Morocco, The Journey to the Desert

So my brave, exciting adventure had begun.

Based upon extracts from my travel diary

I was on a CTM bus in Morocco, travelling at what felt like 60mph through little towns hitched up upon the Atlas mountains. The journey began calm and quite gentle but somehow ended up meandering through the whitest snowy mountain tops, high enough to make my ears pop. It was extremely bumpy and this poor girl I'd made friends with called Khadija was throwing her guts up as she suffered from travel sickness. I had felt so so bad for her as she had started being sick like 2 hours into the journey and we still had another 8 hours to go. This bus wasn't a joke either. The bumps and turns were enough to throw you out of your seat! I gave Khadija some of my baby wipes to clean up a little and eventually after around 3/4 hours of driving the bus came to a halt in a cute town. I asked Khadija if this was a rest stop as I had no idea what the driver had said (in French and Arabic very quickly) and she answered yes, so we both got up and made our way off the bus to get some air and stretch our legs. Surprisingly the drive so far hadn't been a complete drag but rather quite enjoyable. I'd seen so many different terrains and rock formations- not that anyone cares- but I can't help compare them to what I see in the UK. I mean I can't compare them, this is Africa!

At the stop off there was a lot of people chilling out and I guess loitering around in the hot sun. Khadija showed me to the toilets and we paid 1DH to use them. After, she wanted to get some food  so she ordered while I sat politely waiting for her. Not long later, her food arrived; chicken kebab skewers, bread, salad and chips. She insisted I ate and of course I struggle to say no when there is food involved- plus it would seem rude! The chicken itself tasted extremely fresh and I could tell it had been killed quite recently. I felt quite privileged to be eating such fresh meat considering the struggle I would go to in order to find the same organic quality in London. Whilst we shared the plate and chatted, I thought about how I had basically made my first ?friend? in Morocco and this country wasn't so bad and scary like it had been made out to me.The food was tasty and the company was good although I couldn't help but think about my new friend who had been throwing up not so long ago into a plastic bag and now here I was sat sharing a plate of food with her eating with our hands. When in Rome ay.

Having been back on the bus and now on the road for the past 6 or 7 hours, the landscape had changed dramatically. The snowy mountainous region was no more and we were left with dry barren sandscapes. The desert was upon us.

I felt at this moment like the trip was really going to be something special. I was so nervous on the journey from London but there was no need. Everyone was so smiley and friendly and I felt so safe. I even left my phone on the bus unattended (and against my better judgement) and it was completely fine. I had nothing to worry about. My only concern was night was falling and I had heard stories from my parents, aunts and uncles about how the night time in Africa is pitch black due to there being no light pollution. I've never really been good with the dark but it seemed like a personal challenge that I soon found out I was not ready to overcome...

Peace&Love,
Willow

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The Vienna Diaries~ My First Day

I haven't written anything about my move to Vienna, apart from the odd scribble in my diary and now I find myself sat in bed at 3am wondering why...

I moved here on the 1st February and it's now the 5th March. Sheesh. Over a month and here I am, sat reflecting and writing down my thoughts.

My First Day 1/02/2018

I caught the westbound central line train bright and early from Loughton to Stratford. I remember thinking about how this is my last time in such a familiar and almost routine location for at least the next 5 months. I waited for Vinny to arrive as I had got there quite early (for once) and when we met each other he grabbed my hand luggage and one of my suitcases and off we walked to the platform. I had previously struggled with my 2 overweight suitcases and 10kg backpack so was therefore reminded of how much I will miss this ever so important man in my life.

Once I was checked in and past security and was able to sit and watch the planes taking off. I was completely alone now and I felt a little odd. I still didn't feel like I was moving countries. I had packed, said my goodbyes and I was then waiting for my flight to be called in this tiny duty-free airport, yet I still did not understand why I felt so calm. Possibly I was just exhausted as I only had around 2 hours sleep but even still. The reason I mention this slightly confusing feeling is because I still somehow feel it. I am so at home in Vienna, however, I feel like I haven't moved countries at all, but rather taken a nice, long break that keeps going on and getting better. 

