+ I’m so glad we went away for Christmas. Not just because it was an amazing trip, but because I didn’t realize how much I needed a break from Prague. I was feeling quite burnt out of my job and of the city before we left, but now I appreciate it all so much more! It’s amazing what even a two-week break can do, right?
+ Prague seems even prettier after a break. Especially since we have gotten a tiny bit of snow…and as I write this, it’s kind of snowing again! I am also noticing the graffiti much less–it was really bothering me before I left. It still annoys me a little, especially the random scrawls on beautiful buildings, but I rarely notice it anymore. What is this feeling? Adjustment?
^^walking to work under my umbrella…can you spot the castle??
+ In addition, the Czechs and their stoicism aren’t making me irritated anymore. I generally appreciate this attitude on the public transportation–I like minding my own business and just reading on my commute, and the atmosphere is conducive to that–but before Christmas it was driving me crazy. I do feel strange not smiling at strangers on the tram, and I still can’t make myself cut the whole line to get on the bus first, but I I feel like I must be getting the hang of riding public transportation the Czech way.
+ I also love my students again. Prior to our break, I wanted them to just be quiet and to listen and follow directions. Now, I’m finding the random things my students tell me while they’re supposed to be working funny once more. Of course, I still wish they would follow directions, ha! It’s been helping to remind myself before every lesson, especially the ones with kids, that this is supposed to be fun. (It’s a good reminder for life, too).
+ I feel pretty well-adjusted to my life here. However, I’m just starting to get to know the Czech culture. I also have barely made any friends–I have great co-workers, who have regular parties (so thankful for that!), and amazing support in my man. I talk often to friends and family from home, but I miss having girlfriends and couple friends. Girl Gone International is starting up in Prague, and E and I are starting to look into Meet Ups to see if we can make any friends that way.
+ I have been sick for so long, I finally went to the doctor today. This cough has been persisting for about a month now. Unfortunately, there is no general practitioner at the hospital we have to go to. Um, what? So, no luck. We need to talk to our insurance again and see what we can figure out. E is practically putting me on bed rest all weekend so maybe I can kick it on my own. I was hesitant to go to the doctor because I have a feeling this is just some kind of flu-like illness that has to run its course anyway, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to go…
+ On this theme, the past few weekends have been me just resting and trying to get better. I’m thinking my 6th month by the numbers (see 5 months here) will be my shortest and most boring one yet!! I guess I better get well real quick and we’d better cram some fun stuff into the remaining days of January.
+ Even though January has been quite chill so far (not a pun, the weather has been very mild here, compared to what I’m used to), next weekend we are heading to Jihlava for a graduation prom! We were invited by the students we taught at the mountain English camp in September. I’m not entirely sure what this entails but I’ll be sure to fill you in. Since we are heading up to Jihlava on Thursday and I don’t have classes on Friday, I’m hoping to add a visit to Telč to knock two things off my Czech Republic list!
+ Speaking of lists, I’ve been working on a Prague must-see list and a wish list for travel in 2015. While my Prague list seems somewhat manageable, my 2015 travel list got out of hand quickly. I just have too many places I want to see, and with our time in Prague/Europe currently a mystery, I feel (internal) pressure to see as much as possible. This bit me in the backside over Christmas, though, as we came back from our holiday more exhausted than before (yet somehow refreshed?). I’m working on culling it down.
+ January, while kind of a bummer month, is a great one for planning travel (see above). I am deeply immersed in planning our spring break week, an Easter trip, a potential ski weekend (E loves snowboarding more than he loves me, probably), and the visits of 3 sets of family and friends, in May, June and July. Luckily I love planning travel, but unfortunately I do not love decisions.
+ For Spring Break, we are debating between Slovenia and Portugal. It’s so early in March we can’t have the relaxing week by the sunny warm sea of my dreams unless we leave Europe, but I’m really interested in both of those places. It might come down to the cheapest ticket! I’m leaning towards Portugal right now because one set of visitors have expressed interest in Slovenia this summer. We might just take a long ski weekend that week, too.
