On first days … (and Lisbon, Portugal)
It never fails. I’ve traveled to around 50 countries, most of which I did not speak I did not speak the primary language. I’ve traveled via bus, train, car, plane, camel, on an SUV with armed guards, and I’ve even hitchhiked. But no matter how much I’ve traveled, the same thing happens on my first day of solo travel: FEAR.
It’s strong enough that sometimes it keeps me inside eating power bars for a day because the idea of navigating—and likely getting lost—in a foreign place scares the shit out of me.
Maybe it’s my preference for being in control. But this morning, I immediately felt it. The questions cascade like like a waterfall in my mind:
What if I get lost? (I’m directionally challenged, so this is likely)
What if I can’t find the bus / train home? (see above)
How and where can I get a SIM card?
If I order an Uber using my hotel WiFI to go into the city, will my app work for the return trip? (this is usually a crapshoot for me until I get a local SIM card)
What if Google maps doesn’t work? (it happens often)
Where are the ATMs? Will they work and can I read the directions? (I’ve had my card eaten by a machine)
All of these fears rush into my mind before I ever even step foot out the door and into my new surroundings.
The first day in an unfamiliar location is the day you have nothing figured out.
Most things are still a mystery.
And my knee jerk reaction to mystery is to avoid it at all costs when I’m scared.
I mean, I like certainty.
But I’m also working on being more okay with uncertainty. And travel is definitely helping me with that.
So when I got all worked up today, I stopped.
I lay down on my bed, put my hand on my chest and asked myself, What can you realistically handle today?
I need to eat. And I need to find an ATM. That seemed doable.
So I chose to walk to a nearby area where I was relatively sure it would not be difficult to find my way back.
As I walked, I reminded myself: “You can do hard things.”
When I realized Google maps (which I’d downloaded so I’d have offline access) wasn’t working and I felt like panicking, I said it again, “You’ve done scary things before, and you can do it again. All you need to do is eat and find an ATM. You can manage this.”
As I walked, my mind began to move to the people and places around me. I was in a small suburb of Lisbon, full of locals and not tourists, and I was delighted by this. I watched as they interacted on the street and sipped espresso at cafes. I wandered around a church built in the 1600s. I found myself chuckling at the fact I was so afraid just 30 minutes earlier.
I did have to go to 4 ATMs before I found one that worked. I had to ask 2 people for help and I watched 2 delightful ladies combine 3 ATM cards to get the cash they needed. And although the menu in the restaurant I chose was completely in Portuguese with no translation (of course, I forgot to download Portuguese into my Google translate app), a really nice waiter helped me navigate it. I ended up with fresh fish and a wonderful bowl of rice with spinach. I also enjoyed a glass of white wine and sparkling water.
Here are some of my takaways on first days in a foreign land:
People are genuinely nice. When I asked for help finding yet another ATM and when I couldn’t read the menu, I found locals who were more than willing to help.
Fear is normal. If you’re waiting to travel until you’re not afraid, you might wait all of your life. Step into it. Take manageable steps and trust that you’re capable to find your way.
Moving beyond fear gets you to curiosity. Once I was out walking and relaxed a bit, I started to watch those around me so I could quickly learn a few cultural nuances in my new surroundings: I watched how others crossed the street (who has the right of way, do they wait for lights, etc.)? What are they eating and drinking? When are they eating and drinking? Do they interact loudly, or no?
Curiosity is the secret ingredient to travel. Curiosity has led me to some of the most unique places and into some of the most wonderful and profound conversations with locals. It’s so worth it to get to the place in which you’re engaging your curiosity daily while traveling.
So, my 1st day in Lisbon is over. I didn’t get lost. I found a working ATM. And I got something to eat.
Mission accomplished.
Bring on Day 2.