I think my passion for travelling started during my High School period. Before that time I suffered from terrible homesickness, that made it impossible for me to go anywhere without my parents from my 8th till my 16th (!) year of age.
Fortunately I finally got over my homesickness at the age of 16, when I went to France for a High School study-trip. From then on I have had 'the longing for exploration of the unknown' (maybe because I missed out on a whole period?)
First within my own country, by going studying in Utrecht, away from all the people i knew: searching for something completely new, a new adventure.
In january 2001 i had a fire in my studenthouse. I had to move back to my parents for 3 months. The fire has had a big impact on me, because ofcourse it is something really scary and a bit traumatic but also cause it gave me the chance to think about life and what I really wanted in life. I realized that i all I wanted at the moment is exploring, and now outside my own country.
Travelling makes me feel alive and gives me the opportunity to worry less about long-term issues. There is so much to explore in this world: cultures, nature, interesting people.
I wanted to explore the world, but ofcourse I was afraid of doing that all by myself. My problem was that I couldnt find someone to come with me. At that point I made the decision that I had to go alone if I ever wanted to see anything of this world.
My first 'solo-trip' was to France, to an international volunteeringproject. It was such a wonderful experience. I met so many nice and interesting people along the way and in the project.
From that moment on all i want is to travel and to travel more. And now i know i can do it all by myself: the whole world is there for me to explore and it is such a good feeling that I can go anywhere, whenever i feel like it. (If only I had unlimited money :) ).
