By Maruschka Otto
It’s been 4 months since I left my “home” in
Cape Town and I finally feel compelled to share the rollercoaster of emotions
that any traveler goes through when moving abroad.
#1 You don’t understand
anything:
Moving to a foreign country sounds fun, but it
is exhausting (and I’m not talking about the jet lag).New beginnings are
unpredictable, thrilling. Just like a rollercoaster - taking off, thousands of
questions overwhelmingly fry your brain. The language, culture, currency and
taste of food is different, but you’re learning at a phenomenal rate whilst you
are constantly tired, but it’s so rewarding…When you start to understand the culture
and the language you are exposed to a beautiful new way of living and
everything thing feels exciting- ALL THE TIME!
#2 You want to give up and go
home:
It’s so traditional yet natural to be with family
and loved ones during the festive season or going into the new year, to be with
people that you appreciate and value most, as a highlight for the dear memories
we treasure! Being away from home and out of your comfort zone, will leave you
hanging upside down on this ride, frustrated because you just want it to end.
It’s hard living abroad, until you get used to it. Your world becomes richer,
your friendship circle will expand. You learn so many new things and realize
how BIG the world is. Later you will laugh at yourself for ever doubting your
move.
If we were meant to live in one place we would
have roots instead of feet. Unless you try to do something beyond what you have
already mastered, you will never grow. Growth is uncomfortable, messy and full
of feelings. As humans, we are designed to move, explore and improve.
#3 Expectations feeds
frustrations:
The
travelling road is full of bumps and barriers, but don’t let it deter you from
proceeding in that direction. It's hard because you are no longer settling for
what is easy, but rather going after what you deserve! Remember that there are
no shortcuts to extraordinary places and experiences.
Enjoy
the amazing view from the top and enjoy the ride.
My
rollercoaster is reaching new highs on a daily basis, forcing me to realize
that I am not the only person on this ride. New friendship’s lead to secret
Santa Christmas dinners, pizza dinner’s with other South Africans and facing
some of my own adrenaline inducing fears.
My
#WORDSOFWISDOM:
● Be
brave enough to travel the unknown.
● Open
yourself to something new.
● Strive
to see extraordinary places and meet extraordinary people.
● Dream
big and Do what you once thought was
impossible.
Lastly,
● Do
not let fear be your map.
● Do
not let comfort determine where you stay.
● Be
eager for adventure, diversity.
● Let curiosity guide you!
