By Carla Feria “Tigerwanders”

I have dreamed of traveling to Europe for as long as I can remember. There’s something about the continent that makes me curious; its history, culture, food, and people. So I told myself that by the time I turned thirty, I should explore the other side of the world. I prepared everything for this dream to become a reality; I saved, had some sideline earned extra money, gave up frappuccinos, and saved more. I disciplined myself not to use the money in my travel jar, especially during tempting days when there are mall sales. Spending money on experiences is more satisfying than spending it on temporary things that can diminish over time and can be snatched or stolen. Experiences last for a lifetime and memories stay forever.

I also equipped myself and learned one of the most romantic languages in the world, French. I studied on my own by reading free online books and watching French movies. I also created my travel itinerary and listed down all the places I’d love to see like Coliseum in Rome, Louvre Museum in Paris, Keukenhof Gardens in Holland, and many more.

Then I turned thirty and got a birthday gift stickered in my passport, a Schengen visa! All the sacrifices and preparations were fruitful. Traveling solo in a foreign land made me excited and anxious at the same time but I know that I will make friends along the way and meet strangers who will eventually become my friends; my heart was relieved with that thought. I also have local hosts for my entire trip. I met them through Couchsurfing, an online travel community where a traveler looks for a host to stay a night or two. It’s more than just free accommodation but an exchange of culture, ideas, talents, and more.

My first destination was Rome, Italy. There’s no time to waste in this Eternal City so after I met my host and had the most delicious pizza I ever tasted in my entire life for dinner, we went to two of my must-see-right-away monuments- Coliseum and Trevi Fountain. The coliseum is an outstanding piece of architecture. My host shared the history of this ancient monument as I took my time appreciating its beauty. Then we went to Trevi Fountain, a huge baroque fountain with horses and mythical figures. They say that if you throw a coin in this grandiose fountain, it will make you come back to Rome. But regardless of the saying, I think the city has its charm that will make anyone go back to Rome again and again.

The next day, my kind host gave me time to tour Rome. We started at the Coliseum and walked our way to Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and many more. We walked for several kilometers but it was fun because we were able to stroll in small alleys and saw some street performances.

My next stop was Vatican State, enclaved in the city of Rome. I visited St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. This extravagant basilica is rich in history and houses huge sculptures and masterpieces like the famous Pieta of Michelangelo. Vatican Museums also have a priceless collection from Michelangelo’s Seven Days of Creation in the Sistine Chapel to Raphael’s frescoes rooms.

After Rome, I visited the Cradle of the Renaissance, also known as Florence. Getting lost for hours in this gorgeous city was pretty tiring, but fulfilling. I made a lot of wrong turns, but they led me to beautiful places. My day ended in front of Santo Spirito church, where I felt like a local as I munched the unexplainably mouthwatering pizza with my new host. Since Pisa is just an hour away from Florence, I took a train and went to the Square of Miracles, where the Leaning Tower is. The unintentional tilt of the tower is fascinating in that it became one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

My next Italian destination was Venice. People can spend hours getting lost in this beautiful city full of canals, small streets, and bridges. I was lucky to explore Venice fairly easily as I had my host with me, who knew the right turns, and shortcuts and even took me to secret places with a great view – away from the curious crowd. We also went to a park and waited for the sun to paint the sky orange and red as it set. My host introduced me to his friend, and we watched a dragon boat rowing competition together on the Grand Canal. After the regatta and awarding ceremony, the officials allowed some people to try the sport. I signed up and paddled the waters of Venice. The night came, and my host and I went to a local bar to hang out with his friends. The group was entertaining; I listened to them speak their mother tongue, and even though I could barely catch up with what they were saying, it was a pleasure to listen to.

After Venice, I went to Milan that’s filled with trams, expensive shops, and impressive buildings. The skyscrapers in Porta Nuova were very interesting to look at. One that caught my attention was the Vertical Forest, a building that houses more than 900 trees. On the other side of this luxurious city is Duomo di Milano, a huge gothic cathedral that left me speechless because of its intricate design. The best part of my Milan trip was spending time with an Italian family who hosted me. They were very warm and welcoming; they prepared a sumptuous dinner for me- from appetizers down to desserts. We ate together and felt like I was part of their family.

The last Italian destination I went to was Como. This laidback town in the north is so peaceful and charming. Como is blessed with both natural and man-made wonders, I spent my time wandering around the medieval streets and rode a boat to see the lovely houses by the lake full of gliding swans.

