First Trip Abroad: Journey into The Unknown

Dreaming of My First Trip Abroad

For most of my life, everyone has known about my dream to travel abroad. However, this dream has not come easily due to unexpected problems, such as financial constraints or family issues. Nonetheless, I am now approaching the realization of this dream. Two years ago, I made the decision to go to the United Kingdom. The primary reason behind this choice was to enroll in an English language course. However, there was more to it than just that. Another reason was my father's influence. Having studied and worked in various countries, he shared his experiences with me, sparking my curiosity. Each country possesses its own unique culture, daily life, emotions, and cuisine. Today marks the first step towards achieving my dream and my very first trip abroad.

Visa Process: An Anxious Wait

I hail from Iskenderun, a town located in the south of Turkey. I traveled from my hometown to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, for a visa interview. Upon arriving, I submitted all my documents to the authorized personnel, who instructed me to take a seat and wait for my name to be called. I recall feeling an immense excitement, coupled with a nagging question of what would happen if my visa was denied. Eventually, the wait came to an end, and I proceeded with the interview. The embassy employee posed the first question, 'Why do you want to go to the United Kingdom?' After completing the entire process, I awaited the outcome. It took nearly two weeks for me to receive the result.

Finally, I received the news I had hoped for – my visa application was approved. I felt the need to celebrate this wonderful news. Together with my best friend, we dined at the finest restaurant in my hometown, indulging in delicious food. Additionally, we went swimming in the sea. Unfortunately, my options for celebration were limited. I began scanning for affordable flight tickets and made a purchase. The flight duration was approximately five hours, surprising me as I had never experienced such a long flight before. I prepared my personal belongings and experienced a whirlwind of emotions – a mix of worry, excitement, and happiness. This journey marked my first trip abroad, an unbelievable experience. Various questions filled my mind: How would everything turn out? To find answers and ease my concerns, I turned to the internet, seeking information and connecting with individuals who shared similar experiences and feelings. Among my concerns, the most significant was speaking English. What if people couldn't understand me, or I couldn't understand them? English wasn't my native language, and my proficiency was limited. I couldn't help but worry about being the target of mockery. In this situation, I experienced a range of emotions: hope, excitement, anxiety, and a slight nervousness.

Trip to the United Kingdom: Navigating the Unknown

Finally, I found myself on the plane, but soon after, a severe headache set in, intensifying my worries. I tried to focus on positive thoughts, but the headache persisted. After a while, the pilot announced that we would be landing in approximately half an hour. My hands and feet grew sweaty, and I questioned my decision to come here. For a brief moment, I forgot about all my dreams. However, this shock jolted me back to reality, and I started thinking more sensibly than before. In the end, I arrived in London, where everything seemed chaotic. As I crossed the road from one side to another, nearly every driver honked at me. I quickly realized that traffic moved in the opposite direction compared to Turkey, so I needed to exercise greater caution. Furthermore, the buses in England were completely different, with a second floor – a sight that astonished me.

On my first day, what struck me the most was the diversity of people from various countries and backgrounds. Some performed on the streets, while others sang. The bustling roads and crowded subways overwhelmed me. I struggled to find my hostel as I got a little lost, but eventually, I located it and settled into bed. Although it was only my first day in the United Kingdom, that day left an indelible mark on me. Lying in bed, I realized that I could overcome any difficulties, no matter how challenging, and dispel all the worries from my mind. When people face problems, they should never give up but rather seek solutions.

References

1. Cohen, Erik H. 'Culture, emotions, and tourism.' Annals of Tourism Research 29.3 (2002): 721-742.