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This had been a long time dream of mine. After 5 years of sacrifices and hard studies, this was my gift to myself. My initial plan was to travel for 3 months in 3 countries (South Africa, France and New Zealand). Somehow things expanded to 6 months travel in… let me count… 14 countries. I traveled through South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, France, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Germany. I had never really traveled before. And yes, I traveled solo. I made such good friends along the way. Ongoing correspondence is maintained with many of them. My first 2 days where quite an experience. After leaving my family and friends at the airport (yes, crying like there was no tomorrow), living in planes and airports for 48 hours, I arrived in Johannesburg, in South Africa. I had to spend the next 2 days on my own inside the resort. I had promised my parents I would call as soon as I arrived… It took me almost a day to sum up the courage to call them. At that point, I seriously thought I was crazy to do something like this. I actually considered for a moment to call it quits and go back home. Am I ever glad and proud I didn’t. This turned out to be the best experience of my life, so far. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. It is fulfilling, empowering, and rich in life-long lessons. It’s a true eye-opener! The different cultures, the change in sceneries and landscapes… just beautiful! The world is so big out there for one to explore but yet so small because it is so easily accessible. I am most fortunate and one of the luckiest women in the world to have been given the chance, encouragement and support to attain for, what was for me, a dream. Family and friends have been there for me through out the entire process: preparation for leaving, the actual trip, and the somewhat brutal return. No amounts of thank you would suffice for all of you to show my deepest appreciation and recognition.
Two years have passed since my return and I still dream of it like it was yesterday. This is something I will cherish, carry and remember for the rest of my life.
I assure you, many more trips are yet to come!!! Travelling is now a passion that lives and circulates deep within my blood…
You can find all my adventures here: http://karinajoly.blogspot.com
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