It’s not everyday that dreams come true. I had always wanted to backpack in Europe, but with my financial challenges and the difficulty in getting a visa, I thought that it would remain just a dream forever. That is, until early this year.
My travel to Europe was not as straightforward as it seemed. I had been engaged to K, a Belgian, and I initially applied for a Schengen visa to visit him in the first quarter of 2012.
When our relationship ended in January, I was faced with a dilemma: should I push through with my Eurotrip, or just stay at home? I thought that with my planned travel of 70 days without a sponsor, my travel fund would not be enough.
Thankfully, it didn’t take me long to decide: I would push through with my trip rather than stay home and wallow in self-pity. I had my travel fund, and I was going to find ways to travel cheaply in Europe. I can make it. I will make it.
I found myself again in Santorini, Greece.
It was easier said than done. I had no problems with money; with my strategies to travel cheaply, my travel fund was more than enough. The challenge was in mastering my feelings. I was fine when I stayed with K in Belgium; I had learned how to control my emotions.
However, at several points during my journey, I felt so dragged down emotionally by my failed relationship that instead of going out, I just stayed indoors. I got depressed in Berlin when I saw all the people going around were in pairs or with their loved ones, I didn’t like beautiful Vienna because he wasn’t there to share it with me, and I shunned Hungary for not being Belgium.
It was only when I arrived in Santorini, Greece that I learned to come to terms with my experience. Yes, I spent almost half of my backpacking trip moping, but I can’t say that my time has been wasted. I’ve seen so much, and met so many people, that despite the trip being bittersweet, I would never regret it.
I’ve been to nine countries and 25 cities in Europe. Here are some of my memories there.
When I decided to push through with my trip, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to stay with K in his hometown in Olen, so I used Couchsurfing to find my first hosts in Europe. Gerd and Pol from Herentals accepted me with open arms, and though I’m sure they were confused why I was still seeing K when I was there, they were too kind to ask me about it.
The lovely canals of Bruges, Belgium.
From Herentals, I spent a weekend with Hazel in Mollem-Asse, a friend I haven’t seen in over a decade, then spent a week with K. I went around Antwerp with him, ate at a beer restaurant in Mechelen, and visited Napoleon Bonaparte’s Waterloo. I spent Valentine’s Day with him in Bruges, the most romantic city in Belgium, where I pretended that everything was as it should be.
I’ve stayed the longest in Belgium, partly to be with him, and partly to enjoy the most beautiful country I’ve ever seen (yeah, okay, I’m biased). Even until now, Belgium remains my favorite!
Copenhagen, Denmark was also memorable in other ways. I stayed with a friend in his house in Christiania, a “commune” ran by what used to be called “hippies.” It used to be an abandoned military barracks which “squatters” took over in 1971. Just recently, after a long, protracted legal battle, the residents won the right to purchase the land.
The colorful Nyhavn (“New Harbor”) in Copenhagen.
My host, whom I’ve met only once in the Philippines through the organization I worked for, was a prominent person in the Danish gay movement, and thankfully for him, I got to experience what it was like to stay in Christiania. He also took me to the venue where I talked about children’s rights to a group of women—my first speaking engagement outside of Asia!
It was also in Copenhagen when I wrote Date a Girl Who Travels, a heartfelt post addressed to K. Unfortunately, it didn’t work 😀
From Denmark, I went down to Germany. I liked the country; I liked its efficient government, clean streets, and well-organized transport system—all so different from the Philippines.
Detail of a fountain in Nürnberg.
I liked my host Tomke in Hamburg with whom I shared so many similar (frustrated) experiences in love; I liked quiet Bremen and Nürnberg, and I also liked beautiful and unassuming Dresden. In fact, if I were asked where I would like to live in Europe, it would be in Dresden, Germany.
Berlin, on the other hand, was not enjoyable for me. It was too big, too chaotic, too different. I saw punks drinking and fighting each other in the subway, my host warned me against going home late because of the neo-Nazis, and I got propositioned by a German guy in the train station. It was memorable, yes, especially my time at the Pergamon Museum, but I would rather have stayed longer in Dresden than in Berlin.
If you’re planning to go to Europe, never miss out on Prague. It’s one of my favorite cities in Europe.
A view from the historic Charles Bridge in Praha.
It’s such a beautiful city that I spent my four days there just walking around, from historical Charles Bridge and the charming Old Town Square to the very interesting Zizkov.
