Amy and the Great World

Czech Republic Wedding

Finally! A Wedding Date + What Next

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You may have noticed things have been quiet around here. Part of that is because things are changing quickly and as with all changes, that means my moods are all over the place, and part of that is just the craziness of ending a school year!

First things first.

We are getting married…this October!

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Yes, SOON. I am so excited but sometimes I feel like crying that it’s so soon, mostly at the amount of things to do.

This wedding date may also give you a clue about our future. Since we are not getting married in Prague–but in E’s parents’ yard–that means we will NOT be staying for another year in Prague.

Cue heartbreak. I absolutely love this city and there was a huge part of me that didn’t want to leave. The main reason is, unfortunately, financial, directly related to our visas. It isn’t hard to survive here, but our unique circumstances that hardly ever happen to ANYONE had us not making enough money to apply for a long-term visa. It’s strange, because we are doing fine financially–but late paychecks that unfortunately have just reached us had us unable to apply at the right time. It’s complicated, but if you want a longer explanation, shoot me an email :). I’ve held off so long from talking about this, even though we’ve known for a while, because I kept hoping something might change.

But, we are moving on–for now. Prague is not going anywhere, and it will always be on my radar. Also, I’ve absolutely loved teaching, and I don’t plan on stopping that.

So, you might ask–where are we going next??

The answer is…NOWHERE.

And…EVERYWHERE.

We are going to be NOMADS, at least until the beginning of 2016. We’ll be traveling around Europe after our lease is up in July (and our visas end), then back to the States for our wedding and to hop around visiting family and friends. Then, we’ll take an extended honeymoon (TBD) and come back home for the holidays.

We’ll reassess at the new year, and see if we are ready to try someplace new, or ready to stay on the road. I have a feeling I will miss teaching in person–I’ll be teaching online through the fall–so we may decide to move back to Prague or move somewhere else to teach in 2016.

Right now, after our wedding, the future is really, really open.

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I’m really terrified and really excited. This is has been a dream of ours and I’m still not sure if we can do this or not, but suddenly the opportunity just fell into our laps. With not being able to stay in Prague, and E finding success working online, and the many online teaching options, it’s almost…serendiptious.

I hope you will still follow along, wherever I go next! Amy and the Great World will definitely still be around. It is the Great World after all, and I still have so much to explore.

For now, I am soaking up our last few months in Prague and the Czech Republic, and have many many more European travels to catch you up on. I am working hard on being present in every moment here.

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Thank you so much for your support and for reading as I navigated choosing to come to Prague, adjusting to Prague, enjoying Prague, and ultimately choosing not to stay in Prague. This had been one of the best years of my life, and this blog and the blogging community has been a huge part of that!

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Comments

  1. Definitely a bittersweet thing, but it sounds like you have a great attitude about it and are open to whatever comes your way. And I bet you will find the perfect fit, whether it means being on the road or settling down somewhere for a bit. In the meantime, you’ve certainly made the most of your time abroad, which is really awesome! So many great memories you’ve made, and many more to come!

    • Thanks so much for your kind words, Natalye! I admit it’s been a really tough decision, and I’ve been holding out hope/been in denial for awhile, but this week we just got the definitive no. I am also always worried that I haven’t made the most of my time here (I stress about this wherever I live, haha) but it’s nice to hear you think I’m doing well with that :). I’m trying to keep a positive view on the future!

  2. So sad you are leaving Prague, but how exciting to be traveling the world for the rest of the year! 🙂

    • Thanks, Olya! I’m really sad about leaving Prague (and get sadder every day it nears the end!) but I’m trying to be hopeful about the future 🙂

    • Thanks, Andrea! Our around the world travels will definitely include another stop or two in Italy, so hopefully we can see you and maybe meet Dolce! 🙂 And thanks for inspiring us–after meeting you, E was like “we CAN do this!” 🙂

      • You guys are more than welcome to come visit us! I have an extra room so just say when. 🙂 You need to get a taste of southern Italy. And yes, finally meet my little Italian baby. 🙂

  4. Aw, sorry you can’t stay in Prague. . .but seeing more of the Great World sounds awesome 🙂 Yay for being digital nomads!

