Stepping out of your comfort zone...
We've all been told, "step outside of your comfort zone" at least once in our lives. But what does that look like? Of course, it's different for everyone, but I can honestly say that traveling has often forced me to do just that.
Traveling to Greenland for my 4th trip was no exception. The trip was meant to be both business and leisure. For the business part of the trip, I traveled to the capital, Nuuk, for business meetings as well as to try some of the activities we would like to offer for the upcoming summer 2023 trip.
However, my accommodation was quite far from the city center. It was the closest one available for the time that I would be there. There were also a couple of events taking place during that time which left me with few options. So, it meant I couldn't simply walk into town.
Initially, I took taxis back and forth, but this would be too costly over the course of 8 days. After the first business meeting, it was suggested I consider taking the bus which for me was stepping out of my comfort zone. I don't ride city buses in my hometown, so how on earth would I navigate the bus system in a country where I do not speak either of the main languages spoken?
But, I knew I needed to try because spending that taxi fare going back and forth would add up, and that's money that could be used for other things. I stood waiting for the bus. The bus didn't come, so I walked back toward town. I had every intent to call a taxi in that moment. This was the same day I met the restaurant owner, which you can read in a short Instagram post. Not long after I left the restaurant, I decided to give it another try.
I already knew which bus or one of the buses I could take. I didn't get on the first one that came because it was too crowded, and I did not want to stand. I waited, and I got on the next one. As I walked up the stairs, I saw what looked like a way to pay with a credit card but was told I could pay cash which was 7x cheaper than a taxi.
I sat, paying close attention to where the bus was going. It stopped in an area I recognized and where I could see the accommodation, so I got off. I saw a couple of teens walking in the direction I needed to walk but quickly learned it was not the best place for me to stop. It was tricky walking to the accommodation; I was hopping over rocks and streams, but I did it.
The next morning, I walked to a bus stop and discovered that I could have gotten off there, and it would have been easier than the "over the river and through the woods" vibe I got the day before. And for the rest of my time there in Nuuk, I rode the bus except the last day because I was going to the airport.
I had successfully navigated riding the bus in another country and city. I was pretty proud of myself.
Have you ever been forced to step outside your comfort zone? Feel free to comment below.
Comments