Prior to leaving for my first ever trip, the only thing on my mind was getting homesick. I was worried. This was going to be a huge step for me. I was going on a plane to Greece all by myself. At first I didn’t think I’d be able to cope with being separated from… Read More Overcoming fear

My life began under a mental condition known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Because of this, most of my childhood involved having to deal with a very complicated social life. I couldn’t adapt to the ways of the other children. I was different. My biggest problem was that I was a selective mute. Within the confines of… Read More Growing up with extreme social anxiety & selective mutism

For years and years, I found myself struggling with the future, not having any idea of what I wanted to do with my life. But soon enough, I figured out what it was that I wanted. I wanted to travel. That was my first ambition. I was tired of being told what I can and… Read More My Life’s Biggest Ambition

Today is my last day in Moscow. I headed out into the city after midday and made for Lenin’s tomb. That was my plan, however, the place was closed, to my disappointment. I guess I should have waited in line yesterday. Not a big deal. I just took another walk around. I ended up buying… Read More Day 21 – Final day in Moscow

Today I was out to see the sights on my own. I headed out at 10am and went to Red Square. I wanted to visit Lenin’s tomb. I didn’t know how to get in; but what I did see was a massive line up, which must have been at least 100 metres. It must have… Read More Day 20 – Moscow

Today, my tour guide, a lovely young woman, came to pick me up from the homestay and show me around Moscow city. We greeted and headed down to the metro station. We had a bit of small talk along the way. She told me exactly how to use the metro system and how to but… Read More Day 19 – Moscow sightseeing

I woke up at about 7am Moscow time. We passed Nizhny Novgorod and Vladimir, before approaching Moscow after what I can say was a long trip. I said goodbye to my fellow Russian passenger, and made my way out towards the city. I almost missed the lady who was holding up my name sign. We… Read More Day 18 – Arrival in Moscow, Russia

I woke up to the sound of the train chugging along. It was 8:30am Novosibirsk time, a city of which we were about to approach. My Russian cabin mate was kind enough to offer me some of his breakfast. It was a tub of noodles, with salami slices and bread. Quite a fill. Then it… Read More Day 16 & 17 – Travelling across Siberia

Today, I went according to yesterday’s plan. It was nice and sunny, therefore a good day to go out and explore. So I took a stroll around Irkutsk city and took shots where I pleased, while trying not to stand out too much as a foreigner. I didn’t trust this place. I took a walk… Read More Day 15 – Irkutsk and departure

Shortly after breakfast, I was taken and transferred back to Irkutsk city, where I disembarked from the train. My visa was registered once we arrived. The day was cold and wet to begin with, so there wasn’t much of an opportunity for sightseeing. It should be clearer tomorrow; so I didn’t do that much. I… Read More Day 14 – Irkutsk