...about the beginning, the farewell and the arrival

The beginning..

Where should one start telling when one is experiencing such an exciting time? Good question, the answer probably doesn't exist. I'll try my best to start at the beginning.

During my school days, the question often came up, what I wanted to do after graduation. I hated when someone asked me that. But out of politeness, I always answered. The conversations usually went the same way:

Pauline: 'I want to spend some time abroad and then study in Germany.'

Acquaintance: 'Oh? Where are you going? Australia?'

'No. I'm ruling out that country. I'm not sure where I want to go yet.'

Acquaintance (completely shocked): 'Okay. And you want to do that all by yourself?'

There wasn't much more than a laugh and a nod, and the conversation was usually, to my delight, over.

But what my plans entail, I couldn't even begin to imagine back then. One might think that this year is like a break or, as I was told, a waste of time, but already now I know that it's exactly the opposite. I admit - it could have been easier for me if I had just found an organization that takes care of everything for me. But I didn't want that from the beginning. I gladly accept the challenge. I have heard so many times that you can plan everything on your own and don't have to pay for others to do it, so I'll just try it myself. There's always an alternative. 

I didn't start with the exact planning until July 2017, and gradually everything fell into place. My sister Aline heard about a project in India through acquaintances and suggested it as a starting point. India... where I didn't necessarily want to go - especially not as my first destination. Simply because of this huge cultural difference and the many dangers lurking there.

But food, accommodation and transportation in exchange for dancing and theater with children at a school?! That made me think differently and I didn't hesitate for long. Little by little, everything fell into place. I had a first goal. A first appointment with the doctor for my vaccinations and I knew where to apply for the visa. 

Time passed quickly because I was working a lot to save money. The closer the departure date approached, the more stressful my daily life became. 

There was so much to organize - you wouldn't believe it. Apply for an international driver's license at the office; take out travel health insurance; get a travel pharmacy; buy appropriate clothing, print out visa and flight documents; buy hygiene products; print out and fill out living will and power of attorney; pack my travel bag; get my high school diploma certified and so on and so forth. It's not just a matter of: I'm going abroad. Luckily, my family and friends provided some support.

So for anyone who also plans to do this: just have courage. It works. You just have to be aware and ready to take matters into your own hands. Just don't underestimate it and face the challenge.

The farewell...

At some point it was time to say goodbye. One of the most difficult steps of all. I threw a farewell party on Saturday, October 28, 2017 for all my dearest and best friends. It was really nice to have everyone around me one more time. I received a travel diary and many great gifts. Unbelievable what great friends I have! 

Sunday was rather quiet and somehow, like any other day. 

Monday, October 30, 2017, my grandparents came for lunch and coffee. The subsequent farewell was difficult and uncertain. Nevertheless, both of them support me as much as they can in my endeavor. In advance, I had to explain many things, after all, this 'year abroad' is still completely new to them. 

Afterwards, we went to Coffeelatte for a cozy get-together. Afterwards, it was time to say goodbye to Linda. Oh my God. If Franz hadn't left, I would have had to watch her in the arms of her friend even longer.. I haven't seen anything worse for a long time. Vicky came by later. After a long chat, I had to hug her for the last time for now. I would have never wanted to let go of her. It wasn't any different with Franz - from now on, he can't just come over with Simme whenever I'm feeling bad or we want to do something. Realizing that was strange, but despite being so agitated and excited, I was able to sleep well in the evening. 

The next day, October 31, 2017, we set off to the airport in the morning. Strange atmosphere in the car - our dog Oskar was lying on my legs the whole time. As if he wanted to hold me back. He never does that otherwise.

Dad was able to concentrate on the traffic quite well. Also strange, since I know that he would have preferred to turn around and drive back home. At the airport, everything happened quickly and before I went to check-in, I had to say goodbye to Mom and Dad. The hardest of all. Now I am - the smallest one - also grown up, going my own way and far away and not easily reachable. Papa hugged me quickly and left immediately. Mom's tears were very painful for me to see. Nevertheless, I know that no matter what - they will help me.

But why so many tears at all, when you know that I will come back and then we will see each other again? Hard to explain. I have a super exciting and thrilling time ahead of me, but I still lose the time with my loved ones. In addition, there is the uncertainty of what awaits me. 

The arrival...

Ok then, here we go! The time at the airport in Berlin was strange. I cried a lot, but still didn't regret my plans for a second. 

The flight and the immigration were what I was most afraid of. After all, I have two layovers.. What if a flight is delayed? What if I'm not allowed to enter and there's something wrong with my visa? To my surprise, everything went smoothly. I was really proud of myself! 

Already on my second flight from Istanbul to Doha, I made the acquaintance of a Turkish doctor named Mohamad. It's that simple. Exciting conversations in the middle of the night. And already a possible destination is on my list for summer 2018: Istanbul. Not bad for a start.
 

And eventually, after over 20 hours, I arrived in Mumbai. The shuttle from the airport to the hotel was great. Everything was great at the hotel as well. Only the traffic already gave me some insight into the city after the first few minutes. Later, I got to know the others from Finland - we get along great. Everything is fine. I'm very well taken care of. Mom, Dad, and probably everyone I know can breathe a sigh of relief. 

As of now, one week after my arrival, I can't complain. Still, I need my time to get used to everything. You cannot accept a 180-degree change in culture so quickly. The food situation is also difficult. Everything is super spicy and very monotonous, but well, I have to get used to it. I still miss home a lot in the first few days. But it's slowly changing. Strangely enough, it's turning into a proud feeling. Now I look at the pictures and I'm proud to have such a great family and such great friends! Let's see how that develops further. 

The work at the school is great as well. When I stroll through the corridors with my backpack, I feel like a school child again. But this time, I'm the teacher. And it's so much fun! Children are the same all over the world, it seems to me. Lively and lovable. I'm curious to see what the work will bring in the next few weeks. 

Adventure India can now really begin!

Let's see what the big, wide world still has in store for me! I'm excited!