I eventually boarded the plane and slept for the whole journey. I arrived in Vienna at around 3pm and decided to catch the train as I knew that a taxi would be the easy and expensive way out. I dragged my 2 suitcases down to the station and spent about 10 minutes trying to figure out which ticket was correct for where I was heading as well as why on earth google maps was telling me to leave in an hour rather than straight away. Despite the fact that I had changed the language to English on the machine it turned out to still be a struggle for my tired brain and after jabbing at the touch screen overs and overs, a ticket was spat out and I headed for the platform. I looked at the monitor and could not figure out which train was heading to my stop. Google maps was telling me to leave in an hour and it hadn't clicked that I had just forgotten to change the time on my phone (as I had taken it off automatic whilst in Morocco). I decided to take a chance and go to the platform most people were getting on- the 1st platform. It was a smart choice too as I made it safely to Traissengasse Station and was then able to complete the final leg of the journey, the 7 minute walk from the station to my new home... The Fizz. Unfortunately, it was raining fairly heavily and I arrived looking like a washed-up Londoner. 

My room was (and is still) so so beautiful. I am staying in a student dorm that is quite literally kitted out with everything. It has a music room, 2 study rooms, a cinema room, a rooftop terrace, large common area (with hammocks!), shared kitchen and dining area for everyone downstairs, kitchens and living rooms on every 2nd floor and not to mention my own room that has a private kitchenette and bathroom. We can use the amenities downstairs by popping to reception, that includes pool tables, Fussball tables, Playstations, extra beds, BBQ's and everything else you may want or require to live comfortably. Ok, so I'm done showing off and I am so happy to be here, even if it did mean I pay a little more than other students in Vienna. I am still paying less rent than I was in London for something a 20x the quality and comfort. 

I was shown to my room and after sorting out the legal bits was left to relax... or not. There was, of course, no bed linen, food, pots or pans, toilet paper or anything. My suitcase had been stuffed to the brim with clothes and shoes and so a trip to the nearest supermarket was required, but I was beginning to realise how exhausted I was. The linen-less bed looked so inviting and I didn't care too much about my hunger. I was wet, cold and tired! I eventually decided that I should just do what needs to be done now- or as much of it as I could in order to avoid more stress tomorrow. I headed to Wien Mitte, Landstrasse, a shopping centre 7 minutes away by train, in order to buy a duvet, pillow and some bed sheets. I ended up spending hours in Interspar trying to work out the measurements and find some decent food to take back. Everything felt like such an ordeal, especially when I didn't understand a word of German. I really was the ignorant foreigner that did not speak the native tongue and couldn't communicate even to ask where I could find the bread. Most people do speak English in Austria or at least Vienna so in all truthfulness it was not a huge issue, but what I struggled with was the slight embarrassment I felt when trying to be respectful and at least attempting to use my limited knowledge of German to communicate. As it was I walked around Interspar with my phone in hand and google translate bright on the screen. Such a simple and usually enjoyable process for me had turned into stress. I had to get a taxi home as my trolly was filled to the brim with shopping bags and there was no way I was catching the train again, especially in case it started to rain. I called an Uber and within 5 minutes I was picked up. The driver was super friendly and basically the third or fourth person I had had direct contact with since arriving in the new city. He did not speak a word of English and found it hilarious when I attempted to be polite and converse with him. I remember being asked questions in an Austrian German accent to which my reply would be, 'errmmm ja- Entschuldigung, I don't understand, meine Deutsch ist schlect'. The driver would throw his head back with laughter and then proceed on to asking me more Deutsch questions. When I would ask some English questions he would simply shake his head showing that he hadn't the faintest idea what I had said. The slightly strange and painful experience was eventually over and I had never been so happy to rest my head. My new bed, my new room, my new city- Vienna was my new home and all I could think about was sleep.

