Free yourself, let's be friends

by Kristina Nurhayati (Indonesia)

Making a local connection Indonesia

I am a teacher in a school with international standards that forces me to meet with those who have a lot of experience abroad. It's not that I don't like to travel abroad, but I have a lot of expenses to think about, my mother and my younger siblings who still need my support since my father died. I like traveling alone without anyone, not because I don't have friends or relatives, but because I can be myself. A vacation makes me personally more appreciative of life than ever before. Why is that? Because I felt I could be myself in a new place without any justification for me. People tend to be very kind to strangers in my opinion rather than friends or even siblings. I really like being in a new place by road trip. During the trip, I was very impressed with the beauty of nature and the city. The road is winding like a wave, neatly lined trees, and the atmosphere of the city is very crowded and beautiful. It turns out that the great gift of God has been given to us all. One of my experiences when I went to Vietnam for the first time. In addition to going on vacation I also want to meet my friend who is a native of Vietnam. We first got to know when we attended a workshop in Singapore 2 years ago. Her name is Ms. Kin she is a friendly, beautiful good mother to her beautiful daughter. She taught me many things about life, about choosing the right partner even about maintaining beauty. An extraordinary woman in my opinion. We previously promised to visit each other. I kept my promise. Actually my vacation is to free me from adult problems that I experienced. Turned out to be an adult is not easy. Vietnam is an interesting place to visit, aside from the low cost of living, we can also feel the hospitality of its citizens. One thing I remember from the ms. Kin is that if we shop, we have to dare to bid up to 50 percent, an interesting challenge besides the language difficulties I encountered there. Another interesting thing is that they drive on the left. It's very new to me who lives in a country with driving rules on the right. Here we also have to be prepared with the sound of a horn who shouted - replies added to the boisterous journey in this city. I took the time to attend morning mass at the cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, giving thanks for all that had been given to me. Sounds cliché but that's what I do when I feel I complain too much. Ms. Kin took me around the city that night, the lights of the city accompanying us. We ate pork noodles that were very good. I want to treat her, but he refused, She said it's better to pay for it alone. Maybe because she's older than me then she doesn't feel comfortable accepting my offer. One thing is for sure she's a good person. And praise God every time I go to a new country I always met with good people. So usually we will continue to be friends. Later all my experiences will I tell my students about good people out there who might become our friends, but we must remain vigilant and continue to do good. It's time for me to go home, my holiday 3 nights in Vietnam I think it's enough. I have to go back to my routine, face the problem again and be solved little by little. After all, there isn't a single person in this world who lives without problems. Making friends with new people might be a solution to seeing the wider world. I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to be able to see another side of the world that I may have never seen before by traveling. I hope there is always a chance for me to see the whole world. And tell the world that I'm capable. That I'm strong. Let's be friends.