Where to go?
After a whirlwind of a summer — tears shed, nights barely slept, and a bachelor thesis somehow written — I wanted out. Away from the known. Away from the mundane.
So I didn’t just get a prepaid credit card (which, sorry, but never again). I also booked a hotel room. And I knew one thing for sure: I didn’t want to stay within the same culture, the same language. I wanted an adventure. I wanted elsewhere.
History
The closest country? France.
So I booked a train ticket to Strasbourg. Located in eastern France, just a few kilometers from the German border, Strasbourg sits right at the fault line of European history.
Like many cities in the Alsace region, it was a pawn in the endless tug-of-war between France and Germany. I can’t even count how many times I had to learn in history class that it was German, then French, then German again, then French — and yes, German again. But after the last annexation attempt, France held on, and Strasbourg has remained firmly French ever since.
If that was already too much history for you, feel free to look up Leidingen — the once-divided village. You’re welcome.
Another trip, another fail?
The trip hadn’t even started yet and it was already close to failing. Love to see it.
I had booked — or rather tried to book — the Athena Spa Hotel (four stars). It was the cheapest option I could afford with my very limited funds. One weekend. Just me, myself, and I.
Hotel booked, right?
Wrong.
The authorization failed. Why? Because I used a prepaid credit card, and the bank hadn’t loaded my €200 onto it yet. After a painful amount of back-and-forth, the hotel finally confirmed that the card was approved. Only then could I relax.
Finally, leaving
A friend had wanted to go on vacation with me. But she wasn’t really a vacation friend. You know what I mean. Some people are great for nights out. Others for deep 3 a.m. conversations. And some are perfect travel companions.
I, however, am not a vacation friend.
I like deciding for myself: where to go, when to go, what to do. Want to stay in bed two more hours? Done. Jump into the ocean? Done. Eat at the restaurant across the street because I don’t feel like walking? Also done.
That’s why I love solo travel. It’s just you — choosing for yourself.
For now, I’ve said enough.
So I’ll leave it here and let you enJOY Part II soon!
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