Dear self,
You know all those blogs you read on what to expect for your first time backpacking? Yeah--just scrap that expectation of how you will act, look, and feel.
What you don't know is the adventure you're about to embark on will test you. And no-- I don't mean tested by travellers diharea, blisters and a language barrier which you've mentally prepared yourself for. Because you're not prepared for the wave of emotions you're about to feel (good and bad).
Step 1: Be patient with yourself.
Step 2: Be open with your travel partner. Talk things out, most likely, you're feeling the same things, but aren't saying them out loud. It's so important to voice your worries, share the "wins", and validate your feelings. You will think, "I'm doing this backpacking thing all wrong", you're not. In fact, you're doing just fine.
Lesson number one. Everything you're feeling is so completely normal. Some might call it culture shock but it's not even that. It's the fact your imagination up until this point, hasn't predicted a live experience. So you're understanding what Buenos Aires looks, sounds, and feels like is NOT what you envisioned-- that's okay! Look forward to discovering what the city really has to offer. Also remind yourself of the UNBELIEVABLE fact you're actually standing in Buenos Aires for God's sake!
Lesson number two. Eat. For the love of God feed your body and brain. Otherwise you'll become disfunctional and one hangry human.
Lesson number three. Relax a bit. You're in 2017. Be aware and mindful on the street but this city is like anywhere else, people aren't out to hurt you. Be confident in your ability to brainstorm and act if plans fail. But in the mean time, until you get to those hurdles, stop conjuring up fictional hijackings and wallet misplacings. Go with the flow and enjoy you're vacation.
Conclusion: any new routine is going to be hard to adapt to at first. Be patient and see how the next few days unfold. You'll learn new skills each day that better your travel experience. Your arsenal of knowledge, whereabouts and cultural norms will develop and you'll be comfortable again. Just breathe.
-Mimi