+ One decision I think we have made is to head to Amsterdam for Easter Break. I have always wanted to see the city, as well as the tulips and April seems like a prime time (especially since we have a few days off for the holiday!). So, tell me, friends…who’s been to Amsterdam? I’d love your ideas and must-sees! We will be spending most of the time in Amsterdam I think, with a day trip to see the tulip fields and maybe a night in Giethoorn.
+ I’m still processing our epic trip this Christmas. I don’t really know where to start! Like with Paris, for example. So much happened and it’s all kind of a blur (luckily I took a million pictures to help us remember). I can’t decide if I should do a day-to-day recap of our week, or choose my top experiences, or do random thoughts, or none of the above. Considering it took me so long to write about Austria, it might be April until you hear anything else from me about Paris.
+ Before Christmas, I was feeling pretty down about blogging. I’d been investing so much time and feeling like nothing was happening. However, an unplanned break due to my sickness and an intentional break during the holidays has me feeling much better. I’ve made a goal to write 2-3 posts a week, which feels most realistic to me. I also feel like I’ve let go of many expectations, and I’m again enjoying my blog for what it is: a creative outlet, a way to share our life with loved ones back home, a place to hold my memories, and a gateway to the awesome blogging community. Here’s to a new year…can I still say that as we near the end of January?
Linking up with Treat YoSelf Thursday, Fresh-Face Friday and the Sunday Traveler.
Just out of curiosity: Why is spring break in March when Easter is in April? Isn’t spring break supposed to be around Easter or is that just the case in Germany??
And I completely understand how you became fed up of Prague and needed a break. I feel the same way about pretty much every place I spend a longer amount of time in 😉
You know, my spring break in the States was always in March, too–we never had an Easter break in public school! I was expecting there to be just one break here, though, since I’ve heard that is more common in Europe. But hey, I’m not complaining about having another week off 🙂
I’m glad I’m not the only one who needs a break! I didn’t even realize I needed one from Prague until we left!
Awesome travel choices! I love Amsterdam because it’s so walkable and picturesque. You will love Portugal… though maybe earlier is better since it can get pretty warm in the summer. And I can’t speak to Slovenia, but we might go there end of summer… one of my best friends is from there and just moved back, so I am excited to see it from a local perspective.
Oooh I would love to visit Slovenia with a native, that will be so fun! I’ve heard it’s a great country. I think we are going in July too with E’s family! We are re-considering Portugal now since the tickets prices went up (yuck) but Amsterdam is a go! Can’t wait 🙂
Sometimes all you need is a break, even when you least expect it! I totally know how surprising it can be to realize that that’s all you needed. 🙂 I feel you on feeling pressured to “see it all” in my time here, although I also have an end date (sadly). Good luck on all your travel plans, and on recovering from your sickness!
Thanks, Marianne! We now might have an end date here in Prague (unofficially) and I feel myself panicking a little more haha. I want to see it all!!
I never expected myself to need a break from Prague, I mean it’s PRAGUE, but I feel so much better after one 🙂
do you have a list you hope to see before your end date?
I know what you mean! Now that I’m almost halfway through my time here, I’ve realized I definitely wont be able to see everything I want to. 🙁 I’ll figure something out… You have an end date??
I think we all need a break (even from the best of places) once in awhile, it’s understandable
A tentative end date! Nothing to announce yet 🙂 I think even if you have endless amounts of time in a place, you can never see EVERYTHING…partially because you keep learning about new things to add! Still, just being there at all is pretty awesome, right?
A tentative end date! Nothing to announce yet 🙂 I think even if you have endless amounts of time in a place, you can never see EVERYTHING…partially because you keep learning about new things to add! Still, just being there at all is pretty awesome, right?
A break is sometimes so needed! And Amsterdam over Easter, I will be there too! I am so excited for our trip, we just finished booking our accommodation and I can’t wait to head over there.
