Life, Thoughts, Travels

Transportation: This was truly the trip of Planes, Trains and Automobiles; But that’s not all. What’s so great is how many people are out on bikes or walking.  It’s so easy to get anywhere you want to go whether it’s a scenic train ride or a quick flight or around cities the public transportation plus google maps makes it so easy to get around.  Dogs: People take their dogs everywhere! And usually off leash.  In restaurants, they lay under the table while you eat; on the bus, they ride right beside their owners. In beer gardens they roam around and enjoy nature.  It’s like’s heaven! Smoking: Ugh, everyone smokes, at least it’s generally banned in doors but it’s everywhere else on the street and cigarette butts are everywhere.  It’s pretty disgusting. Hygiene: There is absolutely no smell like the unshowered, no deodorant, wearing the same shirt for three days in a row European on a tight bus.  I don’t see how anyone gets used to that. Pack...

There have been a lot of places I have traveled that I felt at home or contemplated moving there (Costa Rica comes to mind most) but none of these places compare to what you will experience in Ireland. As I landed and made my way through customs, I could feel the excitement about being in a place I loved.  Seeing shades of green you can't imagine.  Having a pint in a pub.  Hearing words like Craic and Lad.  When I approached the customs desk, the officer asked me if I was traveling alone and then noticed I had been to Ireland before.  We must have talked for 20 minutes about what I did last year and what I would see different this year.  I am sure the people behind me were anxious to keep moving but for me, it was the welcome back I knew I would get. I was lucky to have a friend outside of Dublin that gave me a home for the trip which made it easy for me to stay close to Dublin but also experience a few things I hadn't previously done.  I had an a...

Since seeing the sound of music, I always wanted to see Austria.  Well, it did NOT disappoint.  Salzburg was truly amazing.  When I arrived, it was pouring rain.  Well rain doesn’t usually detour me but it was also a little chilly.  I debated staying in all night and glad that I didn’t.  I walked around downtown and found the Mirabell Gardens which was beautiful even in the rain.  I must say though that I made the wrong call bringing my Nikes instead of my waterproof Brooks; I am sure I will regret this again in Ireland.  I thought I would do more running so made the sacrifice, I have only run once and have hiked and been in the rain more.  Lesson learned. Luckily, my lovely apartment also had an umbrella. The next morning, due to several recommendations, I did the Sound of Music Tour.  Yes, it’s as cheesey as it sounds.  It’s a sing along bus tour and people really do sing.  But it was rather awesome.  You get t...

If I was worried about the language barrier in Berlin, wow, was Prague a totally different story.   As a reminder, I have never been anywhere I didn't speak the language, at least a little.  My Spanish isn't great but I never once felt out of place in Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Mexico.  Even in places they didn't speak English.  But while, the Czech language is difficult.  Even in Berlin, German and English are so very similar that you can figure out words.  Not in Prague.  I am lucky to have had an English tour guide - good ole Phatt helping me out.  (Phatt's a missionary in Prague, visiting and living there for nearly 10 years now). Phatt picked me up at the train station and helped me navigate the tram and bus system.  Though, I believe I got the hang of it before I left and obviously google maps works just fine, the added security was a good confidence boost. Prague is a lovely city and I had a great Airbnb in Phatt's neighborhood that...