Amy and the Great World

Tips Travel

How NOT To Travel, Part 3

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All of these unfortunate situations have happened to me a dear friend so I have it on good authority this is how NOT to travel. See parts one and two, also!

1. Do NOT think that arriving two seconds before the train leaves will guarantee you a seat because you have tickets. It doesn’t, and you will have to sit in the stairwell.

IMG_1938^^it was a novelty for about 20 minutes. the next three hours, not so much.

2. If there are one hundred wines to taste at a wine tasting and you already paid, do NOT taste all one hundred. You will feel the pain, no matter how much fun it is at the time.

IMG_6600^^and then all of your pictures will be even blurrier than this.

3. Do NOT assume every bathroom will have toilet paper. They don’t always, and you’ll discover this lack of toilet paper just when you need it the most.

4. Do NOT avoid looking in your shoes if you are afraid of cockroaches. Stepping on one is much, much worse that finding it first.

5. Do NOT think your bus pass is good for everywhere just because some rando told you it was. It could get you kicked off the bus in the middle of nowhere and that bus driver will not have sympathy for you unless you can pay up.

6. Do NOT expect that flavors will be the same, even if they are the same color.

IMG_6640^^although it clearly says paprika on this one, so I don’t deserve much sympathy.

7. Do NOT think that just because the street happens to be quiet, it is an okay spot for a mini-tantrum. That old guy definitely saw you throw your water bottle in a rage from his window.

8. Do NOT assume it’s beef. It might not be beef!!!

9. Do NOT assume that cobblestones will be softer on your feet.

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10. Just because it is cute, does not mean it is clean.

IMG_0470^^but when a puppy is THIS cute, who cares how dirty?

11. Do NOT think it is always best to be over prepared, especially when you are the one responsible for carrying that preparedness all over the world and back.

IMG_0119^^I’m trying really hard not to wince.

12. Do NOT assume the wetness on the floor of your shared hostel bathroom is water. It probably isn’t.

13. Do NOT think that it will not matter if your backpack is so stuffed it is crooked. It will especially matter on the back of a motorcycle taxi.

14. Do NOT think it’s a good idea to wear a white tank top when visiting a place known for its “red dust.”

DSC_0095_3^^yes that tank top used to be white.

15. Do NOT agree to a “little jaunt” on any trail, anywhere, especially if you are wearing rain boots, unless you know exactly what it will entail. It will not be a little jaunt to you and it will hurt for days afterwards.

IMG_6343 IMG_6348 IMG_6369^^the time I climbed a mountain and was told it would be an easy little jaunt.

16. Do NOT underestimate the value of making friends with beer.

IMG_6029^^obviously my new BFFs.

17. Do NOT think it “doesn’t matter” where you sleep because you “can sleep anywhere.” You are not as young as you used to be, son.

18. Do NOT assume that just because you are drunk you are actually any better at karaoke, especially in a different language. In fact, you are probably worse. But get up there and have fun anyway, because its way easier to karaoke at that moment in time.

karaoke

19. If the beach you are visiting has a bunch of cute raccoon pictures, run. This means that they are using live raccoons as zoo animals and that does not make for relaxing time on the beach.

IMG_4505^^we drank lots of drinks really fast in the shade to avoid the raccoons.

20. Do NOT think the gorgeous, remote places you see on the internet are completely real. Sure, they exist, but there are likely ten thousand other people clamoring for the same shot as you. Push on through and you’ll get that shot, and it will be great, but you will step on a few toes.

IMG_6541^^how cute is Germany? Even with the crowds? I took about twenty shots trying to get one without twenty people but no such luck.

Question of the Day:

What are some things you’ve learned about travel?

Welcome to Travel Tuesday!

Travel Tuesday
Each week Bonnie, Jessi, Camila and I choose one post from the previous link-up to feature. Be sure to check out their blogs to see who they chose!
traveltuesdayspotlight_edinburgh
This week I am spotlighting Sammy from To The Days Like This and her post about finding herself in Edinburgh. I love her honesty about traveling…she’ll make you think (and laugh, if you’ve ever wondered what exactly “finding yourself” means)! Even though she needs a re-do of Edinburgh, I always love to see more pictures of one of my favorite cities. Make sure to check out her post yourself!

Ready to link up?

1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between! Just make it about traveling somewhere!

2. GRAB the lovely button above. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie, Amy, Jessi and Camila in a link!

3. LINK-UP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT. Make sure to comment here, on the co-hosts blogs, and visit around!

TIPS:

1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future link-ups!

2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in!

3. HOP around and meet new travel loving bloggers! Check back to visit some of the newer travel posts!



Iceland

The Reykjanes Peninsula {Iceland}

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Welcome to Travel Tuesday!

This month’s travel-themed prompt is all about your weirdest, most unexpected layovers. Have you ever made a flight despite the universe being against you? We want to hear all your best stories!