You are so ahead of us, we haven’t even booked our flights yet haha! But I’m so excited too, I’ve heard so many great things about that city! Maybe we will run into you there 🙂
Yes that would be so fun!
I can’t wait to go! I love Prague but my feet are getting itchy 🙂
I agree, it can be tough living in a city, it can drag you down. I think it does a lot of good to get away! I wet to Amsterdam in February a few years ago. It was so lovely! I recommend going to a diamond factory. I got to try on so many pretty rings and learn all about the 4 c’s: cut, clarity, colour and carot! It was fascinating! Also, the boat rides along the canal are fun! Have a great time!
Yes I am realizing that I’m not much of a city person! I do love Prague though and I realize it even more after leaving, so I’m so glad we got a break!
I’m so glad to hear you loved Amsterdam–I can’t wait! I have never heard of the diamond factories there, though–I will definitely add that to my list! And I am so excited for a boat ride on the canal 🙂
I loved the diamond factories so much. I am not one for the city, but after two years I am getting used to it. To begin with the endless traffic noise really got to me!
Yes, cities are so loud! It’s hard to get used to!!
Sounds like the break did wonders! Have to say, but unplanned break over the holidays also ended up bringing lots of the fun back to blogging especially. We off to Amsterdam in two weeks! I was hoping to go in the Spring but we decided to go sooner.
I’m really into planning our holidays at the moment, I might have gone a little crazy trying to plan every single weekend haha! Especially every single long weekend! I still need some ideas for our anniversary in October (I’d like to take a weeks holiday somewhere) and a trip for Christmas (I’m thinking two or three weeks then – definitely time to do some travels). I sound obsessed with holidays right now!
Oh, cool! I can’t wait to see pictures of your trip to Amsterdam. I’ve heard it’s great any time of the year!
I hear you on the blogging break–I am enjoying it much more now! I still don’t have as much time for it as I’d like but I’m getting better at time management.
You sound like me, haha–I have every holiday planned (or have a million ideas for it!). It’s so easy to hop around Europe on long weekends, I want to take advantage of as many as I can, as long as I can afford it ha! I am always obsessed with holidays, so you’re not alone 🙂
what are you planning, so far??
So far we hope to visit Warsaw in September and Lithuania in May 🙂
Great choices! 🙂 Suddenly there are cheap(ish) tickets popping up from Prague to Lithuania, and I’m wondering if I should take advantage!
A change of scenery always does me good. I would love to see the tulips in Amsterdam! I can’t wait to see your photos! It sounds like you have some great getaways planned!!
Yes I can’t wait! I have very many planned but we’ll see how many actually happen, ha 😉 thanks for reading! xo
Getting away for a little bit always fixes things! Whether it’s getting away from the city for a few days, or getting away from the blog. 🙂 I’m glad you’re feeling better about both!
I went to Amsterdam this past summer. I wish we had gone out to see the tulips! Instead, we just kinda hung out around town and didn’t do too much. Oh yeah! Eat Thai and Indonesian food there! It’s known for really really good food from that area due to colonization!
Thanks, Anna! I always forget how much getting away can help until I come back from it, haha. 🙂
Thanks for the tips! I had no idea there were so well-known for both Thai and Indonesian…I’ll make sure we get both! 🙂 did you enjoy the city?
I second getting Indonesian food in Amsterdam! We ate way too much at Kantjil & de Tijger when we were there two years ago. I didn’t realize they were former colonies until I started researching a little before the trip!
I didn’t realize that either! I know the Netherlands had a lot of colonies at one point but I never really paid attention to where, oops. Thanks for the recs, I can’t wait to try them!
I would love to see the tulips!! What a great time to go! Hope you are feeling better! January is a good month to “nest” a bit and relax.
True, it is a good month and I think we needed it! Still, I’m so ready to be healthy and to travel somewhere again 🙂 I can’t wait to see the tulips!
