Solo trip (kinda) with Madi in Austria 4/11-4/15

This weekend I embarked on my first ever solo journey, and honestly it was exactly what I expected it to be. I cried, panicked, and thought I was never going to see Prague again. That's how you know it was the best trip ever!

On Thursday night I started my 7 hour journey (by train) to Innsbruck, Austria. I got on the right train and had three transfers. I had to ask for help for where to go every stop, but nonetheless I made it baby! I got to Innsbruck around 10:30pm, and had to take a 30 minute bus to my airbnb, located in the middle of nowhere. Without help this time, I made it on the bus and successful met my host, Angelika, who was the sweetest woman I've ever met. I went to bed and prepared for my solo travel the next day.

I woke up to the most spectacular view. Since it was dark when I arrived, I hadn't seen any of the mountains around me, and I was pleasantly surprised. The sky window held the peak of the snow capped mountain, followed by miles of green trees. I was truly in awe, because I've been so nature deprived, as I've only really visited cities. I enjoyed the small town I was in, and took the bus to the city center.

I found what I thought was a hike, which required me to take another 30 minute bus ride. I ended up being at the bus stop for over an hour, circling it looking for the right one. I probably talked to over 15 people, and finally a girl my age told me I was at the wrong bus station. No wonder I couldn't find it! I walked to the correct one and finally found the bus I've been searching for for what it felt like my whole life. It was an extremely humbling experience, but hey it builds character! It took me to a ski gondola, and having no idea where it would take me, I got on it.

I was greeted by one of the most beautiful mountain ranges I have ever seen. Turns out it was a ski mountain, so I sat there for awhile and admired the views, snowboarders, and paraglides. I wanted to ask them if I could try, but I chickened out. After awhile I went back down the gondola and walked back to the airbnb.

Later, I went back into the city and ordered take out for dinner. I walked to a stunning park, Raploidpark, and had a date with myself. I listened to music, journaled, painted, and observed the life around me. It was very refreshing and made me reflect on how lucky I am, and how study abroad has blown my expectations out of the water. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, and as the days are quickly approaching to traveling home, I have been reflecting on that a lot. It was a very nice evening.

Saturday was my last solo afternoon before I met my lovely friend Madi for our third and final reunion in Europe. I took a train to Hattstall (where Frozen was based!) and was quite alarmed when I got off the train. The view was beautiful, but the only way to get into the city was to get on a two hour boat ride. I was going to assume that was my way to Madi, but thank God I asked someone. She told me I went to far, and had to back track to where my airbnb was. Turns out I booked a place in Bad Goisern, the smallest town known to man.

I took a train back and journeyed 30 minutes UP HILL walking to the place I booked. I really fumbled on the planning of this trip. I was finally reunited with Madi. We hiked down the mountain and got dinner, and ended the night catching up and playing cards on the balcony.

Sunday was so perfect! We swam, tanned, and played outside all day. The water was extremely crisp and cold but very refreshing. We painted and listened to music in the sun, not realizing that our bodies were literally burning off. I'm still burnt from this weekend. We got some ice cream, went up in the woods, and hung up my hammock. We chatted some more and enjoyed each others company. We got pizza and then ended our night watching Frozen. It was a pleasant wrap up of our time together.

Monday we said our goodbyes, which was sad because I don't know the next time I'll see her. But no matter how long it will be, my relationship with her is the type that will never fade. It could be 10 months or 10 years, and we'll still be laughing and reminiscing on all the amazing memories we've had together. I am confident that she will be in my life forever. Madi if you are reading this you are amazing and wonderful and awesome.

After that I had what I thought 9 hours of travel ahead of me, but it turned into 11! My train transfers were fine, I had 10 minutes to make all of them and I did it! However, the train information screen didn’t work on one train, so I had to rely on the time on my ticket for when to get off. I guess the train was running behind, because I got off one stop too early. It was a ghost town, and I genuinely thought I was going to get murdered. Mom sorry if you’re reading this I’m fine now! I cried and called Ellie, making her stay on the phone with me for the hour and 30 minutes I had to wait for the next train. That train was late and I genuinely thought I was going to have to sleep there.

Luckily the Gods were on my side, because a train came for me. I had to back track, get off, and wait for another train to Prague. Two hours later I was finally on my way home.

Although extremely stressful, I'm happy I decided to have a somewhat solo trip. It taught me that it is totally okay to ask for help, and if you don't advocate for yourself you are screwing yourself over even more. Traveling alone can be confusing and no one is going to get mad at you for asking a simple question! I also learned that panicking doesn't do anything, because I got myself in that situation and stressing out was not going to solve my problem. The solution was calming down and figuring it out.

My whole abroad experience, and especially this trip, has showed me how capable I am. I don't need anyone to figure things out with, as long as I am willing to put in the work to find solutions for every bump in the road I come across. I'm still here and not stranded at that random train stop, right!

Maya Kollme 4/24/24