Well, I´ve officially been traveling for one week. It feels so much longer and so much shorter. I have experienced so much in such a short period of time, yet there aren´t enough hours in the day.
I am still in my little village of Pribelce and loving village life. My host family is amazing and making my stay here amazing. I wake up in the morning for a hearty breakfast to start the day and then it is nothing but fun for us kids. We play all day, come home for dinner (which is waiting for us). Kids eat first, then the parents. We eat as much as we can, hand over our dirty clothes so mom can do the laundry, then head out to play again. It is awesome! I feel like a 13 year old boy. I am pitching in though. I have taken on the dishes as my chore as it is the only thing I know how to do the European way. I tried to help peel the potatoes for dinner, which only brought great laughter from everyone. So it was decided, I am good at dishes and should stick with that.
I did not get to go on my tour of the region´s "underground cellars". Dad got in trouble with mom, so our trip was squashed. He has been bringing home wine from work each day so that I can still taste the different varieties...so I am satisfied.
A couple of days ago we went on a nice hike...I would consider it rigorous for this 30 year old...but I was able to keep up. We had a beautiful view looking over the hills and vineyards and watched the sun set behind the hills (some might consider them mountains). We went to a site that was once a pre-historic ocean, where we searched for "shark teeth." They are the teeth of pre-historic fish dating back 16.5 million years! I did not find any, but my host was able to find one for me. Yesterday, we went to an old castle from the 12th century...it was still standing, but barely. It was still cool to see something with so much history. Then we went fishing to catch small fish to use as bait for the "real" fishing. Then after the sun set, "the guys" and I headed out for a night of fishing. We didn´t catch anything, but the experience was great. I have gained so much insight into the Slovak culture, which, as you all know, is my favorite part of traveling. I feel so blessed that I have been able to experience Slovakia beyond the tourist path.
With only 600 residents, they are all quite interested in the American visitor. We went for an evening walk yesterday, and with every house we passed, a couple of people would step outside to join us and say hi (although I can only understand about a dozen words). We had about 20 people walking with us, which just brought more and more people out into the streets...we had our own little parade. I learned yesterday that the house numbers begin at 1 and end at 252. Yes, that´s right, there are only 252 homes in this town. To put that in perspective, my building in Chicago had about 200 units!
I am planning on heading off to Budapest tomorrow where I will stay for one night and one day, then take the 11 hour train ride up to Krakow. I didn´t really have a schedule, but do realize I am a little behind. I have a lot of sights to cram into the coming week.
As for weather, I don´t think I could have planned this better. It is sunny and in the upper 70´s during the day, with no humidity. But it does get quite cold at night, which I find refreshing. For as active as we are, I am so thankful for the mild weather. Hanging out with younger guys has definitely made me realize how out of shape I have gotten!
Well, it is time for me to sign off so I don´t waste this beautiful day. Hope all is well with you! I´ll be in touch!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The real update...
Sorry to report, we won´t have pictures for a few more days. Looks like I need to get a card reader, so I´m guessing the next electronics store I will find will be in Krakow. So, you will just have to imagine the scenery...pictures never do any justice anyway :-)
I explored Vienna for a day, which was nice, but I didn´t need more than a day there. I called my host to let him know I was on my way and he was so sick he could not get out of bed. I decided I would just find a hotel once I got to Bratislava...no one likes to entertain when they are on their death bed. I took the fairy down the Danube to Bratislava, which was an interesting way to get there, but the train would have worked just as well. While on the boat there was a group of about 10 obnoxious men from Northern Ireland wearing kelly green jersies and spilling beer all over everyone...my first goal once I arrived was to ditch these men.
I arrived in Old Town, which is aboslutely breathtaking. The cobblestone roads are a maze, leading to beautiful courtyards and old architecture. There were beautiful outdoor cafes lining each road which I couldn´t wait to try out...until I noticed they were filled with kelly green jersies. I found a quant little hotel that looked perfect, but unfortunately it was sold out. As I wandered through town, each hotel was booked. As the sun was starting to set and I was in desperate need of a shower and food I realized it was time to get serious about my search for accomodations. That is when I came to the realization that I might have to sleep in a hostel. I walked into the hostel and asked if they had any private rooms. She said "No, all of the hostels in town are full, but you can try the big hotel across the street." Upon entering Hotel Kyjev, which I am assuming was communist housing at one point, I noticed a sea of kelly green jersies. It didn´t matter, I needed a bed. I booked a room and headed to the elevator, where 10 drunk irish men proceded to hit on me...I pretended I didn´t speak english when one of them said, "You´re American!" With my hair matted to my head and beads of sweat dripping down my face, I fessed up, but I am still wondering what made me stand out as an American.
The room was like nothing I have ever seen and wish I could share the pictures. It is my new standard for worst room ever. But, it was a place to sleep. I grabbed some dinner and called it a night. However, the Irish men stayed out until 5am singing drinking songs on the streets. So with very little sleep I ate breakfast and was out of there. I ventured up to my host´s apartment for some peace and quiet.
