Today exactly one month ago my dream became true and this “just half a world away” trip began. It seems to me like ages ago. I had days filled with new experiences, amazing and gripping moments, ongoing challenges and groundless fears at the beginning. It’s the first extended trip while I am traveling by myself. I had my doubts as I could manage the whole thing, although I was well prepared. Now taking complicated routes, bridging language barriers and dealing difficulties provides so much satisfaction and fun, that I lookout for new challenges continually. I can’t remember how often I thought by myself “What the f*** are you doing here?!”, but I was happy at the end of every single day. Independence is necessary when you want to follow your inner voice and going your way. Independence makes you free. That doesn’t mean you have to be alone. I’ve met outstanding friendly and helpful people – no matter who I am or what I can give, they just want to see me happy. I never had only one second when I felt lonely or bored. And I never slipped off my shoes so often, whether I am at the beach, in a temple or I just want to relax for a while. Well, life is better in flip flops indeed, but life is the best when you are barefoot.