It’s easy to forget time there, lost as you are with so many things to do and so many places to see. I did my own Kafka Tour of Prague and it was a lot of fun. Staying four days is definitely not enough!
Vienna is also another beautiful city, full of historical buildings and interesting places. If I didn’t use Couchsurfing, I would have looked for hotels via Agoda because they have a lot of options for good value (plus, the site seems easy to use too).
The uniquely designed Hundertwasser House in Vienna.
As it was, my CS hosts were very nice; the husband, Peter, had been to the Philippines and couldn’t stop talking about how much he loved it. Their baby Julia was also adorable. I also met up with the Austrian friend of my colleague, and he took me around Vienna at night.
Unfortunately, though, I didn’t do justice to it, probably because I was feeling melancholic again. Too bad, I would have wanted to listen to the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Maybe someday I will get another chance to surrender to the charm of this lovely city.
Budapest is another highly recommended European city. I liked its pub ruins, the Buda castle, and the numerous remnants of its long past. I liked the fact that the city’s name is a combination of the names of two former cities separated by the river Danube: Buda and Pest.
View of the Hungarian Parliament across the river Danube.
However, what I liked most was staying indoors and playing with my host’s cat, Dormi. I felt so down at that time that going around seemed pointless. It was a combination of homesickness and the sadness I felt whenever I thought of K.
It was in Budapest, though, where I learned about trust. My host, Maria, had to leave town before I arrived, and instead of just refusing my request for a place to stay, she asked a friend to give me the key to her house and let me stay there by myself, even without having met me first. It’s people like her who renew my faith in humanity!
I couldn’t wait, though, to leave Hungary for Greece. I was tired of being melancholic, and the thought of seeing the Greece I’ve only read about when I was in school filled me with so much excitement.
A back view of the Parthenon in the Acropolis, Athens.
I stayed with a CS host in his apartment in Exarcheia, a neighborhood in downtown Athens known as a den of Greek anarchists. I certainly know how to choose my hosts!
I walked my host’s dog twice daily, and unlike in Budapest, I tried to see as much as I could in Athens, from the Acropolis where the famous Parthenon is, to the Roman marketplace, Lycabettus Hill, Syntagma Square, Agora, and Plaka. I also saw a lot of cats on the streets, which lifted up my spirits considerably. I would have stayed longer, if my host didn’t encourage me to go visit Santorini.
At first, I didn’t want to go to Santorini. I thought it was expensive and a place best reserved for a honeymoon. I was glad I went, though; the island is indescribably beautiful and so peaceful.
It wasn’t as expensive as I thought either, since I stayed in a hostel (look for hotels in Santorini). I had the best time walking around, taking a nap on the benches, talking to the hostel owners, and most importantly, coming to terms with my loss.
Second only to Belgium, I loved Italy. I was amazed to see places I’ve only read and dreamed about. The people were very nice, too! My Roman host cooked breakfast and dinner daily, so in exchange, I bought him Belgian beer and yoghurt, and taught him a few things regarding free movies.
Because I left the house with him every morning, I had more time going around Rome. I went to the Vatican and admired Michelangelo’s work at the Sistine Chapel. I ate a lot of pasta (of course) and risotto, and met so many Filipinos who were working there.
From Rome, I went to Florence, where I met the sweetest European cat ever. Cincinna, my Firenze host’s black cat, slept beside me every night. I also went to see the leaning tower of Pisa, got lost in the streets of Venice, and paid homage to Juliet in her house in Verona. In Padova, I slept in the same room with three Pakistani guys and cooked them spaghetti with spicy sardines the next day.
Best of all, I was also in Italy when I received a call that CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg wanted to interview me. It’s certainly an honor for such an established person like him to know my blog!
Yes, 2012 was really good for me, travel-wise. Despite starting out as unfortunate, it ended up quite well, and I’m glad I took the chance of embarking on the journey that helped heal my broken heart.
Do you dream of solo backpacking in Europe? Check out my posts to guide you in preparing for your Eurotrip!
122 Comments. Leave new
Originally I was going to book the trip airtight, so i knew exactly when my flights were, what hostels I would stay in for how long, etc etc etc. Then I read that the beauty of backpacking is being spontaneous. So if you meet someone or something comes up, you can freely stay another day or so rather than having to go because you have your flights and everything booked.
YOU ARE AMAZING. Though this post was like years ago, still.. AMAZING! 🙂
Hahaha Thanks!
