The first time is the scariest
As a kid, I traveled down to the village probably just twice with my parents, for some reason my dad wasn't a fan of always taking us down there and I was very happy about that decision because I wasn't a fan of the village either. I had no friends there and everyone I saw looked like a potential threat to me.
Anyways, those two times I traveled were the longest journey of my life and I had taken it with my family by my side. I remember occasionally wondering what it would feel like having to travel on my own, with no parent or guardian around to protect me.
Well I finally got my wish when I eventually got admission into the university. I remember how nervous I was about the whole journey, making sure I crosscheck everything at least twice just to make sure I didn't make any mistake whatsoever. I had gone to the bus park two days early to get my bus ticket because I needed a seat behind the driver and I wanted to make sure I got it.
My dad had told me that the seat was a good spot to sit on as it would come in handy during times of accidents, seeing how the driver would instinctively try to save his side of the vehicle if he happens to find himself running into another vehicle or an object, therefore saving me too as I would be seated directly behind him.
Anyways, the day for the journey arrived and I got up as early as 4am to take my bath, my bus was scheduled to leave by 7am but I was already at the park by 6am, seated and waiting patiently. My elder brother had escorted me to the park because I still was scared and nervous about the whole thing. He had sat there with me until it was time for our bus to leave the park, so we had said our goodbyes and he had returned home to go get ready for work.
During the journey, I found myself feeling a bit relaxed because I knew it was going to be more than a ten hour journey and there was nothing to be scared of, seeing how all I had to do was sit still and not move.
When we finally arrived at the bus park at the other state, I began to panic again. My brother who was suppose to pick me up had instead sent directions to me on my phone, therefore increasing my already panicked self. Luckily for me, he eventually called, telling me that it was too dangerous for me to move on my own in a state I was visiting for the first time and he was coming to pick me.
About an hour later, I found myself at his place, my hostel, and now I could now relax, no longer scared of being alone on the road because it was all over. Ever since then, I've traveled a couple of times and all of that panic and fear that I use to feel is no more. Now I feel a lot more confident and relax whenever I'm on my way to school or back home.
You may be wondering why I'm telling this story, well it's because my little brother plans on traveling soon and just like I felt those years ago, he too is scared and had called me. I tried my best not to laugh because he reminded me of myself, all I had said to him was that he would be fine, all he has to do is sit, relax and enjoy the journey.
It is true that when a person goes to any such place for the first time, there is a lot of fear. The way you have followed your father's advice, you are now succeeding.
True.
Yeah.
o.o so how is your brother doing now
Okay I guess.. Not like he has a choice.
i see. i think he will be fine too. it's not that bad
I can totally relate to your experience.
I remember when I travelled for about 12 hours, arriving late in the night. It was scary.
Imagine being in a strange place for the 1st time and at night.
Even the directions I was given were beginning to confuse me and I didn't trust anybody enough to confess that it was my first time because I feared they may use it against me.
Luckily my friend had to drive to exactly where I was and picked me up. Thats how I was saved.
Lol.. Arriving at night always makes it worse because during the day, you can tough it out and try to find your way but once it's dark, it's a no no.