On Spring Break of 2024, I learned to not have expectations.
I am a lucky kid
I am blessed to be able to travel. In 2 weeks, while in Erasmus, I went to 3 countries. The Netherlands, Italy and Sweden.
The holidays could not come sooner. I was blinded by excitement, making my expectations skyrocket. Only later on, I would realize it jeopardised my vacation.
Friendships grew stronger after these trips, followed by personal growth.
Home of the Tulips (and special cakes)
It all started in the Netherlands. Everything was planned out, we visited all the spots we wanted.
What a beautiful city, but why was it bumming out? Unfortunately it didn’t support my expectations for it. On Dutch soil, I was advised, by a friend of mine (Nina), to lower them. Letting myself not get disappointed by my expectations. Because if I didn’t lower them, my trip would not be enjoyable.
A Zaandam day trip, a boat ride and eating a cronut, the last things to do, were the most memorable of my trip. It improves the experience just by being clueless about a place you are visiting or something you will eat.
Spending a few days there was necessary. I had to dip my toe in the pool.
Home of the Carbohydrates (and fresh gelato)
Italy was next, I loved hearing the people. Their language to me is fascinating.
Still having much to improve, I was disappointed when I got to Milan. I forgot we were travelling to the capital. It is a mixture of Barcelona with Lisbon, I can’t unsee it. Not much to see, nevertheless a pretty city.
However when we got to Lake Como, my expectations were blown away. Just what I wanted for my Italian holiday to be, in an old Italian village. Here we did not have a plan, deciding to just walk around the islands of Bellagio and Varenna. The best decision we made, what a perfect day. With T-shirt weather, so hot it made the fresh mango gelato taste even better. No plan, only walking, eating pizza, gelato and drinking free fresh water.
From Italy I have 3 core memories:
Laying in a porch in Bellagio sunbathing (“Dolce far niente”)
Seeing the Duomo for the first time
Eating a delicious typical pasta (Mezzi Paccheri alla Gricia)
After many many pictures taken I confess this part of Italy has my heart.
Home of the ABBA (and Pippi Longstocking)
A different mindset was set in Sweden. I had one goal: visit my best friend.
I was warned Stockholm isn’t a touristic city, the complete opposite of what I had visited. However I was excited to see her and a new country, but with lower expectations.
Starting my stay with an unexpected sunset. What a gorgeous view, no clouds in the sky. The following days surprised me, from people’s public transportation etiquette to not fearing being pickpocketed. This city, despite the gloomy weather was making me chipper, I like Stockholm. And just when I thought it would stop there. The city was brighter than ever for the afternoon, because of the sun. I really like Stockholm.
Yes I did the basics:
Visited Gamla Stan
Ate a fika (just a fancy name for a cinnamon roll)
Bought a coffee at Pressbyrån
Passed by the ABBA Museum (3 pins for 20€, no thank you)
A core memory is me strolling around Slussen, being thankful for the life that I have. It happened on a slow morning alone walk, without a purpose, just a walk.
Every story has a message
Forever I will cherings my eventful Spring Break, during Erasmus. From enjoying my time in each country to connecting more with my new friends (Betul, Katja, Leelou and Nina).
But unfortunately having high expectations, makes you fall even harder. Thus treasuring Lake Como’s and Stockholm’s memories.
Still don’t know how it functions, but lowering your expectations leads to a better experience. Making you enjoy and appreciate it more. How can you be disappointed if there’s nothing to expect?
Just be there and let it happen.
Do you have high expectations when travelling? Join the club and let’s start to lower them and enjoy what we are not expecting. Interested in this blog? Check out my previous one.
Salvador Pinho
P.S: I read somewhere that you have “made it” when you eat pasta in Italy. I MADE IT, wo-ho!!!