"My first journey abroad"

by Yuliia Tsariuk (Ukraine)

A leap into the unknown Ukraine

My first journey abroad “Where are we going? What will we see?” Nobody knows. “Was it a good idea to buy a travel tour?” I would have answered “yes” before I had had my first journey abroad which had changed my thinking. To begin with, I had never been abroad and I could only admire the views of the historical buildings and beautiful sceneries of the Mediterranean Sea on television during the watching of a TV-program “Heads&Tails”. The main idea of this project is that two presenters toss a coin and the side of it will decide: who will live and travel as a millionaire, and who will be a poor tourist. The first journey was like a leap into the unknown. I did not know where I would live in other countries, which things I needed to take with. The main problem which I had had before the trip was my own fear of the unknown, because I was afraid of going somewhere from my house. Vise versa, our world is full of adventures and the first journey just broke up my fears. The travel tour included four countries (especially its capitals) such as Poland (Krakow), Czech Republic (Prague), Austria (Vienna) and Hungary (Budapest). All of them are unique and incredible, but only the one stole my heart. “Wow, I dreamed about the journey for my 18 years and now I cannot believe I am going to the Krakow, Oh, no, it is impossible, maybe I am sleeping?” –I had such thoughts when was going in a bus (Oh, sorry, I didn’t say it was a bus tour? Okey, I did it. Almost 50 hours I spent in the bus, 12 hours – in the train and only 10 hours in hotels sleeping in very cozy bed). You know, I like the sun and good weather too much, but when I came to Krakow there was a bad weather: it was raining cats and dogs, my trainers were like rubbers full of swamp, I even could not hear a guide. The architecture was similar to an Ukrainian city Lviv, so it didn’t amazed me. The next step was the road to the Czech Republic, Prague. Honestly, this country was really beautiful for me: there were many small buildings, churches and private houses with the red roofs. All of them also were similar and it became a reason why I had lost in this town. In addition to it, I was travelling with my friends from university and other people from different cities of my country ( Ukraine). I had gone to a small van with ice-cream to but the one before I lost. Just wanted to taste the Czech ice-cream (it was delicious). I am ready to tell you about the best part of my first journey abroad: the visiting of Vienna, in Austria. This city stole my heart , it was the best day during the whole travel tour. It was a sunny day and the Vienna was so amazing: I saw the combination of the old and modern buildings, there were many cafes and flower boutiques, beautiful fountains and statues. I fell in love with Vienna. I was impressed and inspired. I had never seen so clean and beautiful city. Finally, it was to time to go back to Ukraine. The last city which I saw in night was Budapest, Hungary. It was unreal when I was walking along the bridge, I felt the liberty and had the feeling like “I am going to hug you, World”. But it was the end of my first journey abroad. Now, I want to say people that you must believe that your dreams come true. I do not know how it works, but when you think about the being somewhere or with somebody, it really happens. I checked it out. This story may be usual for you, but the journey was really the lean into the unknown for me. I am thankful for that opportunity to travel abroad and to save these memories. Believe in your dreams. Do not be afraid. Take a chance. Thank you for you attention, Julia from Ukraine:)