Everyone be on Chautauqua

Today was my last day in Boulder...and Boulder was apparently sad that I wanted to go back to Denver. Because when I went outside yesterday morning, it was over 20 degrees Celsius. This morning, however, it was -2 degrees Celsius. I have never experienced crazier weather changes than here in Colorado! It seems that this is because Colorado is exactly between 2 climate zones. Even though it is impossible for people here to dress appropriately for the weather, as it constantly changes, it also has something good: The cold wet winter only comes briefly ;)

My first hike here all by myself. ..and that's really not easy for me. Because anyone who knows me knows that I have neither a sense of direction nor can read maps. Good prerequisites ;) But as you can read, I made it. And I am quite proud of myself for that! Hiking in general is something great and incredibly liberating for me. Doing it all alone, however, is even more intense than being with other people. Sure, the undertaking requires more courage: you are alone, if you get lost, you have to figure out how to get back all by yourself. You are also alone with your thoughts. You are not distracted by conversations and other people's problems. No, you are completely focused on yourself and nature throughout the whole way. You perceive nature more intensively, but at the same time also your own problems and challenges. And yep, it can really hurt when deeply buried, painful emotions come up. But I'm sure that feeling all this misery once is the best way to finally free yourself from all of it. And what better way to catch you than the beautiful nature? 

I am still enthusiastic about the beauty of Boulder. During my hike, I met students who would take a short hike during their breaks between classes. Or employees who would spend their lunch break in the mountains. Is this a dream come true, being able to relax in the mountains whenever you want? 

By the way, you are never really alone while hiking here, even if you start alone. You meet numerous people along the way, many of whom stop and are ready for a cheerful chat :). Even on buses or trains here in the USA, you don't stay alone for long: Americans strike up a conversation with you and so you enjoy the journey together and get to know the country and its people better. 

Before my journey from Boulder to Colorado today, I felt a bit nostalgic: Once again, I had to leave wonderful people behind. My two Couchsurfing hosts were simply super nice, open, helpful, and interested. It was great to spend the evenings with them, cook together, and exchange stories. For me, it still remains questionable how people can be so selflessly helpful. These two are a great example of that and will remain in my positive memories.

In Denver, for the first time in 2 weeks, I have my own bedroom with real privacy. On the one hand, it's great to be able to do whatever you want, not have to consider others, and be able to lock the doors. Since my first night in the hostel, I have longed for this... On the other hand, it's actually a bit strange: Suddenly being all alone with yourself. Here, too, you run the risk of feeling lonely and letting emotions come up. Even though it scares me a little, I am very curious to see what may come of it.

Speaking of fear: Today I realized that I may have overestimated the USA in terms of safety: I thought that you could calmly walk the streets here at any time of day or night. However, when I walked the streets of Denver in the dark tonight, I felt a little uneasy. I was approached by some strange people, and even a car stopped next to me with a guy getting out who wanted something from me, I don't know what. I will probably have to accept that I need to be more cautious in the evenings and replace my beloved walking around with public transportation. Or be good and stay in my room with the onset of darkness, then I won't get any foolish thoughts ;)