Peace&Love,
Willow

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Verona & Venezia; An Unexpected Friendship, My First Magical Day in Verona & The Centro

This post is a complete diary entry... enjoy!
I wish to begin this chapter of my story by explaining that sometimes in life you just have to go with your gut. Follow what you feel is right and wonderful and yes, everything should be ok <3

Back in March I met two guys in a bar in Shoreditch whilst at my friends birthday party. I was tipsy and my friends and I all roped them in to dancing with the four of us. Nothing creepy... just young people being young and socialising etc. I decided to keep in contct for watever reason; I guess mysekf and the guys just got along well. They seemed like humble, friendly guys and they were also our age... so why not exchange instagrams? 
Both their names were Youness ans I ended up chatting lots with one of the Youness's. His family is from Morrocco but he grew up in Verona, northern Italy. 

One day I messaged him asking if I were to visit Verona would he be have the time to show me around his city with his friends, just for a day or so. Youness replied, 'of course!' Within a day he had messaged me again explaining that he had told his parents I was thinking of coming to visit the city and they had said they would be happy to host me for 'as long as I would like!' I of course thought how kinid and generous this family was, inviting me- a complete stranger into their home, I had to reply that, 'I would love to!'
Within a week I had booked my flights to bella Verona with Ryanair for £50.00 return in late June, ready to visit Youness and his bella famillia!

I was nervous on arrival, but I had come to know Youness' personality fairly well, although I guess you never really know what someone is like till you live with them haha! He came to get me from yhe airport (how kind) with the other Youness and his two sisters (Sofia was 6 and a TOTAL CUTIE <3). 

They had borrowed Youness' parents car and it was the same as my Dad's at the time, so it reminded me a lot of home. I recieved such a warm welcome and the guys were so relaxed, just like normal which put me at ease and made me feel much less nervous. We ran some quick and funny might I add, errands on the way home which were as amusing as Italy itself. Although it is a 'first world country' it drives a little less 'first world' than England! The scenery was charming, but I knew I hadn't seen anything yet. We were going into 'central' later on!

Once we reached the house, Youness' mother was awaiting my arrival and she was sososo excited! I was extremely nervous stepping out of the car and into the apartment but I honestly had no need. Never and I repeat never has a stranger ever greeted me with such kindness, warmth and genuine happiness to see me. I was almost confused! I've never met such friendly and loving people. I'm an excited bunny rabbit myself and didn't realise there were more people out there (especially other adults) that were like me! Even though we couldn't understand each other we were both speaking so much to one another! I said my hellos and gave my small presents to everyone. I also met Youness' shy 13 year old brother who gave me a quick wave and disappeared again, hehe. 

As I didn't have lots and lots of time we decided to go out and get some food and then head into the city centre. I waved ciao in 35 degree celcius heat, ( I had also got changed as oh my gosh it was boiling hot) and we left for the city.

At the shopping centre where we were getting some food, Youness and I sat whilst waiting for the other Youness. My Italiano was bad and his English was good (but he was shy to speak) and we were both still getting used to each others company so we filled the silence with a strange song about a pineapple pen. 

Looking back I had no idea what he was singing but turns out everyone in London knews this song as it has millions of views on YouTube haha! I must live under a rock!

Once Youness arrived we got some fast food, chatted, attempted to charge my camera battery and then headed to the bus stop where we realsied we still had 30 minutes till the bus. Trying to decide what to do, we met a Congolese Italian guy that had family in England and could therefore speak English well. He was funny and we all chatted away. While I nipped to the toilet, he decided to show off and play a song on the piano in the shopping centre. Bene, bene! Hahaha.

We got the bus and soon were half way to the city centre of Verona. At Verona's trainstation we met another guy Ismail, Youness and Youness' other friend who was to join us on our trip. He was also sooooo funny omg and none of us ended up paying for the bus- once again reminding me a little of home and my usual antics.

Once in the beautiful Centro of Verona finally the real touristy fun began. I remember feeling as though I had just stepped into a story book... Romeo and Juliet for that matter! Haha! It was truly incredible and also very very italian... whatever that means. I was with three 'strangers' wandering the street of northern Itlay questioning what I had done in life to be so lucky to have brought me into Youness' world. To be honest, I hadn't experienced it yet... his familia are what really stood out for me this whole trip.