Looking back on my travel years, I’ve had some really unfortunate layovers (although I still love airports). However, most of them don’t make good stories–either I just got stuck for hours (side eye Denver where you will always get stuck in blizzard in December), got sick, or had to kill many hours. I’ve managed to get out of the airport a few times–including in Seoul, South Korea. However, my favorite layover ever was last summer!

Travel Tuesday
On our way back from Europe last summer, we (E and I) had the best layover of our lives in Iceland.

I was intrigued by Iceland before we visited, and figured we could find a little something fun to do during our 17-hour layover. Mostly, we were just stopping there because it was the cheapest flight home from Europe.

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Instead, we were instantly enchanted by the odd, moonscape of Iceland, the stormy sea, the charming houses, the history, the Icelandic horses (the closest living relatives to these horses, which can be traced back to the original Viking settler horses, are wild horses in Mongolia!) and the beautiful people. Fun fact: 99% of Iceland’s population can be traced back to the original Viking settlers, as well. Basically, Iceland was an unexpected boon on our European trip, that ended up being one of the highlights of our travels.

While we originally had planned on sleeping in the airport, a quick Google scan showed us this may not be welcome (or comfortable). Instead, we found a basic hotel not too far from the Keflavik airport. While I wouldn’t recommend the hotel we stayed because it doesn’t have a shuttle at this point, and our taxi rides to-and-from were not cheap, there are several others nearby! (This one looks nice…and if you can shell out the moola, stay at this one near the Blue Lagoon).

After six hours of sleep and a continental breakfast, we headed back to the airport to join our tour. While we had planned just to visit the Blue Lagoon, we found a tour that fit into our schedule just right, and we couldn’t resist. So, instead of just wallowing in the wonderful waters of the Blue Lagoon (which would not be a bad thing!), we ended up cramming in an amazing tour that visited the Reykjanes Peninsula with an ending stop at the Blue Lagoon.

We used Gray Line Iceland tours, which I highly recommend. While tours can be hit-or-miss, we loved this tour because they picked us up/dropped us off at the airport, could carry our luggage if necessary, and it was easy to switch buses if you needed to go elsewhere, like into Reykjavik. Our guide, “Hilda,” with a full Icelandic name I could never pronounce, was a knowledgable native full of tips and facts. All of the stops on our day-tour really made us love Iceland more. (Gray Line also has multi-day tours that look fantastic).

The tour took us to a small fishing village, an Icelandic church and cemetery, an unplanned stop to visit some horses, a lighthouse, the Gunnuhver geothermal area, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, driving through the lava fields, and the Blue Lagoon. My favorite stops were the Blue Lagoon and the coast, and just the drive through the foreign landscape was a great orientation to Iceland. (I’ll write more about our specific stops later–they deserve their own posts!). While it was August and still pretty freezing and drizzling the entire time (which gives you a hint about their usual weather patterns) we at least had our raincoats. I hear the weather is usually like this, or worse, so that’s something to keep in mind. I prefer colder weather, so I didn’t mind, but even still, the Blue Lagoon was a welcome treat after our chilly tour!

DSCN3248 DSCN3256^^just a dork at a cute little fishing village. DSCN3285^^ponies! Adorable Icelandic ones.  DSCN3306^^of course I needed a picture of the baby. DSCN3336^^the picturesque Icelandic church. NOT built by Vikings. DSCN3469 DSCN3493^^The coast makes us giddy. DSCN3504 DSCN3507

IMG_3151 IMG_3097 IMG_3105 IMG_3102^^The Mid-Atlantic Ridge.IMG_3183 IMG_3182^^The Blue Lagoon really is that color!

I was intrigued by Iceland, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. After traveling like whirlwinds through Europe for a few weeks, I was actually ready to just sit still for awhile. However, I’m so glad we decided to layover in Iceland.

We adored Iceland, and can’t wait to go back! IcelandAir makes it really easy, as you can add a few extra days onto your layover in Iceland for free. Take advantage! I know that every time I fly to or from Europe, I’ll do my best to stop in Iceland.

Disclaimer: This is a rave review about Iceland, but nobody asked me to write it or offered to pay me for visiting! I can only dream that someday someone will pay me to travel…

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you ever had a layover in a place that turned out to be a new favorite?

Each week Bonnie, Jessi, Camila and I choose one post from the previous link-up to feature. Be sure to check out their blogs to see who they chose!

traveltuesdayspotlight_fotor

This week, I am spotlighting Yalanda from Laugh Anyway and her post about Busan, South Korea. I sometimes want to go teach in Korea after Prague, and I think Busan would be my first choice. Her gorgeous pictures of the stunning scenery show me that this just may be something I have to do someday! Make sure to check it out for yourself.

Ready to link up?

1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between! Just make it about traveling somewhere!

2. GRAB the lovely button above. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie, Amy, Jessi and Camila in a link!

3. LINK-UP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT. Make sure to comment here, on the co-hosts blogs, and visit around!

TIPS:

1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future link-ups!

2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in!