    • Yes! We’ll see it how it goes 🙂 I’m bummed about Prague…what I wouldn’t give for an EU passport right now!…but there is a big world out there to see 🙂

    • Thanks, Marcella! It’s so bittersweet, I love this city so much! But I’m trying to be positive about the future 🙂 luckily I’m almost done with school so I can soak up Prague even more before we leave!!

    • Thanks, Holly! That’s a great way to put it 🙂 and a terrifying way haha. I love having a plan so…we’ll see how I do with this!! It’s a good exercise in letting go!

  8. How exciting!!!! And October is the best month for weddings…maybe I’m biased since ours was Oct. 12…but who cares! Leaving Prague is sad but you can always come back and you have such an exciting few months coming up!!!! Hooray for you both!

    • Thanks so much, Jamie! Back at you 🙂 I hope everything is going well with your big move back! I can’t believe it’s already June. Best of luck with everything! xo

  11. Oh wow that seems like so many open things in the future! 🙂 Leaving a place that feels so much like home always hurts a little, but it’s also so exciting to be looking ahead and see so many beautiful options! Best of luck with everything, will definitely be following along in the adventures 🙂

    • Thanks so much, Camila! That means a lot :). I have no idea what’s happening next which is terrifying haha. But I’m working on it! Thanks for helping me focus on the positive parts of it all 😉 xo

  12. How are you planning on doing the teaching online? It’s something I’ve been thinking about since we’d love to travel long term. Just curious 🙂

    • Hi! There are quite a few options for teaching online, although I think you generally need to be TEFL-cerfitied or the like (not to assume you aren’t, just saying ;)). iTalki is a good one to start, and I am in the process of applying to more with regular schedules. We’ll see how it goes! Let me know if you want more tips with other company recommendations, I’d be more than happy to help! 🙂

      • Haha, no I don’t have the certificate, but I’m planning on doing it before we leave Belgium. There’s a course in Brussels, and I’ll be out of work for a year before we leave so I’d like to do it then. I like the look of the iTalki – seems like a good idea/website.

        I will definitely pop by with some questions and what not 🙂
        Actually, just one question for now, your TEFL certificate, where did you get it from? From what I’ve seen online there’s a few different ones and it’s a bit confusing. Saying that, I haven’t done any extensive research!

        • Hi! Yes, picking where to get certified was so hard! We ended up at Oxford House TEFL here in Prague, because they have great reviews and more importantly, I knew someone who did the program, so that helped us decide. I’ve also heard good things about TEFL Worldwide. Just make sure to check the reviews and ask to email former students to get a sense. And make sure they are accredited so you can actually teach!

    • Thanks, K! So exciting and so scary haha :). I think I am overcompensating not being able to plan much past the next six months by over planning every day until then, lol!

  15. Wooho! Exciting things will come don’t worry 🙂 Visas are a pain in the you know where. But good thing that you have your partner by your side to share this amazing life together!

    • Oh my gosh that date feels so lucky now!! 🙂 October 3 for the win! Eek!!! And thanks so much for your kind words, you’re just the loveliest xoxo

  18. Oh my goodness, what a big decision!! It definitely sounds like the visa situation was complicated for you guys, bummer 🙁 It is not easy as it is… I remember a low point right after the TEFL that I was convinced we needed to flee to Croatia to escape Schengen zone rules. That is so cool you are getting married in E’s parents backyard though…. why not?!

    • Yes it’s a big decision and one that I’m not sure about…but sadly the visa situation kind of forced our hand! We had a unique situation but I’ve also heard of a few other American teachers who got denied a renewal visa because they didn’t make enough money, perhaps the rules are changing, who knows! Maybe we will come back someday :). I hope you had a fantastic wedding–I can’t wait to hear all about it!!!

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