We began at the Arena where, like many italian cities there was an old style round theatre like building made frim old brick work. It looked exactly like what you would see in a film about the Roam Empire. Beautiful of course! We didn't go indife becuase there was a lot to see and you probably had to pay quite a lot. I was on a budget and didn't expect the guys to want to pay to enter all these places either. Now knowing Youness better, I know if I had mentioned it, he would have gone in with me and probably offered to pay also! 

We continued wandering through the pretty italian streets, stopping regualarly for photos (of course) and looking inside shops until we came to the place that gives Verona its name, 'The City of Love'. Juliet's balcony from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. You begin by walking through a tunnel like structure that is covered with Love Letters to Juliet (just like in the movie 'Letters to Juliet'). It was very busy with other tourists but it didn't take away from the magic. I had to write something about love and stick it up on the wall so I turned to my one true love; 'Fall in love with travel, the world and nature' as you can't go wrong and this is of course so true. 

Once taking pictures got boring (a lucky one with Juliet's breast of course) we proceeded to one of the larger plaza like areas where there was a market going on. I bought a necklace and a bracelet for myself and got some tasty Gelato mmmmmm. 







We began journeying over the bridge and up this huge hill. Baring in mind it was literally almost 40 degrees celcius we were all sweating like crazy. 

Thank goodness I had changed when I arrived as the heat was practically unbearable and I had been wearing a long black cotton jumpsuit. There were fountains with drinking water dotted all over Verona and so once at the top of the hill we all splashed ourselves and had something to drink. I soaked my head as my thick hair often made me feel 10x hotter. 

The views at this place were amazing. I am still quite unsure where exactly we were but I am guessing at some kind of viewpoint. You could see the whole of Verona and it was just incredible. 

My first experience of Italy so far was one that even now I am struggling to pt into words, purely due to the people I was surrounded by, the weather and the beauty everywhere you looked. 

After seeing all the sights we slowly made our way back to the train station ready to eat some lasagne. I was so hungry as was everyone else. Later Youness had planned to take me to the 'Luna Park' which I had imagined to be some fesitval of some kind but turned out to be a popular fun fair for the locals. We made our way and was picked up by Kawta and Sofia Youness' older and younger sisters from the train station. 

Peace&Love,
Willow

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My First Solo Trip: Part Two of the Swiss Adventure- Up the Mountains and in for a potentially FATAL Swim

I woke up feeling positive and ready to take on the mountains. It was the first time I was going to be travelling up a mountain in my life and I had no idea what to expect. As it was SO warm in Luzern I didn't pack the winter gear, rather I brought my waterproof jacket, a thermal top to pop on once up at the peak and my trust Dr Martens.

The journey to the Engelberg was by train and made me realise the day before, mt journey down from Basel, had just been a taster of the Swiss countryside. When writing about the scenery I often feel I'm not doing it justice by calling it, 'beautiful' and 'incredible' and 'amazing' all the time... I feel that the only way to really get the picture is by of course going there yourself. Even my snapshots will never give you a real insight.
Once at Engelberg I purchased my tickets to the peak from the train station as I figured everyone would be buying theirs at the main entrance. It was a smart idea as I was right. There was a very long queue. After hopping from one cable car to another, using all the various networks of transport it takes to climb a mountain (without any real effort haha) I was at the top. One this I must point out again is the views. There is nothing like being thousands of feet above ground, travelling through the Swiss Alps. The final leg of transport is a super shiny 'rotar' thingy. Basically a cool spherical ski lift that rotates 360 degrees to give you a full view of some of the highest snow covered points of the mountain edge. This was one of the highlights of the entire journey. I would have paid just to ride this! The Titlis complex was packed, seemingly with only Desi people as I only actually saw one other Westerner. Of course this made no difference to me (apart from their frivolous singing haha) as I find people from Asia tend to be super friendly and only added to my amazing and humorous experience.

I spent my time walking about the snow, visiting igloos, charging my camera battery (as the thing did not last and I only had one with me), sledging, on the Titlis Ice Flyer- which I would highly recommend as it takes you to another amazing and less dense part of the mountain peak where the free sledging and snow sports takes place- and walking across the Titlis Cliff Walk. 

