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Did I make a mistake? Should I turn back now? No Simone, remove these negative thoughts immediately! You knew this day was coming and you’ve been looking forward to it for five months now. There’s no going back. As I stand at the gate, about to board my plane, I hear the announcement: “final call to Sevilla, Spain, boarding has commenced. Please make your way to your designated gate”. I turn back and see my family and friends standing there, tears filled in the eyes, looking both happy and sad as they sneak their final glimpses at me. A part of me wants to look away in case I decide to change my mind. The other part wants to absorb these final moments as I know that once I return here nothing will be the same again. Once seated on the airplane, I begin to think about the beginning of my journey into the unknown. I made the decision to move abroad for the first time and study in Europe. Initially the idea excited me. My love for adventure drove my desire to pursue this idea. Honestly, I never thought it would actually happen. I mean these opportunities are only presented to extraordinary individuals. Not an average girl like me. But what was once a dream has turned into reality and at this moment I cannot seem to escape my doubts. I stare out of the window, overflowing with emotions as I overlook the scenic landscape. Am I truly prepared for this experience? Will I make it out there, by myself, in a foreign country? My thoughts are interrupted as a woman almost falls into her seat beside. She gives me huge smile as she takes out a white pill from her bag. “I get anxiety whenever I fly she says, as she swallows”. Oblivious to my situation, her presence is the distraction I need at this point. Where are you headed to she asks me? Spain, I respond. Wow, What a beautiful country and perfect for a young woman such as yourself! Given your response I assume you’ve been there? Many times, she admits. Fortunately, my career affords me the ability to travel often. I force a smile to appear polite. But she continues to talk aimlessly. Perhaps my nervousness has become visible and she feels a need to comfort me. I still have a pilgrim soul, she admits. I could pass on some of the lessons I learnt from my travels. Hopefully they might prove useful to you? Well, I think now would be a perfect opportunity, I say. I realized early on that for me traveling was the best way of learning, she states. But there are four lessons I think will be of utmost help to you on your exciting expedition. 1. Be open. Go out into the street, talk to strangers. If nothing comes of it, keep trying. I guarantee you that by the end of the day you would have found yourself an excellent companion. 2. Don’t compare. Don’t compare anything – prices, quality of life, means of transport, nothing! Your aim is to find out how other people live, what they can teach you, how they handle reality and the extraordinary. 3. Understand that everyone understands you. Even if you don’t speak the language, don’t be afraid. I’ve been to many places where I could not communicate with words at all, and I always found support, guidance, useful advice, even friends. Don’t think that if you travel alone, you will be lost forever. 4. A journey is an adventure. Explore alleyways, wonder the streets, revel in the freedom of the unknown. What you don’t know, but which, if you find, will change your life. mmmm ...... you make it sound so ingenuous, I say. It is my sweet girl. This is a fantastic opportunity that life has bestowed upon you. Make the most of it and take it day by day. You have nothing to lose, only yourself to find. And with those last words, she turned to make herself more comfortable to sleep.