An Unforgettable Trip Abroad in 2025

An Unforgettable Trip Abroad in 2025

A Challenging Adventure in Madagascar

Madagascar is renowned for its surprises, but I never expected to find myself in the midst of a protest that escalated into a coup! Previously, I had managed to avoid protests in Thailand, Greece, and France, but luck was not on my side this time. My hotel in Antananarivo was smack dab in the center of the demonstrations. As soon as I arrived, hotel staff hurried me inside just as the crowd started pushing trash bins in my direction.

The tear gas was unbearable, stinging my eyes and throat so much that the hotel had to distribute masks. I had planned to fly to Nosy Be the next morning, but all domestic flights were canceled. Thanks to the hotel manager, I was able to get on the priority list for a flight when things began to stabilize. Eventually, I escaped Antananarivo and set foot on the beautiful island of Nosy Be. But the drama didn’t end there; my flight back to Réunion was also canceled and rescheduled for two days later. I can’t express how relieved I felt to finally step onto EU soil again.

A Tough Area in Frankfurt

I usually feel confident traveling alone throughout Europe, but my recent visit near Frankfurt's train station opened my eyes to a different reality. The area surrounding the station was unbelievable: people using opiates and injecting themselves right on the street. Four men were watching me as I left a show, and thankfully, I had the quick thinking to blend in with a nearby family.

Although it was just a small area, I can assure you I will never choose to stay close to a train station again. Frankfurt does have beautiful corners, like the New Old Town, but that night’s experience was truly shocking.

A Sleepless Night Thanks to Drunken Australians in Kraków

The first night in Kraków was anything but pleasant. I went to bed late and had to wake up early to visit Auschwitz, but what kept me awake was a group of four drunken Australians causing a ruckus at 3 AM. I stepped outside, still wearing my sleep mask, and shouted at them to be quiet.

The next morning, I reported the situation to the manager, and to my surprise, two of the men from the group apologized to me afterward. It was a valuable lesson in choosing the right hotel.

An Unexpected Experience in Austin, Texas

Finally, I made it to Austin for the SXSW conference, but the city felt more like a construction site. The tech boom has transformed Austin significantly; quirky bars have been replaced by towering skyscrapers.

It felt as though Austin had lost the unique charm everyone used to rave about, now just a few scattered remnants amid the new luxury buildings. It seemed like I had arrived a decade too late.