My First Solo Trip (1): A Rough Start

If someone had told me that my solo journey of exploring the world would start off with a series of unfortunate events, I might have reconsidered my life choices. Yet, here I am, with quite the collection of stories to tell. So, grab a seat and maybe a helmet; it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Be careful what you wish for

As I mentioned in So, Who Am I?, I successfully negotiated a deal with my parents for their support during a gap year I planned to take right after matriculating from high school. Unsure of what I wanted to do with my life, this option seemed the most appealing to me, especially since I was eager to see more of the world.

To make my case, I put together a detailed 40-page presentation, outlining the various destinations I was interested in, an estimated budget, and, most importantly, the benefits I expected to gain from the experience. This list was comparable to a set of course objectives, promising not just travel but a transformative journey that would lead to:

• an international network
• a deeper understanding of myself
• improved social and interpersonal skill
• cultural awareness
• better planning and problem-solving abilities
• and, the ability to handle challenging situations
  

Looking back, I don’t think I realised exactly what I was putting out into the universe. However, at the time, my priority was to say whatever was necessary to impress and persuade my parents.

First Stop: London

I had initially planned to do volunteer work while traveling abroad, so I reached out to a few contacts of mine and my dad's. However, as the gap year rapidly approached, the volunteering opportunities remained unresolved. Feeling restless, I decided to embrace the uncertainty and set off with my bags packed and only a vague plan in mind.

My first destination? London. I was drawn to the city's vibrant energy, which I had experienced once before during a family holiday in 2006. London's reputation for diversity and inclusivity fuelled my decision, as did the nostalgic stories my dad shared from his time completing his MBA there.

The Departure

The day I left is mostly a blur in my memory. However, one vivid detail stands out: a large group of my friends gathered to see me off, all of us thinking that we would not be seeing each other for ages. Little did we know, that farewell would prove to be short-lived.

Welcome to London: Where My Immigration Fears Began

Landing at Heathrow, I was immediately thrust into the world of independence, starting with my first-ever solo encounter with immigration—a process I was convinced was designed to test my composure. At the time, South Africans were still allowed to get a visa-on-arrival which was a blessing and a curse. I began to worry about whether I had the right documentation, as the reality of being so far from family and friends sank in .

As I stood in line, my phone buzzed with messages from a worried mother, adding to my already heightened nerves. A hasty attempt to answer earned me a stern reprimand from security, as no phones were allowed, sending my anxiety soaring.

Spotting a black officer among the immigration staff brought a fleeting sense of calm, and I silently hoped she would handle my case. My wish was granted, but maybe to my detriment. Her thorough questioning came as a bit of a shock to the system. She was not impressed that I had rocked up with nothing tying me back to South Africa. The tension peaked when she escorted me to a separate room, instructing me to surrender all my belongings and undergo what felt like a gruelling interrogation under the gaze of a camera that seemed to bore into my soul.

At that point I thought that my fate had been sealed. So many things were going on in my head.

Don’t look guilty

Just breathe

I wanted to beg her not to send me back.

Please don’t embarrass me like that, Mam - I thought as I reflected on the huge farewell I had just had.

Despite my best efforts, the discovery of my CV in my bag only added fuel to the fire, prompting a tense exchange as I tried to explain away its presence. Surrounded by the turmoil of interrogation rooms, I couldn't help but overhear the heated exchanges nearby. I watched as others were being told that they were going to be sent back home, adding to my unease.

After what felt like an eternity, the officer returned with a verdict—I would be allowed entry, but she sternly warned against overstaying or trying to extend my stay.

Relief washed over me, tempered by the sobering realisation of the scrutiny I had just faced. Hours of uncertainty and interrogation had left a defining mark on my experience. One that has stuck with me through all of my years of travelling.

I was one of the lucky last ones who received a visa-on-arrival, as the UK revoked South Africa’s visa free status later that year.

London Calling: Finding My Feet (and a New Family)

A rough start to my solo travels, indeed. But, boy, did it make actually being let in so much sweeter. The poor lady who graciously hosted me for my first couple of days had waited over three hours for my arrival. I was incredibly fortunate that she was still there; I couldn't bear the thought of navigating public transport after that ordeal.

Confession time - The Parent Trap ranks among my all-time favourite movies!

As we drove through the streets of London, I couldn't help but channel my inner Lindsay Lohan, sticking my head out of the window to feel the brisk London breeze against my face... until I was promptly instructed to roll it back up, given that it was the middle of winter.

To this day, London remains one of my favourite cities, and I've returned many times since. There's an unmatched energy to the place that keeps drawing me back.

This particular trip brought many firsts and valuable lessons. My first stay at a backpacker's hostel in Queensway introduced me to my first international makeshift family, teaching me the art of creating a "home" wherever I go and the skill of sleeping through just about anything.

I was fortunate that most of the people staying at the backpackers were living in London, allowing us to forge strong bonds over time. I grew particularly close to a Brazilian girl, which felt like fate, considering that I didn’t know at the time that Brazil would soon become one of my favourite places on earth.

The diversity within London always fascinated me and taught me more about myself than I could have imagined. It offered a freedom to simply be that was both liberating and enlightening.