And suddenly, just like that, I’m hitting the one-year mark in Prague. It feels like such a huge milestone, but it’s also strange because I’m not currently in Prague to celebrate. Although our trip to Croatia and Montenegro has been a celebration in its own right ;).
Looking back at my other “By the Numbers” posts, I am so happy at what I have accomplished this year, and proud of how much I’ve grown. I really love going back through the old posts to see what has changed! And also, what hasn’t. The second month, I was sure I would never figure out the mailing system…and I never really did! Just before we left Prague for our trip I tried to send some postcards and for some reason they were much more expensive than ever before. However, this is a great example of the fact that even though I was flustered by this, I wasn’t as stressed out by the whole situation as I had been previously. Growth!
I had so many expectations about moving to Prague. Some came true, and some things were much easier than I had thought–or much, much harder. While I was so happy to find a regular job, I didn’t know how demanding and time-consuming it would be for us to eke out a living in Prague. I didn’t realize how much I would love teaching and how hard it would be to say goodbye to my co-workers and students. I didn’t know that this year would be the hardest I have ever worked. I didn’t know that keeping this blog alive would be such a challenge with all of my other priorities–and that it would become such a part of my experience. I didn’t know that it would be difficult for me to make friends, and I didn’t know that this year would bring me and E closer together than ever. I especially didn’t know that this year abroad would awaken a passion in me to continue to see the world on my terms, and to hopefully live life as a nomad! I thought I might want to stay in Prague forever when we first moved here. While circumstances outside of my control changed this idea (for now), I’m really excited to see what’s next. On that note…this won’t be the final “By the Numbers” post, although it is the final one for Prague, excuse me while I weep. Since I’ll be living everywhere for a while, I will be on writing “On the Road: By the Numbers” posts next!
I could go on and on about what this year has meant to me, and I will in another post. But for now, I want to recap my final month in Prague, because it was a fantastic one–even though much of it was spent outside of Prague and the Czech Republic!
TWELVE MONTHS IN PRAGUE: BY THE NUMBERS
TEN DAYS spent showing E’s family around Prague and the area.
TWO DRINKS and an ice-cream with the best view in Prague (finally!) at the Hotel U Prince terrace. Celebrating the birthday girl, too–E’s sister!
ONE LAST STOP at all of our favorite spots in Prague–Cafe Louvre, Choco Cafe, La Terrassa, Olympia Restaurant, and more.
ONE AFTERNOON visiting Kutna Hora’s churches, including the famous Bone Church and the incredible St. Barbara’s Cathedral.
TWELVE HOURS visiting Rathen, Germany and Dresden, Germany. Both places I wish we’d had more time to explore!
FIFTEEN HOURS squeezing in one last trip to the charming and unforgettable Český Krumlov.
A FEW MORE ITEMS checked off my Czech Republic and Prague bucket lists. I almost completed them…I guess I will just have to come back again soon to finish!
^^Karlštejn Castle
FIVE DAYS cleaning out, packing, re-packing, re-organizing, and otherwise moving out of our adorable little Czech flat. It was so hard to say goodbye! There was also drama with our landlord until the very last second…but his translator friend gave us a free ride to the airport so, we left feeling much better about things. It’s also freeing to have almost everything you own (except everything in your parents’ basement…) on your back.
FIFTEEN KG/THIRTY POUNDS carried on my back these past few weeks. Ouch. Freeing, but painful.
EIGHTEEN DAYS in Croatia and Montenegro.
SIXTEEN sunsets enjoyed on this trip! These Mediterranean sunsets are something to write home to Mom about.
COUNTLESS adorable, steep, flowered, stone alleys explored, both in Croatia and Montenegro. Alley game strong!
ONE incredible meal at Galion in Kotor. The setting alone!
TWO HOURS visiting these two special islands and the nearby picturesque village, Perast, Montenegro.
TOO MANY steps up to the top of the fortress in Kotor. Worth (almost) every step!
ALMOST DAILY bottles of Croatian wine.
FIVE HOURS kayaking, swimming and snorkeling in the waters around Dubrovnik.
THREE DAYS relaxing, swimming and wandering the gem of an island, Korčula.
