Who knew a fortnight had the power,
To bring strangers from a foreign country
And forge between them a bond of friendship,
Making them as close as family.

***

It was the first time she was travelling so long and so far without her parents.

It made her nervous.

But when she met her hosts, after the initial awkwardness of introductions had worn off, they got along like a house on fire.

They were eager to show her their culture, and she was eager to learn. They were equally receptive when she spoke about her country.

Despite the differences in nationality, culture, and religion, they weren't different at all. They had the same thoughts, the same emotions, the same struggles, the same victories.

She wondered why the world fussed over race and faith when at the end of the day, everyone was purely human.

She had expected it to be difficult to adjust, but everyone was so welcoming and open, that by the end of the day, she felt completely at home with her new friends.

When she spoke to her parents, she no longer had any misgivings or anxiety about the trip.

She knew she would enjoy it wholeheartedly.