From Fear to Freedom: Traveler’s Round-the-World Journey

Once upon a time, I embarked on a journey around the world, setting off from Japan. My first landing was in Thailand. I still remember my bewilderment – neither Thai nor English was understood, and only my money was converted into local currency. It was by hopping onto a taxi that I managed to reach my accommodation. As I attempted to verify the correctness of the lodging while my luggage remained in the cab, the taxi suddenly moved. I promptly retrieved my luggage, paid the fare, and headed back to the lodging.

Unable to comprehend the innkeeper’s words, I requested explanations via pen and paper and somehow secured my room. From the rooftop, looking out at Thailand’s towering buildings, I thought to myself, ‘I’m finally here. The global journey begins.’ But as I envisioned the distant goal, I felt overwhelmed by fear, tears welled up in my eyes. However, as I learned the ropes of traveling and how to gather information, my confidence grew, and I gradually overcame my fears.

Later in my journey, as I went around the globe to Peru, I met a fellow Japanese woman in a dormitory who began to cry in fear upon her arrival. She, too, had felt the same fear, and I was able to comfort her. She eventually completed her round-the-world journey as well.

It’s easy to feel anxious and scared when we focus solely on the end goal and its daunting distance. But my experience taught me that we can reach the end, one step at a time, knowing that it’s okay to stop midway.

Thank you for reading my story.