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So, my adventure begins! I set off on the Goumenissa - Thessaloniki bus at 3.15 Getting on the bus was exciting and scary but i still felt safe and at home! I really wanted to run back and give everyone another hug and kiss but i knew that i have to do this for my myself. I have choosen to travel down the east coast (ish) of Greece independantly so i can get a feel for being an individual, but most importantly to contemplate what i would like out of life and to realise my cabablilties.
So on the bus i first decided to let out a few emotions through - some tears admittedly - drawing and sketching whatever came ot my mind. Then as i gazed out the window wondering what lied adhead i slowly drifted off into a dreamy state. I dreamt about the many good memories i have from Goumenissa like riding on the motorbike with the Pointer dog raced by my side and after a 2hour hike reaching the peak of Mount Paiko. I have learnt so much there that i cannot describe it in words but from now on i know i have a home in Greece as well as in England.
So when i arrived at Thessaloniki Bus Station i realised i was relying only on myself in the big world which was a little daunting but i knew that i had to get to my prearranged Couchsurfing host some way or another so i took a deep breath and went for it! I arrived in the old part of the city with ease and only spending 90cent (YEAH!!) and then rang the host from a shop as i was unable to credit my phone. So i got to a safe place, first step complete! There i was offered plain pasta and sweetcorn as i chatted to the girls. They were vollentary workers, one from Turkey and the other from Portugal and they were i would say typical young girls focusing on boys, drink and pointless conversation, but nevertheless i tried to feel comfortable as i knew i will meet people who are different to me (thats why i want to travel i suppose!).
Well anyway i made it my first night, and so to the first day! I planned what i needed to do and then set foot to the main city. When i had achieved the things which were important and i had manged to correctly read a map (a first i believe) i wandered to the forest theatre, the view from the top was so cool, there was so much greenery and forests and then ... wait, there is a big city below when grey white and tall buildings. Such a strange sight!! I sat on a bench at the top for a while listening to the contrasting sounds of birds and busy cars thinking about how i will do the things i want to do. Then as i started to get a little anxious and worried so i got out my unfinshed dog portrait and got lost into the world of dark and light graphite. When i emerged into reality i realised with a sense of relief that it didnt matter where or what i did, that it didnt matter what happened as long as i was safe and had time to think about my life and that was all i was going to focus on. So off i went to but rice, dried bread and jam for 8euro which should last for at least 5days so i at least wouldnt spend money or starve everyday!
When i arrived back at the house everything seemed to have fallen into place, i found where i wanted to go and where i would stay and even thought of back up plans in case these failed! Then i met a Bulgarian girl staying in the same place and we seemed to get on really well. I then recieved messages from a couchsurfing host so i had the next two nights planned! I planned to travel to Meteora the next morning and stay the night in a hostel/hotel and try to beg for a discount, then get the train to Larissa the next day!
All in all a day and two nights being in a different situation without a friend or partner has given me courage and a sense of confidence which i believe are just the first two elements of myself i will discover on this adventure!
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