Freedom lies in being bold

Personal freedom lies in being bold, trusting your instincts and embracing the unknown

Have you ever experienced feelings of apprehension prior to stepping into a foreign country? Surely we all have at some point. Egypt is a country that has received plenty of negative media over the years and one that I was a little cautious toward. Probably because I didn’t really understand the political situation over there and often found myself fixated on sensationalised media.

Travel is an outlet for me, an opportunity to disconnect and feel freedom.

And when I say ‘freedom’ I am referring to western constraints; societal expectation, electronics and digital media – all of the above and more.

But in order to feel free – I need to feel comfortable – and how can I feel comfortable if I am not at ease? Freedom comes with being bold; taking risks and embracing every opportunity I am privileged in receiving – so the need to abolish all irrational thought prior to travelling is very important to me.

So yes, there were many unknowns the day I arrived into Cairo. My head was filled with pre-conceived ideas, my walls were up and I was organised beyond belief (usually not a trait I embrace when backpacking) but hey! I took it in my stride and saw it as a chance to fall in love with a country I never imagined I could.

And that’s exactly what happened. In fact, I didn’t want to leave.

I took this photograph whilst flying high above Luxor. It was the first time I had taken a ride in a hot air balloon and I was blown away (pardon the pun) by how peaceful the experience was. This photograph captured the moment perfectly; the way I felt and the infinite beauty that surrounded me.

And there it was, one month of exploration wrapped into a single moment. Because if I had to describe my time in Egypt, they’re the words I would use: peace and infinite beauty.

Egypt was one of the very first countries I explored, at a time I was young, naïve and lost in many ways. But I left feeling confident, liberated and capable – certain that I could travel almost anywhere alone.

Personal freedom lies in being bold, trusting your instincts and embracing the unknown because lets be honest – nothing is ever as bad as it seems.