Step one- Get through the final work day and make it to the airport in one piece. I was a complete nervous wreck boarding my first flight. I've never enjoyed flying and probably never will. I've never traveled solo either. My nerves were in full swing! After an encouraging goodbye from my parents I was ready to go. First flight, Rochester to DC. Of course it was the worlds smallest airplane. I'm talking a few inches shy of a toy airplane! Luckily, An hour and a half later I was in DC. Now for the long haul. The red eye from DC to Munich was comfortable but terribly long. After 9+ hours of restless sleeping, three movies and polite small talk with my neighbor from Australia, I arrived in Munich to board my third and final flight to Dubrovnik Croatia.

Whoever thought backpacking instead of checking luggage was a good idea should take a look at my shoulders. Hauling 20 pounds of luggage on your shoulders make for some pretty interesting shoulder burn. Consider yourself warned!

3 countries, 3 flights, 2 buses, and 1 wrong turn later, I finally arrived to Dubrovnik. Within minutes of arriving to my apartment, my host Nada welcomed me with a shot of homemade Rakia and a cigarette. I'm definitely not in Kansas anymore! Despite the language barrier, Nada's kindness allowed me to feel immediately welcomed and at home. I'm sure the Rakia helped ;-) It was such a sweet and celebratory gesture.

After a quick nap, I explored for a few hours and worked up an appetite. Now on to the ever so avoidable topic of dinning out while traveling solo. Honestly, I wasn't initially as comfortable as I thought I would be. After 45 minutes of strolling past dozens of restaurants, I finally conjured up the courage to ask for a table for one. Why is eating alone such a big deal? Once seated I enjoyed a delicious seafood pizza and a glass of Cabernet. To my right was a couple sharing stories of their adventurous itinerary for tomorrow. To my left was a group of 20's something's coordinating a beer run before heading back to their hostel. Sure I was sitting alone but I didn't feel lonely. Dubrovnik felt warm and full of energy. I would have sat there people watching for hours if I could. After dinner I slowly walked the cobblestone streets of old town while incessantly texting pictures of the gorgeous nightlife to my loved ones at home. Today was a long day but if today is any indication for my time here in Croatia, things are bound to get interesting!

*Click the photos tab to see pictures from along the way*