A new chapter

Today, I finally got down to planning my month-long Europe trip for the coming winter (June-July). I have been looking forward to this trip since the winter of 2011 and the fact that it's actually going to happen has, only now, begin to sink in.

This trip will take me to 4 countries starting from Italy (Rome) with some of the most amazing people I've ever had the good fortune to meet, followed by Germany and Poland as part of a winter program under Monash University, and finally ending in France (Monte Carlo) for a little me-time.

x x x

In winter of 2011, I had set my mind on participating in Monash's winter program - Final Journey: Remembering the Holocaust. This program is basically a 'two-week intensive study abroad unit [that] explores the modern history of European Jews before the destruction'.

At that very moment; the moment when my mind became set, a ball I never knew existed began rolling, turning with it the wheels and cogs of time and fate and life that would eventually bring me to this very moment...

But dramatics aside, the reason I wanted to go on this program so badly was because although I've studied and read up so much about the Holocaust, all of it seemed without a penny's worth if I don't actually see the place with my very own eyes and feel all that tragic history penetrate my skin and chill my very bones (clearly I am in a bit of a dramatic mood today). At that point in my life, Germany was the number one place I felt I needed to see and it was thus decided. More than being interested in the Holocaust itself which, undoubtedly has its hold on me, I am most interested in Jewish history. Honestly I have no idea where my interest for Jewish history comes from, not being a believer in the divine being myself. But regardless, the reason is unimportant and irrelevant at this point of my life. Perhaps when all other thoughts escape me, I shall endeavor to delve into my inner psyche through deep contemplation and much self reflection in order to solve this mystery. But alas, this is not such a time.

Again, doing away with the dramatics, I will move on before this post becomes tediously long. 

Come September 2011, I had a sudden burst of ingenuity. I decided to venture to Europe ahead of the class and meet up with some friends in Rome. Rome, being the home of the much talked about (in history and in the present day) Vatican city also has its appeal to me for obvious reasons. For several months, this then became the focus of much excitement. Not only of the prospect of visiting a place so rich with religious history (again, this interest baffles even myself), but also the thought of traveling abroad with amazing company.

However, today, a new segue in my life story has taken center stage - my alone trip to Monte Carlo after the winter program. I figured since I'm already in Europe, I might as well make the best use of my visa, right? Even if that means I have to go about it alone. In fact, the 'alone' part is what's got me all excited!

For a long time, I hesitated about this trip. Being a most die-hard fan of horror stories, one can easily imagine why the thought of staying in a hotel room alone doesn't sit well with me. However, biting my lips, eyes shut tight and heart pounding, I booked myself a hotel room for one in Monte Carlo this morning. This is perhaps the bravest thing I've ever done in my life and therefore I cannot help but think that this year is going to prove to be an extraordinarily revolutionary one for me. Not just because of the alone trip but the other trips as well.

My life is taking a turn;

it's going in a new direction,

and it's all because I dared.

I'm excited.

Are you?