^^we swam every day at “our beach” aka the one right by our place!
ONE FAVORITE MEAL in Korčula at Adio Mare.
FOUR DRINKS at Maksmilijan Garden Bar with these killer views.
TWO NIGHTS at the best AirBnB ever in a small village, Brusje, on Hvar Island. A dramatic statement, I know, but look at the pictures and you will understand!
TWO HOURS eating this amazing fish prepared for us by our AirBnB host. I told you it was the best ever!
FOUR DAYS scooting around Hvar Island, stopping for locally made olive oil, lavender, fish, wine, limoncello (!!), stopping to swim in various hidden coves, and stopping to explore the adorable towns, such as Stari Grad.
TWO FINAL DAYS on this patio in Dubrovnik, getting our fill of the fascinating city one last time.
FIFTEEN buses, taxis, boats, or ferries that took us all over the south of Croatia and Montenegro. Not to mention the other free car rides, the scooters, the kayaks, and the power of our own two feet!
ONE RETURN to the Czech Republic to wrap up our life here…stay tuned!
Eleven Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Ten Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Nine Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Eight Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Seven Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Six Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Five Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Four Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Three Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Two Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
One Month in Prague (By the Numbers)
Tell me:
How is your summer shaping up so far? Can you believe it’s already August?
I just love Croatia so much this post made me want to go back! I can’t wait to visit your beloved Prague next month, wish you were still there then! Happy one year, a big expat milestone!
I’m so excited you get to go to Prague!! Please let me know if you need any tips, I love talking about Prague haha and would be happy to help 🙂 I wish I was still there to meet you, though!!
Love the new series idea! I’m so proud and inspired by you guys for taking that route!
Aww thank you SO much, Isabel! That means so much to have your support. It’s pretty scary to not have a steady job right now…but we are doing okay so I’m trying to keep thinking positive and keep working hard!! Hope all is well with you, xoxo 🙂
I’m always so impressed by these posts, just your ability to remember everything!
Haha the main thing that helps me remember is my phone! My pictures automatically save into dates and places so I can scroll through to remind myself. Otherwise it would be hopeless!
I loved this post… it is a bittersweet goodbye, for sure. And I feel ya… living abroad together totally brings a couple closer (or could tear them apart if the bond is not strong to begin with). I hope you have a wonderful week going to all your favorite spots and just know that you guys will be back for sure! Bummed we didn’t get a chance to meet up but I hope that somewhere (maybe on the other side of the world, who knows!) we can connect!
Also: your Croatia/Montenegro travels looked INCREDIBLE!!! From what you’ve shared, it looks like an unforgettable time and so many memorable experiences.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Cynthia! I’m bummed that we weren’t able to meet up in the CZ but that just means we’ll have to meet up somewhere else in the world :). I am in serious mourning for Prague!! But we did go out on a high note, visiting Croatia, Montenegro & London. You two definitely need to make it to Croatia & Montenegro–they were so incredible! Montenegro was unlike any place I’ve ever been and everyone in Croatia was so friendly–best Airbnbs ever! I hope you two are doing well adjusting to married life and starting a new school year–looking forward to seeing how your year goes and what you guys decide to do next!! xoxo
Yay for twelve months! And I spy a mojito! I really feel like crying right now reading this…..I wanna be back on Korcula 🙁 Croatia just takes the cake, doesn’t it? Glad you guys are back in Prague to finish up the trip and glad you made it to Hotel U Prince!! Lovely shots dear! And get ready for Croatian wine withdrawals haha!!
yes, why isn’t Croatian wine more exported??? I could not stop drinking it…although that limoncello mojito wasn’t so bad, either ;). I miss Croatia and Europe so much, I am in serious mourning!! I hope your last week is going well–looking forward to seeing how the next chapter goes for you two! xo
Wow, another action-packed month! I have loved following your Croatian adventures on instagram – so PRETTY! Looking forward to seeing what’s next 🙂
Croatia is aaaamazing 🙂 You will have such a good time in Dubrovnik, that city has such a fun vibe at night! I think you might actually be there this weekend?? Enjoy!! xoxo (and thanks again for meeting us, it was SO lovely to see you!!!!!)