You are such an inspiration! I haven’t travelled outside Philippines yet but your blog is such an eye opener. I’ve spent so much money on material things and it was just recently that I’ve decided to start travelling. Now I really have to start saving for my next adventure. I’ll surely read this article again once I’m ready for Europe! 🙂
Yay Joanna! Hope you have pushed through with your Eurotrip!
@ Jerra: You have to ask for it at a travel agency. They may or may not charge you. I wasn’t charged.
Hi good day! i just wanna ask where can i get a travel booking/ reservation ticket? Can i do it on my own? Thank you.
@ Miyone: No, I never had a problem with that. If you want though, you can look up the address of a hostel and use it in the immigration form, just in case they ask. I’ve never been asked, but we never know.
Hi, just wanna ask since you mostly used Couchsurfing. Was there ever a problem showing up at immigration and not be able to show hotel/accommodation details? I have offers to couchsurf, but not sure if this will be an issue. Thanks.
@ Kate: It all depends on you kasi if you prefer DIY (you have to do everything yourself) or tour (just show up). Ako, aside from the budget consideration, I really love making travel arrangements. 🙂 It’s not just the budget ha. When are you going?
@ Lira: Awww.. Thanks hehe
wow. 🙂 I just wanted to give you a virtual hug after reading your bitter sweet adventure. >:D<
Hi Ms. Aleah,
Stumbled upon your blog today and it was so informative and fun to read! I love planning and making itineraries for my trips, and I’m already canvassing for Euro tour costs. It’s incredible that you only spent about $3000 for a 70-day tour!! I was leaning pa naman on a tour package that costs about $3600 for a 16-day tour para less hassle. Now I’m thinking of DIY nalang din. 🙂
Kate
@ Marvin Eric: Yes, you can do it. Just keep on working towards that goal! hehe
@ Leah: He has only one pic here. I haven’t named him though hehe
@ Jane Kincaid: I shared the itinerary in one of my comments above. All in all, I spent less than $3,000 including the airfare of around $1,200. Good luck in your planning!
Hi Aleah,
I wonder how much it costs you for the 70 days trip? Care to share complete itinerary and cost together with me cos I am planning a trip myself. Still in the dark. Thanks so much.
XOXO
Jane Kincaid
ok, that’s it! Im going to wander around your blog and look for a picture of K!! 🙂 joking. I love your blogs.
Oh… hope someday I can really do this…someday…
For now, I’ll have this bookmarked in my laptop and keep this page as an inspiration, knowing that someone from my own country made it, backpacking 70 days in Europe, alone… Wow, ikaw na! Kudos! Four thumbs up talaga (kasali daliri sa paa, hehehe =)
I guess, I need to start saving for that travel funds. hahahha.
Will be reading more entries, later. Thanks for this!
@ Beth: Following was my itinerary in my 70-day trip to Europe. I was supposed to go to France and the Netherlands on April 5th but I got sick, so I just stayed in Belgium.
6-20 February
BELGIUM–Herentals, Olen, Brussels, Asse, Brugge, Antwerp, Waterloo
21-24 February
DENMARK–Copenhagen
25 Feb-05 March
GERMANY–Hamburg, Bremen, Nuremberg, Berlin, Dresden
06-09 March
CZECH REPUBLIC–Prague
10-13 March
AUSTRIA–Vienna
14-17 March
HUNGARY–Budapest
18-25 March
GREECE–Athens, Santorini
26 March-04 April
ITALY–Rome, Florence, Pisa, Padova, Venice, Verona
05-15 April
BELGIUM
Hope that helps! Don’t forget to check out my other Europe posts. I still have so much to write though!
Hi Aleah,
My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon. Hope you can share your itinerary with us for your Europe trip. We will just use it as a guide for the cities and countries to visit.
Thank you in advance and thank you for sharing all your wonderful experiences with us!
Xoxo,
Beth
@ Koen: Thank you. All the best to you too, and hope you find what you’re looking for.
Great post Aleah…your talent for writing with melancholy is unbeatable..wish u all the best for 2013…
@ Sharon: Too bad I didn’t see Winston. Hope to see him if/when I get to go back to Europe!
@ Marisol: Thank you. This was a post that begged to be written 🙂
Awww Aleah…..
Now, I completely understand those excuses you had about not seeing more of of a place because it was too cold…..
And now I completely appreciate the courage you had to push yourself through the trip and eventually making the most out of it. It wasn’t an easy situation but you pulled it off.
Thanks for sharing this touching and vulnerable post.
