428 Desperate Times

(Cass)

The first few nights were rough—I stayed in the smallest, cheapest hostels I could find, the kind where you barely feel safe enough to close your eyes. The money I had quickly dwindled away, gone on overpriced vending machine snacks and cramped rooms.

Desperation and the reality of being broke in a foreign country hit hard, but I didn’t let it break me. Instead, I started traveling by train, hopping from one small country town to another, offering to wash dishes or clean tables in exchange for a meal or a warm place to sleep.

Getting just enough money to get me to my next destination, edging ever close to Brussels. It might be a luxury, but it’s me. I’m doing it. I’m being independent and I like it.

It isn’t glamorous, but it’s kept me going. I travel as far as the money I have will get me and try to keep a little for some food.

Upside, I’ve lost some pounds, and I’ve tried so many new foods I didn’t even know existed. Downside, language barrier is a struggle and it’s been two