The Ballads of Traveling

Before you say anything; "I am a romantic"

Not necessarily related to love but more to life. I do have a high sentimental feeling about certain time, places, events, people, and so forth. So when it came to traveling, I try to grasp anything as much as possible.

Backpacking has now becoming a trend. Although I did a couple of backpacking or budgeted trips before, I sometimes treat myself a little bit more with convenient hotels and flights. Every one enjoys a little pleasure once in a while right?

Traveling, from other point of view, is also a process in learning. From every trip, you will get a lesson, sometimes more if you are lucky. So yes, related to traveling below are lesson learned;

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For New Year's Eve 2006-2007, I went to Barcelona with my friends from college. We used budgeted airline and living at International Hostel near by La Rambla (Les Rambles). It was a short trip and there were 12 of us. On the NYE we gathered at city center and celebrated it with other visitors. Hell, we even made new friends (and enemies) in such a short trip. On the second day, argument started to rise. We have different opinion on which places to visit, or not to.This wasted our time without us realizing.

We visited lots of historical places (yes, including Nou Camp) and jump out at most of every 'city-tour-bus' stop. But I did not get to visit some places I wanted to and likewise.

This kind of problem is normal when you are traveling in group and do not have a specific itinerary before the trip started. An itinerary approved by the whole group will make the trip simpler, if you are the one who organize it; be sure to include a free couple of hours each day to avoid argument/fights and to give your friends a personal time to do what they wanted to. Remember, every one has different preference when it comes to traveling and visiting new places.
So, that was the first ballad of traveling. Prepare a good plan especially when you are traveling in group.

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My ex-boyfriend planned a weekend get-away to Belgium for both of us. Since it was only couple of hours by bus and it seems like fun, we took a ride from Utrecht Centraal to North Brussels. The bus was empty considering it was summer already, there weren't more than 10 people on it. I could see that some of them are backpackers like us, the rest didn't seem like traveler at all (with the tie etc.).

We did not reserve any room and worse was we did not have any map. Once we stepped out from the bus, it felt like we were on the other planet. The station was empty! After 15 minutes we found an officer just by the stairs. Assuming he speaks English, I asked for direction. Holding his tasbeh, the officer shook his head, he did not understand whatever it is I am saying. I tried to ask again in Dutch and still no respond or comment. I gave him the "jungle" language, and then he started to speak in French.
Yeah, second thing to remember; Find out the local language(s) and study the map of your destination.

Apparently, we stopped on the "french" side of Belgium.

We tried to walk inside the station wishing there is someone speaking English. Not long after the tarzan conversation with the officer, we met one of the bus passenger. His name is Max Lee, he is a dance-student in England but originally come from Hong Kong. He was spending his summer holiday by having a Euro-trip by himself. We talked and apparently he was lost too but he offered us to join him, we did. After all, we haven't got any room for tonight.
Third lesson: Pay attention and be nice to other travelers, it would be helpful and nice to have new friends from all around the world.

On our first night, we were lucky there was two beds free in a 4 bunks room. We shared the room with one English girl and one American guy. After the sight-seeing with Max (we ended up traveling two days together), at night we gathered with other guests at the YMCA hostel's bar and socializing. Though most of them thought Indonesia is a country near-by Bali, we tried to explain geography lesson also promoted Indonesia as a traveling destination. We exchanged contacts, I personally still keep in touch with some of them up until now.
Fourth lesson: Exchanging email addresses or else will give you expand your circle - and who knows if you're able to visit their country someday. If you stay at hostels, always socialize! Though, still be careful with your belongings, and always prepare a padlock.

After lunch on the second day, my ex and I went to Gent. A small city not far from Brussels. A friend of mine lived there with his family but it was impossible to stay a night at his house because his house was full at that moment. We decided not to spend a night and catch the last train with a little hope there will be a room in Brussels. But we enjoyed the city anniversary too much, time passed by without us realizing and by the time we arrived at the station it was already too late.

We first tried to open the locker at the station to get our backpacks but apparently the locker room opens from 5'00 a.m. until 12'00 a.m. - so yeah, I have to survive the cold with a tank top, one cardigans and a short. My ex was only wearing t-shirt and short. In the cold, we waited up at the station for the earliest train but could not stand of the wind and the security asked us to leave the station.

Last option was hotel because hostel was too far and there was no bus running anymore. 3 km from the station we found a hotel and asked for a special price since we checked in so late, I was actually kidding with the receptionist. Guess what? Not only we pay for a half-price - we got an upgraded room and a late check-out!
Fifth lesson: I was lucky with my upgraded room and discounted price but you could actually avoid that unfortunate situation by thinking ahead. If it happens, always ask for special price when you check in late, the hotel won't suffer for that. Enjoy your time and party - but always consider scenarios. Make use of your local-friend, usually they are a good guide although by traveling alone you will grasp more experiences and have more stories to tell *smile*

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Ballads of Traveling is a series of short writing about trips I made, lesson I learned and maybe someday could be more than just that.
(gst/gst)