Missed you last Saturday! Go to France while Winston is there, although I’m sure you’ll be able to find a good or even better place even if he isn’t. 🙂
@ Candleboxcindy: We only passed by Ghent on the way to Brugges. Too bad 🙁 Actually, there are so many small towns in Belgium that I would have wanted to explore first. Someday, I hope to be back!
@ Wander Shugah: Thanks much! Someday you’ll find yourself there, and someday I will be back too! Happy 2013!
Your eurotrip is always my inspiration. Wishign and hoping ill be able to pursue that dreaam soon. best of 2013 for you Aleah!
same here. i love – LOVE – belgium. between the three cities though (brussels, bruges, ghent) i love ghent most. it’s a quaint little town about an hour out of bruges. very pretty.
i hope 2013 is better for you in terms of romance! 🙂
@ Kara: It was amazing, but it’s already in the past. Will make new memories in 2013 hehe Yeah I miss those Belgian beers too. Can’t buy them here, they’re too expensive!
@ Michael: Happy new year to you too, Michael!
Wow – this brings back memories of the two times I backpacked across Europe. 🙂
Best wishes for 2013!
Hi Aleah, I didn’t know the background of your backpacking trip, but it looks like a lot of good came out of that. Solo backpacking for 70 days in 9 countries sounds amazing. Your photos are proof of that. Best wishes in 2013. Will be waiting for your next viral post! 🙂 Am so jealous of all the beers you tried in Europe!
@ CA: Thanks, I love Europe too. Can’t wait to go back. My next international one is in March, backpacking in India for 3 weeks 🙂
@ Melvin: I wanted to go, but I got sick with cough and colds 🙁 Will save it for the next time I’m going there 🙂
wow!9 countries! i’d be fine if i got to visit even just 4 of those countries.how come you didnt go to france?
I think this is one of the posts anyone could ever dream of. Europe is so love, romantic place indeed! I wish you happiness in love and life and will be looking forward for more of your travel stories this year, where’s your next destination na? 🙂
@ Jenna: It was an unforgettable trip for sure, one I will write about for years to come 🙂 Enjoyed Praha very much, I still have to write about it!
@ Catherine: I didn’t like Berlin, but I loved the small cities like Dresden. Actually, if given the choice, I’d want to live in Germany. 🙂 Hope to receive that postcard soon! haha
*hugs & kisses* for the not so great start of the year and more hugs for pulling through it with grace and aplomb! hehehe It was such a shame that our travel plans wouldn’t sync whilst you were here and we just kept missing each other! Oh well. I’m sure there’d be a next time!
You didn’t like Germany that much? Naku. I’m looking forward to visiting that country as I seem to have quite a number of German friends! lol
Happy happy new year Aleah! I wish you all the happiness in the world darling! 😀
Sounds like an amazing trip despite the emotional hurdle of the first part. I’m glad you enjoyed Prague so much and spent the whole time walking around (the best way to experience the city!), and I agree that 4 days is really not enough. A lot of people give it about 3 days and move on, tired of the crowds. All the best to you in 2013!
@ Manila Citizen: Thank you! Hope to see you back on my blog soon 🙂
@ Bianca: Thanks so much. Happy new year to you too!
Honest and moving post! I like it because it’s so real and unpretentious. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this and Happy 2013!
All the best!
Seeing women travelling solo is just heart-warming. To the courageous. 🙂 God bless on more trips!
@ Thomas: Thanks, and wishing you the best this 2013 too!
An inspirational post. And some wonderful photographs, that brought back many mixed emotions for me too! Here’s wishing you all the best for 2013!
@ Lifeisacelebration: Too bad nga, Tita Lili, that I wasn’t able to visit Spain! Hopefully next time.
@ Missy: Between the sheets?? *censored* hahahaha
While reading, I hoped that something happened in between the sheets that separated you from K during your stay. hahaha! 🙂
You are one kickass lass Aleah! Hope to see you soon and let’s talk about this? 😀
Aleah, you could have visited me while I was in Madrid around the time you were backpacking Europe! Sayang. I would have cooked adobo and sinangag for you 😉
@ Erik: Yeah, it was 🙂 Thanks for dropping by!
@ Joan: Hopefully nga, hehe
Sorry to hear that your heart got broken during your Europe trip. Maybe, there’s someone better waiting for you kaya hindi nagwork. Malay mo sa ibang continent pala.
Santorini!! Kahit yun lang okay na sakin!