3. HOP around and meet new travel loving bloggers! Check back to visit some of the newer travel posts!



Czech Republic

The Krkonoše Mountains {Czech Republic}

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Happy Travel Tuesday! We are back in Prague from the incredible little Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany (I can’t wait to share pictures with you!) and I started my job yesterday. I will share more soon, but I first I wanted to tell you all about the English Camp I attended in the Krkonoše Mountains of the Czech Republic and Poland.

Travel Tuesday

 

When we started shooting our CVs all over Prague near the end of our course, the first email both E and I got was for a week-long camp in the mountains. Although it was only a temporary job, we were intrigued, so we both applied. We heard back from our future boss right away, who offered us both a position. Since we had nothing else on our plates, we agreed, thinking it would be an adventure if anything else (as well as a way to earn a little bit of money and avoid paying for food for a week!).

Although the English Camp, with 42 18-year-old Czech girls (and one Czech boy), two Czech teachers, and two other American teachers, did make it difficult for us to work in September (although we found other temporary work, luckily), I’m so glad we did it!

The Czech school system is unusual (to me), meaning that students can begin to specialize much earlier than they do in the U.S. That means they start nursing school, engineering school, or whichever they choose, at around the age when most American students are just starting high school. There is an option for a general high school, which I’ve heard called a “gymnasium.”

All of our students were at a nursing school (which explains the fact that there was only one boy–gendered careers are alive and well here in the Czech Republic), so many of our English lessons incorporated medical English.

What I expected to be an easy, somewhat relaxed week wandering around the Czech mountains and dealing with whiny teenagers ended up being an incredibly active, busy week full of (mostly) engaged students and English activities.

We stayed at a mountain lodge of sorts, or “cottage” as they call them here, where our meals, classrooms, technology and rooms were provided. I immediately sensed the week would be much different when we arrived, and the Czech teacher (who teaches English but is a native Czech) took us up to the lodge on a “little jaunt,” right after strapping on her serious hiking boots and grabbing her hiking poles. While it was a paved road, much of it was straight uphill and I was not prepared. Almost every day included a hike, until the big one: the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, Snežka!

I was definitely unprepared, in my street-ready Reebok sneakers and leggings (plus, candid moment, no sports bra–ouch) but I’m so happy we were able to climb it. The scenery was incredible, and every student made it up the mountain! I was sure I wouldn’t be able to walk for a week but I felt okay the next day…I guess I don’t actually have that much of an excuse to be a wuss as I thought.

While we were climbing the mountain and I was cursing the person who invented hiking (it was hard and if I didn’t want to be humiliated in front of a bunch of teenagers I probably would have given up), a few of the students mentioned how they had never done this. The Czech teacher informed us that many of the students have never left their hometown, and may not ever: this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them. For me it was a lark (hey, I grew up in Montana–I’ve climbed a few mountains in my time) just to say I’d done it, but for them it was one of their highlights. Because of this attitude, it became a highlight for me, too. It was also a highlight because, on the way down, we walked briefly through Poland! I’ve never been but it looked beautiful from there, so I think I will probably have to cross a proper border.

It’s funny–since coming back from English Camp, I’ve found myself homesick for it! It was a fun, exciting week that somehow seemed simpler that life does in Prague. And not just because we didn’t have to cook there.

IMG_6312 IMG_6315 IMG_6318 IMG_6323^^the cottage we stayed at!IMG_6325 IMG_6329 IMG_6333 IMG_6338^^warning! dangerous animals ahead.IMG_6342^^one of the most adorable Czech cottages. IMG_6383 IMG_6379^^the cottage had some fun toys!IMG_6377^^I could get used to a classroom with a view like this.

IMG_6355^^we made it to the top! IMG_6348 IMG_6349 IMG_6361 IMG_6363^^hey, cutie! and hey, Poland!IMG_6364^^oh, just walking through Poland. 

Each week Bonnie, Jessi, Camila and I choose one post from the previous link-up to feature. Be sure to check out their blogs to see who they chose!

traveltuesdayspotlight_shrooms

This week I am spotlighting the Czechesotans and their post about Mushrooming here in the Czech Republic! Mushrooming is a common practice for Czechs, and ever since I’ve learned about it (my students were going almost every weekend this past month) I’ve been hoping for an invite. No such luck so far, but I was happy to live vicariously through the Czechesotans! To find out more about mushrooming, check out their awesome post!

THEMED TRAVEL TUESDAY PROMPT

Next week it is time for this month’s travel-themed prompt! The prompt for this month is for you to share a weird or unexpected layover with us. What have you managed to accomplish during a layover? Have you ever made a flight despite so many bad circumstances? Can’t wait to hear your stories!

Ready to link up?

1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between! Just make it about traveling somewhere!

2. GRAB the lovely button above. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie, Amy, Jessi and Camila in a link!

3. LINK-UP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT. Make sure to comment here, on the co-hosts blogs, and visit around!

TIPS:

1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future link-ups!

2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in!

3. HOP around and meet new travel loving bloggers! Check back to visit some of the newer travel posts!



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