Superwoman of March 2017: Theresia Listya Cahyanti

I am so exited for this month as I found lots and lots of Superwomen to be featured! That means plenty of inspiration for you who are going to go solo this year. Hope this can also be a good motivation to keep your passion alive and travelling at the same time. So I would like to introduce you another solo female traveller with her education background. Yes, she is a teacher! She developed a learning centre for children in Jakarta and travel solo in between as she followed her big sister’s footsteps, Sita Triyanti. Nothing can beat up a brave woman who build up her passion independently. Introducing Solo Female Travel Listya Cahyanti as Superwoman of March!

Name: Theresia Listya Cahyanti

Twitter: –

Website/Blog: https://www.facebook.com/Kurcacil/

Nationality: Indonesian

Residence: Jakarta, Indonesia

Occupation: Teacher

What inspired you to travel solo for the first time?

To answer my curiosity! I always wanted to experience the “alone time”. Will I enjoy travelling alone? or will I hate travelling alone?

Tell us about the first time you travelled alone. Where did you go and what did you do?

Hmm….Dieng! I chose Dieng as my first solo destination trip where I visited during a long weekend. I bought a ticket for a night bus weeks in advance and since then I kept encouraging myself to go for it. Luckily, I met 2 guys and 3 girls when I had breakfast and we decided to travel together. We explored Dieng by temple hopping to catch the sunrise at the top of Sikunir. At the end of the trip, I found the answer to my question…..I fell in love with travelling solo.

So what are the love/hate things you experienced travelling alone?

Being spontaneous and flexible with myself. Learning to listen to myself more. I do what I want, when I want, where I want, etc. I hate scammers. I can’t stand people who take advantage of tourists. Why do these people exist in the world?

Who’s your travel inspiration? 

Proudly, I would say Sita Triyanti. She is my sister. She has traveled to many places. When I told her that I was ready to try solo travel, she motivated me and shared some tips based on her first time solo travel.

What is your favorite websites and travel apps do you often use? 

I like wikitravel, Travellets, backpackingmamasita, and of course jejakmarina ☺

I use Grab and Uber mostly for transportation.

What is your favorite country so far? Any recommendation for female solo traveler?

The super clean country in the world, Japan! People are nice, food is amazing (the best sushi and green tea ice cream in the world!),  ohh… and the vending machines!

What are some important things you bring when travelling solo? (Beside money and passport?)

My camera and handphone. I have to make sure that google maps is working well before I leave my accommodation.

Everyone has their quiry thing when they travel. I love doing temple hunting and visiting museums. So what’s yours?

I love nature and outdoor activities. Especially chasing waterfalls. I like seeing the waterfalls from standing at the top just as much from the bottom.  The sounds that come from the waterfalls refresh my body and soul.

Share your tips for any first time solo traveller?

Accept yourself as your best friend. Embrace all that you feel. Let it all accompany you along your trip. Your doubtfulness, nervousness, spontaneousness, curiosity, anything you feel….just embrace it all because they are all part of you and the experience. Trust yourself to lead your journey successfully.

What’s your favorite travel quote that’s best describe you?

“I am just a girl standing in front of a salad asking it to be a donut”

Theresia Listya Cahyanti is a coffee lover who enjoys teaching as much as travelling. After completed a two year Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), she set up a learning centre for children called Kurcacil since September 27, 2013 located in Jakarta. Teaching is not only her passion but is also her calling. 

Aside from teaching, her pastimes include reading novels, relaxing in coffee shops, looking for adventure by exploring new places and tasting new culinary cuisines since she is a foodie.

© 2017 Writing & Images copyright of Marina Utami.