discovery of oil. The turning point of this wonderful, futuristic city. My expectations seemed completely worthless by the time we reached its outskirts. I had never seen structures quite like those before. I remember thinking “these architects are quite creative.” You can tell all my irrational fears have disappeared at this point. I spent the days competing against prospective students at the Hult International Business School Dubai campus and spent the nights drinking and bonding. I spent what little time I had exploring the city by myself. I will never forget the world's tallest building, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall. I left Dubai feeling like I hadn’t done enough. There was this craving I couldn’t comprehend at the time. All that irrational, melodramatic thinking was replaced by the desire for more. I still ask myself where I'd be if I didn’t get on that plane to the most futuristic place I had ever seen. I've since been to 22 countries solo including Morrocco, Israel, and Colombia and blogged about it. Home is behind, the world ahead.