Being a lone wolf

After I finished school, before I went to university, I decided to try something new, exciting and scary, and go to Uganda for four weeks, by myself.

I went to a place called Fort Portal, in Western Uganda, to 'volunteer', with IVHQ. Now, I can see both sides of the story for voluntourism, but in all honesty I don't think I helped much in the school next door or the orphanage over the road.

Yes, I taught some maths lessons and hopefully inspired some of the kids to work hard at school and get further with their education. Yes, I washed up some pots and collected water in the orphanage, so that the staff there could spend more time on other important jobs. And yes, I painted a wall in a hospital ward that would otherwise have been left looking tatty and unclean, so that builders could fix more important things.

Decorating a room at Ibonde Children's Home

I also, however, was just another Western person to come into the orphanage, make great friends with the kids and form a bond, only to then leave again and not come back. I painted in a ward where people were dying because they couldn't afford the hospital food, and didn't actually help anyone.

The main thing I got out of my trip to Uganda was personal development - but I don't actually think that's a bad thing to admit.

I recently read a great blog post by my friend Maia, who I met in Uganda. It says how every woman should travel alone, at least once in her lifetime, and explains all the reasons why it's important.

I completely agree, and I thing more people should do it.

When I stepped off the plane at Entebbe airport at 3am, I felt more alive, excited and free than I ever had before. I had to think for myself, be alert all the time, and look after myself in a completely new place. I met tonnes of new people from around the world in that month, many of whom I still keep in touch with, and had so much fun. I learnt so much about myself in a really short amount of time, and gained so much confidence, I'm still amazed by it.

I even learnt the valuable life skill of how to milk a cow!

I'm going to India in less than six months (eek!) and although I won't actually be by myself, I'll still be with new people, in a new environment, challenging myself and learning new things - I can't wait to go. I'm unbelievably excited to see how the expeditions goes and what I get out of it.

I'll then be embarking on a whole year of travelling (and working to raise money for flights, at some point..) before I start my first real grown-up job in September 2016. I'll be going on my own, mostly, as my friends are either still at uni, starting jobs or not interested, which is why I found Maia's blog so interesting and inspiring. I'm going to have an awesome time. Keep following my blog (which will change its name when I get back from the Himalayas) to follow my journey of countries, friends, food, stupid ideas and self-discovery..

Post travelling India excitement

I've just got back from three weeks of travelling in Europe, though the Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - and Poland. I went with a friend from university, and we explored the capital cities, peaceful towns, beautiful national parks and cool sights. It was pretty in cool. Actually it was awesome, and I'm in a major low of post-holiday blues right now. Here are some photos of our adventure!

It's made me even more excited to go to India. I love the feeling of carrying my belongings in my rucksack and being able to fend for myself. I also love meeting new people, seeing new sights and experiencing unexpected things.

I'm now working harder than ever to raise funds for the expedition. I finished my ten week internship in London and have put all of that money aside. I'm going to be even more frugal back at university in Durham (more carbs, less meat - great!) so I can save more. We even couchsurfed in Gdansk, Poland, so we didn't have to pay for a hostel! (If you don't know what Coushsurfing is, take a look at the website).