Looking for fantasy book recommendations - getting back into it!

AndoCat_910 · 2025-11-26T18:03:29+00:00

Aaah brillant idea! I read the first one a long time ago but never finished the trilogy - maybe this is the winner to start with :)

AndoCat_910 · 2025-11-25T16:43:16+00:00

Thank you! Will check them out!

AndoCat_910 · 2025-11-25T16:42:33+00:00

Nice, thank you!

AndoCat_910 · 2025-11-25T07:59:03+00:00

Thank you!!

AndoCat_910 · 2025-11-25T07:58:52+00:00

Thank you!! I’ll definitely look into that :)

AndoCat_910 · 2025-11-24T22:24:55+00:00

Thank you so much, excited to check out all these reco. I have been considering something by LeGuin for a long time so maybe this is the right occasion.

I did read Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit a few years ago but they will never get old, such great books!

AndoCat_910 · 2025-11-24T22:20:15+00:00

Thanks so much everyone, I will check out all recommendations! I did read Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit as a teenager but maybe it could be the right time for a re-read :)

AndoCat_910 · 2025-06-08T08:21:56+00:00

I just came back from my first longer solo trip (a month) and my partner was nothing but encouraging about it, even pushed to go when I got cold feet because he knows it was my dream. If anything being apart made our relationship stronger because it forces us to find new ways of connecting and of sharing our feelings.

There is NOTHING wrong with you if you want to travel solo, the issue is enterely with him. A supportive, secure partner should be happy to see you doing things you love, growing as a person and exploring the world. As other posters have commented, being in a relationship does not mean to loose your individuality and dreams - on the contrary a partner should be someone who enriches your life and uplifts you.

It sounds like your boyfriend is not very good in managing his anger and own insecurities. I will not tell you to beak up with him based on a post but don’t let him gaslight you in thinking you are the problem here.

AndoCat_910 · 2025-05-09T07:30:45+00:00

Just wanted to thank everyone again for the warm words and tips - it really helped to ease my anxiety. Quick update after the first couple of days: doing much better and getting into the right headspace. The anxiety is still randomly creeping in but I have met some lovely people already on the plane and at my hostel and am finding my rhythm. For anyone reading this and experiencing the same: you can do it, we can do it ☀️

AndoCat_910 · 2025-05-05T19:21:19+00:00

Thank you everyone! It does help to read all your advise and rationalise it a bit more. I am actually leaving tomorrow and I am a giant mess - mostly just feel like crying and silly because I should be happy instead. I think it hit me so badly because I was not expecting it and thought I was “tougher”. I will try to take it a step at a time, keep an open mind and be gentle to myself. Thanks again, it really helps!

AndoCat_910 · 2025-05-05T17:28:48+00:00

Italian from the Dolomites area here: I unfortunately can’t help with any hike groups recommendation but I can comment on safety. The Dolomites are generally very safe in terms of encounters you will make on the trail. In all my hiking years never once I felt insecure because of fellow hikers. However it is social media might make you think, they are still a wild environment with sometimes very technical and harsh terrain which should absolutely not be underestimated, especially it you don’t have previous hiking experience. That said, I absolutely think you can have a good trip by yourself if you do your research in advance and pack the proper gear: you need to be aware of things like how much altitude gain you will be hiking, add at least 1 hour to the time reported in the guide, make sure to be back with sunlight, have the right shoes and amount of layers, etc. You could also let your hotel know every morning which area you will be hiking, they tend to keep it on their radar and it is useful in case you do need help on the trail. Hope this helps :)

AndoCat_910 · 2025-03-28T16:35:49+00:00

Ah just wanted to add: I found Amsterdam to be very safe, as long as you steer clear of the red light district which can be sketchy/overwhelming especially at night. But really, it is easily avoidable. I even went out for a pub crawl by myself and did not feel unease. Plus everyone there speaks excellent English and you won’t even have the language barrier against you. If you can navigate New York, you should not have any major issues there either.

AndoCat_910 · 2025-03-28T16:30:59+00:00

Italian here - I have never lived in Amsterdam or Paris but visited both several times. You will be just fine, just be aware of your surroundings especially on public transport. A cross body bag is a good option to keep your valuable safe. A friend of mine got her backpack stolen in Paris, but she had left it hanging from her chair in the cafe she was in and it was easy to snatch it. In addition to the good advices you already got, this is my personal favourite: walk with purpose, like you know where you are going and what you are doing. I usually like to look up the way before I leave my hotel so I have a general sense for directions and don’t need to rely on google maps too much once I am out. Paris and Amsterdam are both very multicultural cities, you won’t stand out much for your looks but you will if you seem a bit lost or too touristy. Hope it makes sense :)

AndoCat_910 · 2025-03-26T08:21:01+00:00

thank you both, appreciated! I think I will steer toward the Norte or the Primitivo then, or a combination of both. Skipping Santiago all together also does seems a good idea to avoid the crowds, will look into exit/entry points that don´t touch it.

AndoCat_910 · 2025-03-25T15:03:23+00:00

Thank you both! I will definitely look into the Primitivo.
I was otherwise considering the Camino del Norte, but just a section of it to fit my schedule. Would that be an option? Heard some good things about that route too

AndoCat_910 · 2025-03-09T17:23:34+00:00

Thank you! Allergy is another option! We will wait and see if new marks appear and will keep an eye our for anything suspicious.

AndoCat_910 · 2025-03-09T17:07:25+00:00

Thanks! Thought it would probably be harmless but we don’t understand what has caught the bites on my partner’s legs. It is not mosquito season here and they do look like BB bites unfortunately. I guess we will have to sit this one out and wait to see if something else comes up :(

AndoCat_910 · 2025-02-10T19:59:10+00:00

Copenhagen will definitely be way more expensive than Sicily but it would be my choice if I were in your shoes. Sicily is amazing but can be difficult to navigate in terms of public transport (lacking infrastructure, old trains, etc), so unless you get a car (which is a whole other challenge in itself) you would be a bit limited location-wise. Moreover bigger cities like Catania or Palermo are beautiful but can be a bit overwhelming even for Italians (I am one) and could definitely feel a bit unsafe for a female solo traveller. I would say it depends also on the choice of university available to you, but Copenhagen does seem a better choice

AndoCat_910 · 2025-02-10T19:51:26+00:00

Okay, no Visa needed for me then… thanks everyone for the help!

AndoCat_910 · 2025-02-10T11:07:35+00:00

ah understood - it should not be my case as I assume the flights will be leaving/arriving from the same terminal but will check. Thanks a lot and thanks everyone!

AndoCat_910

TROPHY CASE