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Finding Friends While Abroad
If you have been solo travelling for a while, you know the feeling of loneliness quite well. It’s unfortunate but it’s true: finding friends when abroad is difficult! Considering that you are already out of your comfort zone, thinking about going all out and socializing with complete strangers can be scary. How should you do it? Should you simply approach strangers on the streets, buy them coffee and ask them to be your friend? Don’t worry, there are simpler ways. Meetup and Internations One thing is for certain: unless you are in a secluded village far away from any big city, there are definitely other solo travellers out there feeling the way you do. Use apps and websites like Meetup and Internations, but be careful about going to meetings late at night, and be careful about who you are meeting. You may get a message from a nice local offering you to show you around, but if you’ve never met…
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5 Things I Learned While Volunteering Abroad
For the past 2.5 years, I have been travelling to a number of countries as a volunteer. After coming to Morocco for the first time in 2017, then travelling to Uganda in 2018, I started reminiscing the trips I had done in the past. I wondered, what is it exactly that I gained from these? What have I taken back home with me from each country? What are the things that I learned while volunteering? I realised that I cannot help everyone When you are surrounded by poverty, you can feel powerless. Imagine being in a Ugandan slum seeing children sniff gasoline out of plastic bottles to get their high. Imagine teaching women English and French, but knowing you cannot stay longer than a month because you have responsibilities back home, even though you would want to stay for years. Imagine having to keep politely saying no to those who ask for a bit of money, because if…
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Working and Studying in Athens
After spending the past few months in Athens as an online student, I’ve found a few great study and work spots! As I resided within Exarchia, all coffee spots are found within that area. PS: Keep in mind that to-go coffees are cheaper than stay-ins. The price on the board might be different from that on your bill, that’s normal! Banca Café With amazing staff, great coffee, and no time-limit (let’s be honest, when studying you don’t want to feel the pressure to leave!), Banca café is a must. Foyer espresso bar Situated on the side of a very busy street, I was happy surprised when I went upstairs to find a very quiet study space with a big, long table and other smaller tables available. The coffee is amazing (the baristas really put their hearts into their work!) and affordable. Foyer Espresso Bar Of course, Starbucks This Starbucks is somewhat outside of Exarchia, but it…