I bet by now you’ve tried everything but I swear by a honey/lemon/ginger “tea” and pleeeeenty of rest. Hope you feel better soon! And your trip ideas sound so fun. Looking forward to hearing how the prom goes this weekend! and ps, we can be your couple friends 🙂 I miss girlfriends too, but lately I’ve been almost too busy to notice the lack of them. Oh January. I have to say I *could* try harder but I’ve been so exhausted lately on the weekends.
Yes I hear you! I’ve been fine for months without having a lot of friends, but just recently I’ve been missing it 🙂 but yes, let’s be couple friends! let me know a time when you visit Prague and we’ll have to meet up! Thanks for the tea tip, too–I lost my voice last weekend (which is great for an English teacher, ha) and I finally bought some honey for my lemon tea–it really helped!
Speaking of going to Prague, we’ll be there Wednesday…. I realize that’s probably not a good time to meet up because it’s our spring break (and likely not yours), but in the off-chance you two are free, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll definitely be there for my birthday on the second weekend of May if you’re around! 🙂
Hi! We are here but Wednesday is pretty full for both of us–are you just here on that day? I think we could meet up for a later drink, around 9 or so 🙂 I finish my last lesson at 8.30 or so. Anyway, let me know–I would love to meet both of you!
Yeahhh only for the day this time and leaving at 5pm. It was worth a shot though…. weekdays are so, so crazy- I don’t blame you. I’ll get at you next time around! 🙂
Aww bummer! Wednesday just happens to be my busiest day. But next time! 🙂 we are hoping to visit Český Krumlov again soon, so maybe we can visit you then, too! We’ll make it happen one of these days!
Yes– do let me know when you head down to South Bohemia/CK! 🙂
BTW, I went to the Chaco Cafe finally and could. not. drink. the chocolate I ordered… or just barely. It was SO thick! I was seriously shocked…. this has never happened to me before.
That happened to E, too! I’ve never seen chocolate that thick before that you were also supposed to drink lol. I ordered the chocolate with cream/milk and it was MUCH easier–and more delicious!
I totally know what you mean about the graffiti. I really hated it the whole time I was in Budapest. By the time I left, I didn’t really notice it much anymore. It kind of blended into the surroundings, in a strange way and I liked it because it showed a more authentic city if that makes sense. Not just one that is perfect and too clean (like Vienna, which I also love, but it seems too perfect).
I’m in favour that you go to Slovenia during spring break. I went in the middle of March a couple years ago and it was perfect. Lots of sunshine, it was warm, and there were NO people. If you don’t go then and wait for your visitors, still make sure you go. I loved my time there. Its a great country.
Blogging is a funny thing for me. Some days I feel so incredibly inspired and other days it’s the last thing I want to do. I constantly feel like what I do is not enough, but I’ve come to just ignore that feeling. I don’t think that insecurity really goes away. You’re putting yourself out there and its a big risk. Just keep going if you still take pleasure in it and if you don’t, then don’t. Regardless, I’ve had a great time getting to know you and reading about your thoughts and feelings on your time in Prague.
Thank you so much for your comment, Adelina! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness, and hearing your thoughts about blogging. I love to blog–mostly–but there are some days where it feels like a chore. But I’m not ready to give up yet! I love the community I’ve found here, including you :).
It’s funny that for the first few months, the graffiti really bugged me, and now I don’t even notice it. You’re right, it makes the city feel more lived in and alive! And after everything Prague has been through, I kind of feel like their citizens deserve to be a little crazy haha. Vienna did feel too perfect, almost as if no one really lived there!
Thanks, also, for the tip on Slovenia. We are leaning heavily towards going there, especially since the flights just dropped (!!). It looks so beautiful! We are choosing between there and Portugal I think, but my grandparents are doing a tour in Italy in March so we may end up there instead. We will definitely go to Slovenia sometime in the next 6 months, though, I’ve heard too many great things to stay away for much longer 🙂