Down Memory Lane, back to Dec 2015.
Yes, it sounded so serious when I told this story of how I ended in Malaga, Spain after I got deported from Morocco. Looking back, it was nothing and I was just being an inexperienced traveler! It was supposed to be my first time traveling alone anyway.
So let's start with Morocco -- December 2015, it was my second year at university and it was the beginning of a month long winter break. I bought a return flight with Easyjet from London to a small, coastal town of Essaouira, facing the North Atlantic Ocean, western Morocco. The flight was about 4 hours long, and it all started when I had some problem at the departure gate (just before entering the plane). The staff was confused because she said I needed a visa to Morocco, while me - being unaware that I actually do need a visa, I truly didn't know - said that I don't think I need one. After a few phone calls she made and checking her computer she finally let me out to board the plane.
I was so excited I thought ''yay, I can not wait to see Morocco!''. Then when I landed, the atmosphere was so hot and dry and for a moment I was celebrating to be out of the awful English weather! But just before I enter the airport they have a security check for our passports and when they saw mine they immediately pulled me aside and said Brunei is not on the no-visa list that they are holding.
They took me to a waiting room, scanned my bag and wrote a letter - during the whole time I was confused because no one is talking to me, only a bunch of Moroccans speaking french. Then after 15 mins, they opened the door and led me to the sight of the same plane that I used from London.
They said, ''You may go.''
I was like, ''What do you mean I may go?''
They replied, ''You don't have the visa you need to go back to London. The only place you can get the visa is at the embassy in London.''
I was devastated and asked if there is visa on arrival or even a phone call to the embassy to see if I can get a visa somehow because I don't want to return to London. Well there is really nothing that I can do so I boarded that same plane.
By the way, the plane was waiting for me on the runway. I'm not even kidding!
So in the plane of course I sat at the most front seat number A1, and cried my whole way to London. I was so upset because I was being stupid, immature and wasted my money on the flight. The flight attendance was sweet to me she gave me a glass of water and comforted me.
Well I was tired when I got back to Southampton from the long journey. I decided to forget about Morocco as it was, too painful at the time lol, and searched for other cheap destinations instead. I found Malaga, Spain and I booked the flight for the following day.
The flight was shorter at just about 3 hours along. Mediterranean winter is pleasant around 15-20 degrees C during the day, except in the morning where it got colder. I booked for an AirBnB with my host, Kevan from New Zealand. His place is so nice with bunk beds and private rooms that can host a big group of guests. I was one of the few guests at the time as winter is low-season for Malaga. Kevan has a dog, Luna.
The town is calm and public transport is cheap and reliable. I loved the Christmas markets and decorations, and the cafes lining up along the coast where you can get fresh paella, sangria and souvenirs. I enjoyed walking along the marina and I remember there is patch of beach near my Airbnb is a 'cat beach'- where stray cats are in abundant in here. People would come and give food to the strays, and I felt sad to think that these cats have to endure cold winter night by hiding inside the gravel protection at the beach.
I visited the Alcazaba of Malaga, a medieval moorish palace with an amazing sea view, the city, the cathedral and of course, Museo Picasso as Malaga is a birthplace for Pablo Ruiz Picasso.
Reminiscing the times I spent in Malaga puts a smile on my face. I was scared, shy and nervous at the time, not to mention that I packed a lot more than needed. I had to remind myself every time that I need to enjoy the moment and calm down. I carried with me a rape alarm for safety. But I did have fun, and before I forget I also went to Gibraltar to scuba dive - so that's two places at one trip.
Gibraltar will be on another blog entry so this one won't be too long.
My first solo trip to Malaga is an empowering thing: I failed at my first attempt to enter Morocco but like many circumstances in life there will be obstacles. Malaga and Gibraltar trip was a perfect exploration opportunity and to be brave by being on my own. One thing I realised is that I was able to immerse myself into the environment I was at because I was by myself. I talked to other people too that I may not be doing if I am traveling in a group. I was able to make my own decision, be at certain place precisely at the time that I wanted and to reflect on myself by writing in my travel journal.
From then on, I know I would do solo traveling again and again.
This is my story and I would love to hear from you too!
