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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!
- comments
Jodi Walker Dearest Daughter, it sounds as if you are on the path to finding yourself. We are praying for your safety every night and want you to kinow how proud we are of you and how much we love you. Take care and keep in touch, your Kentucky Mum.