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[huntergatherer9]

I leave on my trip tomorrow. I'll be in Greece from May 22 to June 2 and Italy from June 2 to June 12. I'm really excited about the Greece portion. It's with my uncle whom I really like, I know some of the language and the culture, and I've wanted to go for forever

Comments

[mizukaze]

Hostels aren't that bad. I met a lot of really cool people who didn't (surprising as this may be to you, given their foreignness) pressure me to do drugs but did enjoy going out for a good long session of drinking. Expect a lot of Germans and Brits, as they get "by-years" where they are expected to see the world (if only this were also American, we would all be better off, methinks) but also expect to hear the sounds of other people sleeping off strange creations of jet lag. Be glad that the jet lag will be worse going to Europe than coming back, because coming home to America and feeling like you're in a different time zone (as is inevitable when travelling back from Asia) makes your body hurt in ways you didn't think possible. Anyway, I wish that I were able to catch you and hang out at least once while I'm in VA, but at least I wish you the best of luck and Congratulations! on graduating on time, unlike a lot of people that I wouldn't mention because they are good friends who merely did need more time but at the same time also

[jorinda]

Whenever I've gone to Europe I never got jet lag (no idea why) so maybe you won't have a hard time with it. Italy should be fun, and you're probably more prepared then you think you are, and everyone has to get out of the country for the first time at some point. Hostel's are ok, just keep an eye on your shit. Camera, laptop, money, etc. As for the language...anyone under the age of 30 should be able to have a basic conversation with you in English. If that fails you still know some French, that should work too.

[snowscythe]

Don't worry! Many people there are multilingual and international travel mostly involves sitting in a cushiony seat. Even if no one knows English, hand gestures work surprisingly well. And I did find that those who did not know English knew a few words of French. All else failing, your manly charm will get you through. Never fear.

PS: I also only had good experiences in hostels. Met fun people to hang out with, and everyone was polite about space and other people's stuff (though I never tried leaving my camera out for someone to take). Have a great trip.

[snowscythe]

*spams your page some more* Also, international travel is pretty priceless, imho. I wasted too much time worrying about money when I went to Europe, and I only regret that I was not more laid-back about it, at least in terms of mindset if not in terms of actual spending. My trip was definitely worth every penny and then some.

[asenseofwonder]

Dude, promise you won't die. Unless Italy is more full of death than I know. I've gotten nothing but helpful people when traveling alone. Not just Japan (which was mostly less helpful), traveling alone in Europe, even!

2 weeks after you get back I will be alone in a hostel for a week in Taiwan. Dadadadum. See I might not actually make it home. =P