My first trip to Europe proved to be everything I had hoped for and so much more. I undertook the trip with trepidation, but all my fears proved unwarranted. Over the course of 2 weeks and 4 countries, I experienced varying cultures, gastronomical delights and friendly people at every stage.
I landed in Prague where I explored the 'City of a Hundred Spires', with much pleasure and awe. I then went ahead to Budapest where immediately upon reaching my hostel, I befriended two Brazilian girls who were to be my travel companions for the next two days. Together, we did a walking tour, explored the famous Ruin Bars and went on a midnight boat cruise on the beautiful Danube. I bid them farewell and took off to Ljubljana, Slovenia. The city was alive with daily festivals along the historic Triple Bridges over the river Ljubljanica. I made day trips to the resplendent Lake Bled, nestled amongst the Julian Alps and the mysterious limestones caves of Postojna with its centuries-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. My last leg of my trip took me to the beautiful city of Salzburg, Austria where I walked amongst the sites which served as the shoot locations of the iconic film 'Sound of Music'.
The solo trip, first of its kind for me, saw me make many friends along the way and challenge myself and display sound judgement in situations where until now, I always had the presence of another to rely upon. I blossomed over the course of the trip and emerged victorious. I sincerely thank The Gateway Programme for facilitating my trip with their generous funding, allowing me to experience the opportunity of a lifetime.
Trisha Mittal
Law