MY FIRST SOLO TRAVEL: A Beautiful Disaster in Mount Pinatubo

This trip happened 2 years ago and one of the things that I've wanted to do before I turned 25 is to travel alone or become a solo joiner in a trip of strangers.  If you must know, I grew up in a strict and traditional family. So all the things that I wanted to do and where I wanted to go should be approved by them. That's why, this trip is memorable to me. It feels like I am Independently free to do things without inhibitions.

However, before I decided to do this adventure. My safety and the place that I wanted to visit are my number one concern, because I will be a solo joiner in a group of strangers. So after I decided that I wanted to go to Mount Pinatubo, of course, I look for a trusted travel agency, read the reviews of the previous travelers/joiners and then, I contacted them to learn more about the details of the trip. And I think, it is one of the best decision that I probably made on that year.

As I've said, I am a solo joiner so I really don't know anyone in the group. It is also a good opportunity to test my socialization skills, if I can survive the whole trip with me being able to communicate with them and maybe at least became friends with my team or stay as a loner through out the trip.

The team was divided into four groups with five members each team and I am the youngest in my team. While we are in the middle of our trip riding the 4x4 we got stranded for more than 15-20mins., because there has been technical problem with the car and I believe that it is a blessing in disguise, since I got that opportunity to get to know them.

The members in our team are; the owner of the Wander Twins Travel Agency, 2 young Lawyers and also the other solo joiner who are trying to unwind with a purpose. The young Lawyers brought a lot of goods to give as an early christmas gift to the Aetas.

As we move forward to our trip and getting nearer to our destination, the view is getting more spectacular. While we are talking and at the same time hiking, I am learning from them slowly and unconsciously, based on their work ethics, adventure and struggles while they're still in Law school.

The main purpose of this solo trip are:

First, to checked one of my bucket list, second that is to witness with my own two eyes how beautiful Mt. Pinatubo is and lastly, to test if I can survive this trip as a solo joiner. But that is not what I only witnessed; It also help me appreciate nature and some simple things that I somehow discarded, like how lucky I am compared to others and how grateful I should be to my parents who have the means to send me to school, bought the things that I needed/wanted and at least give me the limited freedom to slowly discover the world.

This trip also helped me open my eyes about my goals in life. The talks that I had with them and their vision, somewhat inspires me to become a good Lawyer someday and to be passionate in my chosen career. So going on a solo trip is not that bad, but hard most especially if you are not an extravert person and you do not know how to start a conversation. That's why I am also very grateful to the coordinator of this trip who helps me introduce myself to the other joiners. So this trip is not only about checking my bucket list, but also it is about self discovery in the beautiful Mountain of Pinatubo.

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