That’s quite a journey and it is admirable of you pushing through despite your heart not always being in it.
Glad I found your blog (thanks to Jeremy at Budget Travel Adventures) and am looking forward to reading it in 2013!
@ Andrew: Thank you for your wishes. I hope I accomplish mine this year too!
@ Audrey: The hippie commune of Christinia was wonderful! And yeah, I only wrote about the back story of that post now 😀 Glad you’ve read it!
That does sound bittersweet. I remember reading your post ‘Date a Girl Who Travels’, but I didn’t realize the whole story behind it! But it sounds like you got to meet some incredible people and stay in some really amazing places (a hippie commune?!). 🙂
What a fantastic collection of cities, Aleah! And I really do admire you for not giving up under those difficult circumstances.
All your photos are fine, but the special one for me is the Copenhagen harbour shot with its wonderful colour contrasts.
All the best to you for 2013. You’ve accomplished so much already. May your unfulfilled wishes come true, too!
@ Tomke: I can’t believe you’re finally moving to Argentina! Did you reconcile with your boyfriend? Are you bringing Pedro and Tamiro with you? Wish I could go there and visit you!!!
Dear Aleah: I enjoyed reading your travel account, although there is sadness to be read all through the text – but hey: you made it, you traveled Europe with a broken heart and still managed to enjoy most of it! 🙂 I’m happy to have been one on the parts you liked. Come and see me in Argentina, where I will be moving to in March! Hugs and kisses, and a happy 2013!
@ Jeffrey: Thanks. Happy new year!
@ Denise: Seems we had a similar experience. It wasn’t easy, was it? But totally worth it 🙂
I am very sorry to hear about your broken heart. I once went to my partner’s (far away) country, and we broke up when I was there, which means there were many days where I just wanted to stay in my hotel…but I still travelled and have very fond memories of the trip, in the same way you have beautiful memories about yours.
Happy New Year!
Haba pero sarap basahin Aleah! parang naikot ko na rin ang Europe 🙂
@ Mary: Thanks, and yeah it was actually the people I met on my solo trip that helped me. Of course, there were times when they made it worse (like couples, etc.), but as a whole, I was happy I got to know them. Met a lot of Filipinos in Athens and Rome too. It was a great experience!
@ Mai: I hope so 🙂 I will certainly be back in Europe. So many beautiful countries and cities left to explore!
A loss, whatever kind will always be painful. Losing someone you loved dearly is heartbreaking. But I’m sure you also know that when “you lose some, you win some.” You gained a heck of an experience tapos sa Europe pa! No doubt, you will find someone more worthy of your love — that person will surely experience the whole of Europe with you, this time around. 🙂
Beautifully written, Aleah. I’m sorry you were dealing with such melancholy in Europe but I’m glad you still met some wonderful people and made lifelong memories. Great collection of photos! I was only in Belgium for a day so I’d love to see other parts of it. Walking through Christiania was a bit disturbing with kids but to each their own. I’ve told you I admired how you went solo on such a long journey but knowing the raw emotions you were suffering then makes me so happy how you survived this trip. Loved meeting all the Filipinos in Rome too who were more than happy to give us discounts and tips 🙂
@ BertN: Thank you, Kuya. If I liked drinking, I would probably have drunk myself senseless too. Good thing I like traveling 🙂
@ Ann: Thank you 🙂
It’s always during the hard time that you learned the most about life and yourself. I admire how you turned a bad love story into a wonderful travel experience
You are a survivor! You will be successful in life, if you are not already. I cannot imagine myself traveling solo, with a heavy backpack, mending a broken heart, feeling so alone with miles still to go to an uncertain, unfamiliar destination. If I were you I’ll probably just find myself a cozy place, get drunk and hope it will be a different tomorrow, if not, I’ll drink again and keep on hoping. You are a gutsy girl, I’m sure you’ll find the man that truly deserves you.
@ Budget Jan: Thank you. Yes, I was proud of myself for handling my emotions well!
@ Malaysian Meanders: Thanks for sharing your own healing story. I hope to see you and talk about our travels when/if you and your family make it to the PI in 2013 🙂
The first time I went to Europe was a time of healing for myself and my parents. My sister had died a few months earlier after a lengthy illness, and all of us needed to get away and be distracted. Walking among cultures and cities that are centuries old reminded me of how each person’s time here on earth is fleeting but that we each leave a legacy behind. It sounds like your backpacking trip was a transformative time for you, and I’m glad that you emerged with a healed heart. I’d love to hear more about Christiania in Copenhagen and your experience there. P.S. The Philippines may be on my list for 2013.
