Most people know me as an uber-social, golden-retriever type of person. But, like any other, I need time for myself. During a time as hectic as OCS, especially this program, you end up spending a lot of time with the same group of people and occasionally have the urge to spend some solo time. Here are some of my favorite moments of solo-time while travelling through Transylvania with the other 15 amazing people on this program.
- Cave day
It was a brisk 60˚ day at the Alpin resort near Brasov. We had just finished a light afternoon tour in the city before heading to the mountain retreat for the evening. As everyone laid out on their beds, I was scheming. After being in a city for much of the trip, my nature oriented side needed replenishing.
I packed my things into a bag: two liters of water, some snacks, and an extra layer. I left my plans with my RA and I was on my way. The first half was climbing along a winding road, as mountain bikers sped past and cars calmly swerved around me.
The impending hill I had to climb crept up on me. The huffs and puffs were felt all throughout my body, and it would only get worse. The trail climbed steeply. The path soon disappeared away from under my feet and I was off-trail. The leaves slipped out as the twigs snapped; it was just me, my breath, and the occasional chirps of evening birds. I navigated back on trail and continued pushing forward. The late afternoon sun splattered itself against the canvas of barren trees, only barely dressed up in their colorful clothes of spring.
Turning around, I could see the bottom of the valley, gently covered in a light fog. Hiking has always brought me perspective and peace. It’s been a ritualistic activity for me, a sort of release from a week of social interaction, complications, and work.
Eventually I reached the entrance of the cave. While I was reading its newly printed plastic sign “Pestera de Lapte”, a blast of wind funneled out of the cave and onto my suntanned arms.
I was invited into the cave. I took out my phone flashlight as the darkness was expansive. And so was the cave, the passageway extended for as long as my flashlight could go, and after trekking forward in the dark, damp, and muddy ground, I decided to stop and make sure I would not get lost. I turned off the flashlight and took 10 deep breaths. The drops of water from the ceiling gently echoed in the cavern, and to just sit in my own thoughts, and quiet, was nice.
Unfortunately, I could not be a cave hermit forever, and I had to head back into civilization. So I gathered my things, took some photos, and quickly scurried down the mountain, making it back to dinner just in time. I was absolutely physically exhausted but nonetheless, mentally rejuvenated, more appreciative, and ready to dive into more social activities. Take some time off for yourself, and you might come back with a smile, new memories, and maybe some mud on your legs.
- Finish Sewing the Ethnographic Museum Mask
Another great solo activity I did was quite different from my initial hike. While in Cluj, we visited an ethnographic museum where we learned how to make traditional Romanian Masks. We would sew felts together and as someone who was quite frankly, not good at sewing and not nimble with my hands, I did not finish my mask.
Nonetheless, I desperately wanted to finish it. So I brought back some materials that the museum was kind enough to give to me, and I sat at my hotel desk, sewing everything together. It took my two sessions but eventually, I was able to finish it. It was great to take some time to myself, listen to some music, and do a creative/hands-on activity. I had missed making art, whether it be visual or performing, so this was a nice opportunity to do just that.
- Overlooking the City + (Lightning!)
My last favorite solo activity I did to relax was to find a hill in a city and watch the city move from sunset to evening as the old city lights turn on. In many cities of Transylvania, whether it be an old German or Hungarian town, there are often churches, forts, or parks on top of local hills. I would frequently go there early on in the evening before meeting up with others for drinks.
Here is the one in Sighisoara, and there were even some sheep grazing below me. That was pretty awesome.
Here is a photo of the hillside park that overlooked Cluj. Here, I was watching a lightning storm take shape in the southeast. I sat there for an hour, admiring the bright flashes of light and energy that made the world explode, even if it was for just a second. As a whole, enjoy your study abroad, and don’t get me wrong, spend as much time with others as you can. At the same time, remember to take time for yourself, and remember that it’s okay to do things on your own.