All of which was sooooooo incredible and you can watch on my vlog below! ;D



Diary Entry about Mt. Titlis;

Today I have decided to visit beautiful Mt. Titlis and I am currently on the train. Oh wow, the train does 'request stops' haha! It's 10:30am and the scenery alone is enough to make your hairs stand on end! Incredible.

I thought those train views were amazing... oh my gosh! I'm currently sat on the fourth floor of the Mt. Titlis complex, charging my camera battery as it died! :D Rookie error. The 'rotar' thing that takes you up the mountain is an experience I can't put into words. It is incredible, being surrounded by all that snow and then your ears pop but it's not actually too cold! It is crazy busy here and I'm hoping that all this waiting around will allow it to clear out a bit. The South Asians are here in full force haha!

I'm feeling really proud of myself for coming on this trip, purely because I am alone and it takes a little nudge to really get going for stuff like this. My First Solo Trip. In all honesty, I couldn't of picked a better place. I do miss the company of having Vinny here with me but it is an amazing experience all the same.

After around 4 hours on the peak of Mt. Titlis (with no gloves haha!) I began my decent back to Engelberg where I would be catching the next train to Luzern. I hadn't decided where I would head next but it was beginning to get late. The next diary entry was written the day after and explains what exactly I got up to as by the time I got home, I was knackered and in need of sleep...

Diary entry about my experience after I left Mt. Titlis;

So I'm going to talk about the remainder of my day after I left Mt. Titlis... as it was a weird one. So I got back to Luzern and tried my best to make it up Mt. Pilatus, but I realised it was simply too late. I then remembered Mt. Rigi was still an option and at least it would be quiet right? I hopped aboard a boat from Luzern Pier and asked for advice about reaching the peak of Rigi from one of the boatmen. At first he said as it was late I would probably have to get a taxi home, back to Luzern if I were to go up Mt. Rigi now, so I decided to stay on the boat anyway for a round trip on Lake Luzern. Just as were were approaching Vitzanau (the stop to catch the cogwheel train up Mt. Rigi), the lovely boatman guy came and found me, explaining that there was a way home if I id decide to go up, but not by boat, by bus then train. This of course made no difference for me and so I thanked him, hopped off the boat and onto the cogwheel train. After about 30 minutes on the train, I was at the top of Mt. Rigi! I didn't get to do any hiking or wandering though as I had literally 10 minutes on the peak; Rigi Kulm. I was gutted but happy I had the chance to go up. If I had loads of money I would have loved to visit the spa up there... but hey ho, next time maybe. There was zero wind yet one side was covered in snow- the Alps of course and then the other was a view of Lake Luzern and it's neighbour. Truly spectacular in every way!
As I only had 10 minutes I was quick, I took my pictures, breathed in the fresh mountain air and then legged it back to the train. I just made it back in time for the last cogwheel train going back down the mountain to Vitzanau. Only a few stops after a had board the train (Rigi Kulm) a handsome man was waiting to get on. He was quite clearly a traveller- hate to judge but he had the look haha- and as I was the only other person on the small train, he came and sat adjacent to me. Straight away we began to chat. Luckily he wasn't one of the pretentious bastards you can't wait to get rid of, but rather some company I was really enjoying. He was the spiritual type (I knew this as he wouldn't stop going on about nature and the elements and trees and living in a commune with six other families (cult? haha I'm kidding!). I wanted to point out that communes like such could very quickly become in-bread... but I thought better of it and continued to listen. I found out that he too was travelling to Luzern to stay at a friends place, so we agreed to make our way there together. Once off the train, we stopped to take in a little scenery and then made our way to the bus stop. At this point I was thinking how thankful I was to have bumped into this guy as I probably would have struggled to find the bus stop by myself! There was an Austrian guy that we got into conversation with while waiting, but once the bus turned up, he sat away from us and I thought to myself, 'probably couldn't handle the nature talk haha'. On the bus, conversation of the beautiful lake popped up and I said how I had wanted to swim in it at some point while I was visiting. He replied, 'shall we go?' I relied like, 'what, now?!' After a moments thought I said, 'Okaaaaaay!' That was that, after waiting for the right stop to swim at on the bus we got up and got off. Just before we did the guy got up to ask the driver when the next bus was due and what time the trains finished. Apparently there was just 2 buses left and the trains were running till late. Perfect. We were off... we walked down to a nice spot on the lake, perfect to swim in. Oh, did I mention this guy had grown up in Luzern? So he knew the surrounding area pretty well. We found a cool bench, then stripped down to our underwear then jumped straight in! Well he jumped straight in... I took a little more time haha. It was lovely... icy cold but the good kind- if you know what I mean :P. It was the kind of swim that made you feel completely brand new. I was surrounded by beauty everywhere I looked. Clean, natural and rejuvenating. The two of us bobbed about int the lake for around 15 minutes then jumped back out (that was done with haste haha). We dried off then sat on the bench bed shape thingy and continued to chat. 'What is your name? I didn't ask...' asked the guy. 'I'm Capres, and you?' He replied, 'I'm Ali!'
Chilling and chatting, time past and once mostly dry we came onto the conversation of music and instruments. Ali brought out his harmonica and began to play a tune. The tune reminded me of a ceremony I had once attended that I really did not enjoy and I began to have some bad feelings in my gut- the feeling was mild though and I figured it was nothing to worry about. The tune went on and on then Ali reached into his backpack whilst still playing, pulled out a shaker and then shook it along to the tune of the harmonica. This uneasy tune went on for about 10 minutes and as he finished it I noticed the bus approaching in the distance. I said we should really get going and grabbed my bits together. Looking towards Ali he appeared to be stalling for God knows what reason. I began walking towards the bus stop and shouted, 'quick, it's coming now!' Looking over to him still just standing on the bench, he replied, 'I think it's turning around and coming back again,' but we had been sat for ages now and it was dark. I I of course wanted to get home at this point so I then launched myself into a light sprint as I decided I was not going to miss that bus! Luckily, the kind driver saw me running and stopped for me on the road side. I hopped on and looking back there was no sign of Ali. Before I knew it the doors slammed shut in my face, snapping me out of my adrenaline filled confusion and into reality. The whole bus journey to the station- a whole 25 minutes later- I was sat worrying about the following things:

