By VIVIAN KOPKA
If you have talked to me recently, you may know that I traveled to Italy and France over October break. Thank you to a Mr. Stopher Bartol’88 for the beautiful alumni award. Thanks to you, this trip, and much more importantly, this article is possible.
- Take selfies.
Taking selfies is an important part of traveling alone. There must be documentation that you were there, and it is not always ideal to ask someone to take a picture of you. I, of course, am a selfie expert when it comes to the privacy of my room. It is an entirely different story, however, in front of thousands of people. But also not everything is about me (it is). I guess I learned how to not be embarrassed.
Viv and unidentified little man at the Spanish steps
- Ask questions
Sometimes things get confusing, especially in a foreign country. This is why it’s important to ask questions. I asked a lot of questions on my solo vacation, and it led me to great things. I made a connecting flight because of a nice English couple. Because of many helpful people, I ate at some wonderful restaurants. I also got yelled at by the supermarket worker when I tried to buy one apple, and then a beautiful Italian man helped me with the apple. He also asked me where I was from. I miss him.
Cool dude. I didn’t have a picture for this one
- Sometimes you’re going to be stinky
I stayed in a hostel during my time in Rome. I wore so much deodorant and showered every night, but somehow I was progressively stinkier every day. I was soooo smelly. Perhaps it was all of the clothes mingling in my suitcase, or the humid mustiness in the room. Whatever it was, I accepted it.
Yes, you can be both sexy AND stinky at the same time. Thank you Cam for graphic Xx
- Eating alone is scary but it’s necessary.
Eating alone was a fear of mine prior to my arrival in Europe, but it was necessary because I did not want to starve. It’s so hard for me to even go to Commons at Beloit College so this one was really hard for a little guy like me.
I also struggled with what to do with myself while I would wait to get my food. It was necessary for me to learn that going on your phone when you’re eating dinner alone is fine. You don’t have to pretend to be enjoying the ambience; it’s okay to do the NYT Mini and Spelling Bee at café.
One of my wonderful solo meals and the first beer I actually ever dranked.
At the end of the day, we are all just beautiful people trying to navigate through a beautiful world. Whether it be strolling through the Roman Empire or grinding in the third floor of Pearson’s, there are learning opportunities everywhere.
Featured Image Credit: Cam Stenberg’24
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