Here are some things I learned and thoughts I had while solo backpacking through Eastern and Central Europe for 6 weeks.

There are a lot more good people out in the world than there are people with evil intentions

Becareful, don't get kidnapped or murdered. This was some of what people back home told me before the trip. I definitely internalized some of that, being extremely wary of people at the start. I thought of fake stories to tell so as to not reveal any information about my trip or myself. I was so wrong. It's hard to put in words the kindness I was shown by strangers that made me feel loved even in a foreign land. The bus driver and dad of 2 young children who guided me through the border customs from Greece to Bulgaria, the hostel owner in Sofia who treated me like her grand kid, and my many couchsurfing hosts who accepted and trusted me (especially Ondrej in Prague and Zi Jian in Berlin who I confided in about studying abroad since they did too). I was so lucky to have met these people, and having complete strangers treat me with such kindness was something I could have never imagined. They taught me a lesson in unconditional kindness towards strangers.

My host and his girlfriend showing me around a park nearby in Prague

Experiences > material things

Being in Europe and carrying everything I have on my back, I realized how unimportant most material things are. The memories you gain and lessons you learn from experiences brighten your life so much more and stick around with you so much longer. Certainly, some material things make your life better (technology or blackout curtains surely can improve your well-being). And while I am far from being a minimalist, I am definitely much less concerned about new material things now. Extra cash goes towards saving for the next trip somewhere around the world or an activity I'll regret not doing. (I acknowledge my privilege in having my basic needs and much more met to even be thinking of this.)

Being by yourself is good and necessary

Being mostly alone for 6 weeks was admittedly tough. Some days I wished I had someone to talk to about my day, to have someone to respond to my thoughts and tell me how wrong I was or how much they agree with me. What solo travelling offers is not just being able to do whatever you want whenever you want and not have to worry about others' experience (this is definitely still a plus), but it gives you time to slow down and be with your own thoughts. I've never had so much time to just think. To be alone with my thoughts. To work through my feelings. I think that life often moves at a pace that prevents you from doing this. It's always one thing and on to the next and so it's easy not to take time to reflect. I saw so much value in sitting down at a park, thinking, and writing it all down (this unintentionally gave me time to make a decision on the step I would take for university). I'm making sure I set aside time every few months or so to do this, even if it's not in a different place or country.

There is also beauty in finding courage to do things alone. Eat alone. Visit places alone. Be happy alone. And this extends beyond travelling. I initally wondered if I should still do the trip when none of my friends could make the time. But doing things alone, doing what you want to and believe in, alone, I think that is necessary and beautiful.

One of the many beautiful places in Budapest I visited

A different life exist outside of what I'm used to

On my previous point of how quickly life goes and how busy we keep ourselves: I think having this experience has to do with the country and culture I've grown up in. The education system I've been through has always been certain. I know a major exam is coming, I know doing well means I move on to this next step, I know what's coming after. It is sure, steady, and safe steps. As such, I haven't really taken the time to think about what I want out of life. There's only been this one thing I've known as what life should look like and what it will be. In Europe, I realized that daily life can be different. People in parks with their children or dogs at 4pm on a weekday or even just taking their time when having meals rather than it being something to get through quickly. Talking to strangers on trains or in parks made me see that there's more than just the narrow path that is defined as a successful life which I'm used to back home. I learned to slow down and really think about what I want out of life.

While I'm excited to be back and to have people I can connect with again, I'm so glad I took this solo backpacking trip. I think I'll forever remember this experience and all the lessons and stories I'll bring with me. I'm definitely doing another one of these some time in the future.

Marmopalais in Potsdam, this view to end the trip