1. Was the bus really just going to turn around and pick him up as he had said... making me look like a scared fool?
2.Why, if the bus doesn't turn around was he trying to make us miss the bus? It was probably the last one!
3. Did I just escape a predator?
4. He knows the hostel I'm staying at... shit!!!
5. I hope he does get home OK.

Once I got to the station I was convinced another bus was going to pull up and he'd be on it, or worse... he would be standing there waiting for me, but neither of these things happened. I sat for 20 long minutes waiting for the train back to Luzern to arrive. Eventually it did, with no sign of Ali. I was ok and I didn't have to face him or figure out a way to ditch him incase he wanted to hang out again. Yay. There was also pretty much no trains after my one showing on the notice board... maybe two at most but I don't recall either of them heading into Luzern. Imagine if I hadn't got on the bus. I don't have nearly enough money to be catching cabs anywhere and I had no idea really where I was. Thank goodness I just got on that bus!

So yes, that's what got me a little shook up to say the least but all was well and good and a part of me is still convinced till today that that was the last bus to get home to Luzern. I bought myself a Hotdog for 4 CHF as it was all I could afford to eat haha, and munched it all the way back to the hostel. Once inside the room I was greeted by two sleeping beauties accompanying me in the dorm room. Another joined us slightly later that night and to bed I went.

I am a very open and bubbly person, I love to make friends. Often I can be slightly naive but this doesn't mean everyone that talks to you is a predator. Till today I don't know if Ali had positive or negative intentions and I try to see the best in any situation. I got to swim in the lake and I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't met him and I hadn't been harmed in any way. I didn't let it spoil my trip and I woke up the following day feeling happy and content. The trick is to take everything in your stride as you have to expect the unexpected when travelling... especially solo! 

Peace&Love,
Willow

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