His apartment is in a neighborhood that was once communist housing. It is kind of eerie to see building after building of these blocks. It is very similar to the projects in a big city in the US...but with even less character. We explored Bratislava for a couple of days which was a lot of fun. We had a picnic at the old castle which was beautiful. Had some amazing Slovak food and of course, awesome Slovak beer. Which brings me to my final story of the Irish men, who come to find out were in town for a soccer match against Slovakia. It had become a joke among our group that the Irish men were following me everywhere, because everywhere we went a group of Irish men would show up...and they were LOUD. So we found a quiet little pub where we were the only patrons and ordered a beer which was literally equivalent to 3 pints. While peacefully enjoying our beer we heard this chanting in the distance. I said, "Oh my gosh, it´s the Irish men!" No one believed me...but sure enough, here they came marching down the street, thousands of them holding their flags and singing. The best part, they were escorted by the Slovak police who stopped traffic so the Irish could march on. So as much as they annoyed me at times...it gave me goose bumps to see such pride and team spirit.
I am now in a beautiful little village of 600 people, where I have already experienced the best rum I have ever had and the most beautiful stars I have ever seen. And the best part...my host´s father is a wine inspector. He tastes and judges all of the wines in the Central region of Slovakia. So he is going to take me on a winery tour of the best "underground cellars" in the region. I cannot even tell you how excited I am for this experience.
I still do not have a plan and am just taking things one day at a time. While I could spend the rest of my life in Slovakia, I know I have to move on at some point. I will touch base in the next couple of days. Hope all is well with you!
I explored Vienna for a day, which was nice, but I didn´t need more than a day there. I called my host to let him know I was on my way and he was so sick he could not get out of bed. I decided I would just find a hotel once I got to Bratislava...no one likes to entertain when they are on their death bed. I took the fairy down the Danube to Bratislava, which was an interesting way to get there, but the train would have worked just as well. While on the boat there was a group of about 10 obnoxious men from Northern Ireland wearing kelly green jersies and spilling beer all over everyone...my first goal once I arrived was to ditch these men.
I arrived in Old Town, which is aboslutely breathtaking. The cobblestone roads are a maze, leading to beautiful courtyards and old architecture. There were beautiful outdoor cafes lining each road which I couldn´t wait to try out...until I noticed they were filled with kelly green jersies. I found a quant little hotel that looked perfect, but unfortunately it was sold out. As I wandered through town, each hotel was booked. As the sun was starting to set and I was in desperate need of a shower and food I realized it was time to get serious about my search for accomodations. That is when I came to the realization that I might have to sleep in a hostel. I walked into the hostel and asked if they had any private rooms. She said "No, all of the hostels in town are full, but you can try the big hotel across the street." Upon entering Hotel Kyjev, which I am assuming was communist housing at one point, I noticed a sea of kelly green jersies. It didn´t matter, I needed a bed. I booked a room and headed to the elevator, where 10 drunk irish men proceded to hit on me...I pretended I didn´t speak english when one of them said, "You´re American!" With my hair matted to my head and beads of sweat dripping down my face, I fessed up, but I am still wondering what made me stand out as an American.
The room was like nothing I have ever seen and wish I could share the pictures. It is my new standard for worst room ever. But, it was a place to sleep. I grabbed some dinner and called it a night. However, the Irish men stayed out until 5am singing drinking songs on the streets. So with very little sleep I ate breakfast and was out of there. I ventured up to my host´s apartment for some peace and quiet.
His apartment is in a neighborhood that was once communist housing. It is kind of eerie to see building after building of these blocks. It is very similar to the projects in a big city in the US...but with even less character. We explored Bratislava for a couple of days which was a lot of fun. We had a picnic at the old castle which was beautiful. Had some amazing Slovak food and of course, awesome Slovak beer. Which brings me to my final story of the Irish men, who come to find out were in town for a soccer match against Slovakia. It had become a joke among our group that the Irish men were following me everywhere, because everywhere we went a group of Irish men would show up...and they were LOUD. So we found a quiet little pub where we were the only patrons and ordered a beer which was literally equivalent to 3 pints. While peacefully enjoying our beer we heard this chanting in the distance. I said, "Oh my gosh, it´s the Irish men!" No one believed me...but sure enough, here they came marching down the street, thousands of them holding their flags and singing. The best part, they were escorted by the Slovak police who stopped traffic so the Irish could march on. So as much as they annoyed me at times...it gave me goose bumps to see such pride and team spirit.
I am now in a beautiful little village of 600 people, where I have already experienced the best rum I have ever had and the most beautiful stars I have ever seen. And the best part...my host´s father is a wine inspector. He tastes and judges all of the wines in the Central region of Slovakia. So he is going to take me on a winery tour of the best "underground cellars" in the region. I cannot even tell you how excited I am for this experience.
I still do not have a plan and am just taking things one day at a time. While I could spend the rest of my life in Slovakia, I know I have to move on at some point. I will touch base in the next couple of days. Hope all is well with you!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Ahoj from Slovakia!
