by Sena Zeynep Nasifoglu
PureTravel Writing Competition 2024
Life is a journey that often transcends geographical boundaries; this journey manifests itself in physical, emotional and spiritual areas. However, my greatest journey has been a journey of self-discovery. This discovery was not only geographical, but also a process of deep inner discovery. It was an adventure that allowed me to get to know myself, change my approach towards people, face my fears and discover many other things.
At the age of 18, I experienced the excitement of travelling to another country without my family for the first time. As I set off for Paris, I was on the verge of an adventure I had been dreaming of for a long time. My knowledge of French was a great advantage on this journey. My language skills gave me self-confidence and made it easier for me to communicate with people.
When I arrived in Paris, my eyes lit up and my heart beat with excitement. The city was much more beautiful than I expected; it was really fascinating to get lost among historical buildings, cosy cafes and lively streets. My first days were quite busy. I didn’t make a plan to visit the city because it was exciting to wander around spontaneously, not knowing what to expect and it gave me a chance to make a real connection with the city. I sat in a small café and watched the surroundings and witnessed people’s lives.
One day, while sitting in the café, I started a conversation with an old man sitting at the table next to me. This conversation helped me learn about the history and culture of France and helped me understand the city better. Another day, I met a group of students; they were also travelling like me. We all decided to make a trip together. We visited the Eiffel Tower, took a walk along the Seine River, saw works by famous artists in Montmartre. We cooked together and prepared a homemade French meal. Being in social environments and meeting new people was one of the most enjoyable moments of this trip.
Knowing the language was a great advantage in communication; I was able to have simple dialogues with the locals and felt comfortable in shopping and restaurants. Understanding and experiencing cultural differences offered a chance to expand my world view. As the days passed, I started to keep up with the rhythm of Paris, and the energy and lifestyle of the city drew me in. There was something new to discover around every corner. The places I visited, the people I met and the things I learnt made this trip an unforgettable experience for me.
Travelling without my family gave me a deeper sense of independence and freedom. When I returned, I came back having discovered not only a city, but also myself. This experience was an important turning point in my life and increased my self-confidence. Every moment I spent in Paris offered me the opportunity to discover not only different corners of the world, but also my own inner world.
Photo by Alexandra Smielova on Unsplash