The second country I explored was Belgium. This tiny nation is not just about Brussels and Bruges or chocolates and waffles. The undiscovered city of Ghent is rich in history and architectural wonders. The cobbled streets, gothic churches, and guild houses are well preserved. I went to Gravensteen castle which has a museum where a collection of arms and judicial objects are displayed; it made me wonder what it would be like to live during medieval days. My journey continued to the Netherlands, the most liberated country in my opinion. A friend of mine suggested I visit South Netherlands before going to North Holland. I was hesitant at first because I wanted to spend more time in Belgium but when he said that he can take me to Vaalsburg where I can be in three countries at the same time; I said yes in less than a second.

The place in Vaalsburg is called Drielandenpunt or three-country point in Dutch; it is where the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany borders meet. I once dreamed of being in two places at once but this place gave me more than I wished for! After another check on my bucket list, I went to Holland to see the colorful tulip fields. I spent my time happily walking around Keukenhof gardens in Lisse where tulips, daffodils, and other flowers showcase their beauty. I lost track of time and hurriedly went to Amsterdam only to find out that the museums I’d like to visit were closed already. My host gave me a tour instead and we rode his motorbike and showed me the vibrant city full of beautiful canals and lovely tilted buildings.

My last destination was France, a burst of wet sunshine greeted me when I arrived at Paris Nord train station. Lost in the crowd, I gathered enough confidence to speak in French and asked a policeman for directions going to Saint-Denis Metro. He smiled, handed me a Paris Map, and gave me directions very fast that I didn’t understand. I wasn’t ready for this actual test. “Je suis desole, je ne comprends pas, est-ce-que vous parlez anglais?” He smiled again and gave me directions slowly in English and ended our conversation with a laugh. After two transfers, I arrived at my host’s house and rested as we talked about Parisian life. The conversation was interesting I almost forgot that I have to go to Eiffel Tower at night as planned.

Grey skies and raindrops accompanied me on my way to Champ de Mars. I walked aimlessly and crossed Pont Alexandre III; from that elegant bridge, I saw Eiffel Tower, the iconic landmark I dreamed about. I paused for a moment to enjoy the view when suddenly policemen came out from nowhere; there was a rally and they were securing the area. I changed my route going to the tower and got lost. I attempted to speak in French again and asked someone how to go to Eiffel Tower. Thankfully, the lady spoke slowly so I understood what she said. I felt I won an award and was proud of myself for a short but successful French conversation.

I finally arrived at Eiffel Tower and took a lift up to the second floor. The panoramic view at night was amazing; no wonder it’s called the city of lights. I stayed at the tower for a moment and breathed the Parisian air as I looked back at the time when I was just dreaming about this scenario. Dreams do come true indeed!

The next day, I went to see the Louvre Museum and fed my mind with history and art. The museum is so huge that I made a plan on how to cover the artifacts and paintings I wanted to see in one day. Thankfully, I saw most of the antiquities of the world and, of course, the famous Mona Lisa. Every country is uniquely beautiful and has lots of things to boast about. But I realize that it’s not the destination, how many places you’ve been, or the number of checks on your bucket list that’s important. It’s about the people you meet along the way that make your journey worthwhile. The warm smiles, meaningful conversations, and random acts of kindness of the people made this trip unforgettable. Europe filled my tummy with delectable meals and gave me a lot of checks on my bucket list, but what I remembered the most was how strangers extended their hands to help me when I got lost, exchanged my bills for coins so I can buy a train ticket, walked me to the right train platform, and many more.

I am blessed to have hosts who shared their couches with me and also took the time to show me their city. They cooked delicious food, introduced me to lindy hop dance, and taught me secrets of Italian cooking, and how to speak their language. Through my local hosts, I was able to see each country from a local perspective, and I am very thankful to have known them. Even though I traveled solo for weeks in foreign lands, I never felt alone. During my travels, I encountered strangers who’d pop out of nowhere; the next thing I know, I have a companion circling the Coliseum, a new friend touring me at Sempione Park, a Filipino sharing her meal in Como, a local touring me in Amsterdam, and so on. They say Europe is best enjoyed with a lover; the overwhelming beauty of cities, elegant restaurants, picturesque towns, and rich museums gives this continent a romantic atmosphere. I don’t have a lover with me on this journey, but it’s good to know that I enjoy my own company. Of course, there are moments when loneliness hits me; sometimes it’s nice to have someone to hug you in cold weather, but thank God I have a cappuccino to keep me warm, and that’s enough for now.