You were brave and worked through your emotions on the road. Well Done. What wonderful experiences you have had. Something to look back on with pride.
@ Dick Jordan: Yeah, it was cool. My 15-min of fame haha Loved the food in Italy and Belgium!
@ Salika Jay: It was a huge challenge. I’m glad I was trained in psychology. I put it to good use!
It must have been a challenge at the very beginning emotionally more than financially. But you sure have made the right decision to travel. Some travel therapy is good to get over a broken heart. You probably will never forget this experience because of all the emotions involved.
Italy is still my favorite country in Europe, although the food in France is hard to beat, as are the pastries in Germany (sorry, Vienna, yours aren’t as good). Pretty cool that you were interviewed by Peter Greenberg!
@ Riz: Same to you, Riz! Happy new year!
@ Inside Journeys: Thanks, Marcia. I don’t know how to top it, it wasn’t planned haha
Fantastic year, Aleah!
What will you do in 2013 to top Peter Greenberg?
wow!!!! dream come true!! cheers to more travel in 2013. Aleah you are blessed!! 🙂 Happy new year! 🙂
@ Stef: Thanks, Stef. It’s really nice to have friends like you cheering me up 🙂
@ Razlan: Wow, thanks. This is a form of catharsis for me. 🙂
This is the kind of post which sets you apart from other bloggers, Aleah. Thanks for baring it all for us to absorb, reflect and be inspired.
Oh Aleah, I wish I could give you a big hug. Everyone is right, you have certainly come out victorious for turning a heartbreaking experience into a life-changing one by pushing through with your Euro trip. I can only dream of embarking on a journey like this—visiting beautiful places, meeting different kinds of people, and just living each day to the fullest.
As 2012 comes to a close, I’d just like to say I’m very glad to have connected with you and that we’ve sustained our friendship all throughout. Keep traveling and inspiring others!
– Stef G.
@ Jackie Smith: Thanks. It’s nice to believe in sayings, but nicer still to live them 🙂
@ Leigh: Thank you. I hope I get to backpack in Aus and NZ too, without the heartbreak this time 🙂
I’ve solo backpacked through Fiji, NZ and Australia – but without the sad encumbrances of a failed relationship. I hope 2013 brings more wonderful travel…and love. This was a wonderful post to read.
Sounds like the old saying, “When one door closes, another opens” certainly held true for you this last year! Great photos, especially Greece.
@ Benjamin: I don’t have the exact amount, but less than 3,000 euros, including airfare ($1,200).
@ Muza-chan: Same to you.
I hope that 2013 will be even better…
Hi Aleah, wonderful trip! That is absolutely amazing! Would you be so kind to share how much is your budget for the entire trip? 🙂
@ Jherson Jaya: Yup, yup, yup. And it’s doable!
@ Amillah: I am, thanks 🙂 Happy new year!
@ Claire: Thanks, Claire. Want to go to Spain, too, someday. Hope we’ll achieve that dream!
I feel you, Aleah. And I’m glad you made this write-up personal – it’s more real and beautiful. =)
Travel does cure a broken heart – and take you beyond that brokenness. =)
And wow – you started finding yourself again in Santorini! That and Barcelona are my top dream destinations in Europe. =)
very challenging to travel with a broken heart! at may pinangalingan pala ang Date a Girl Who Travels. sometimes we write best when sad. i hope you’re ok now 🙂
Wow!!! Backpacking in europe! That’s everybodys dream!!!
@ Cris: Yeah, it did. Who would have known, eh? 🙂
@ Reiza: I wish haha
Oh, Aleah, I love how you turned an unfortunate situation into an opportunity to see the world and meet new people. You are THE girl! I’m sure you’ll find someone who deserves an amazing girl who travels. 🙂 Cheers to a better 2013!
I could feel the emotions contained in this post, and it’s nice (though sad) to finally know the story behind “Date a Girl Who Travels”. At least, the heartbreak led to something wonderful.
@ Ron: Plan your Eurotrip na! hehe
@ JRinAsia: Thank you. It wasn’t easy.
Wow, I can only imagine how much of a challenge it must’ve been to balance your negative emotions with your positive experiences, but you’ve managed to word it well and in a way that helps us to see what you really got out of your experience. I’m glad you found a way to look past your circumstances and live in the moment!
naglalaway ako! hahahahaha