Hello everyone! Hope all is well with you. I am doing great. I LOVED Bratislava, it was absolutely amazing. I spent a few days there, which is plenty for checking things out. It is a relatively small city...population 500,000. There is the Old Town portion of the city that is so charming. Then as you venture away from the center of town you really see the influences from communism, which is very interesting.
I am now in a small village of about 600 people in the middle of Slovakia, it is gorgeous! I took a 5 hour bus ride to get here, much of Slovakia looks like the Midwest. The quaint villages in the region I am in are right out of a Disney movie. My favorite part are all of the vinyards...the home made wine here is to die for!
I will update again tomorrow with more details of what I have been up to and hopefully some pictures too. I just wanted to check in and let everyone know that I am alive and well. Talk to you tomorrow.
I am now in a small village of about 600 people in the middle of Slovakia, it is gorgeous! I took a 5 hour bus ride to get here, much of Slovakia looks like the Midwest. The quaint villages in the region I am in are right out of a Disney movie. My favorite part are all of the vinyards...the home made wine here is to die for!
I will update again tomorrow with more details of what I have been up to and hopefully some pictures too. I just wanted to check in and let everyone know that I am alive and well. Talk to you tomorrow.
Friday, September 5, 2008
My first day
Well, I made it through my first day. I must say, the people are very nice. I had been told that if you have questions, look for someone under 30 and ask, as they are more likely to speak english and be helpful. This is only based on Vienna thus far, so not an objective judgement, but I totally disagree with that advice. The young people aren't rude, just very abrupt and they let me know I'm wasting their time. The older generation, however, love to take the time to show you where to go and make sure you have everything you're looking for. The language barrier is HUGE, but they are the sweetest people!
I had my first dinner last night, which I was so excited for after eating 3 straight meals in a row on an airplane. I found a quaint little restaurant where I could sit outside and enjoy the awesome weather. For any calories I burned yesterday walking, I more than made up for it in this meal. If you hate pork, skip to the next paragraph because this will gross you out. It was called Cordon Bleu, but I've never experienced Cordon Bleu like this. It was a LARGE piece of pork, folded in half and stuffed with swiss cheese and ham, then the whole thing was deep fried. It was seriously the size of an elephant ear at a fair. Oh yeah, it came with fries. And you guessed right...I ate every single bite...washed down with 3 glorious beers.
After 12 hours of sleep and a nice balanced breakfast, I just checked out of my hotel and am getting ready to explore the streets of Vienna. I only have about 4 hours until I need to check into my boat ride, so it will be a whirlwind tour. I think my first stop is a cup of coffee and some people watching.
Enjoy your day! If you're working, so sorry to hear...this whole unemployed thing is really doing wonders for my outlook on life Ö (I can't find the keys to make a smiley face, so let's assign that letter as one). Miss you all, I'll be in touch!
I had my first dinner last night, which I was so excited for after eating 3 straight meals in a row on an airplane. I found a quaint little restaurant where I could sit outside and enjoy the awesome weather. For any calories I burned yesterday walking, I more than made up for it in this meal. If you hate pork, skip to the next paragraph because this will gross you out. It was called Cordon Bleu, but I've never experienced Cordon Bleu like this. It was a LARGE piece of pork, folded in half and stuffed with swiss cheese and ham, then the whole thing was deep fried. It was seriously the size of an elephant ear at a fair. Oh yeah, it came with fries. And you guessed right...I ate every single bite...washed down with 3 glorious beers.
After 12 hours of sleep and a nice balanced breakfast, I just checked out of my hotel and am getting ready to explore the streets of Vienna. I only have about 4 hours until I need to check into my boat ride, so it will be a whirlwind tour. I think my first stop is a cup of coffee and some people watching.
Enjoy your day! If you're working, so sorry to hear...this whole unemployed thing is really doing wonders for my outlook on life Ö (I can't find the keys to make a smiley face, so let's assign that letter as one). Miss you all, I'll be in touch!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
I`m so international!
I made it! It was a very long day, but I´m here in Vienna. I took the train from the airport and even transfered without getting lost. Feels like a huge accomplishment today. I must say, I am so glad I am used to public transporation at home...it makes for one less headache while traveling.
The letters are all different on the keyboard, so this is taking a little longer than it should. I´m going to go grab some dinner and drinks and get a good night of sleep. I´m off to Slovakia tomorrow. I´m going to take a boat ride down the Danube and it will drop me off in Bratislava...thought that sounded like more fun than the train!
Hope everyone is doing well! I`ll write more when my brain is functioning properly!
The letters are all different on the keyboard, so this is taking a little longer than it should. I´m going to go grab some dinner and drinks and get a good night of sleep. I´m off to Slovakia tomorrow. I´m going to take a boat ride down the Danube and it will drop me off in Bratislava...thought that sounded like more fun than the train!
Hope everyone is doing well! I`ll write more when my brain is functioning properly!
Monday, September 1, 2008
2 more days!
So I just booked my hotel for my first night in Vienna! Yeah, a little last minute, but I wouldn't do it any other way :-) I'm officially unemployed and homeless now; it's quite surreal. This last week has been exhausting trying to finish up with work and moving. If I can give any advice, take a few days off between your last day of work and moving. I still have a lot of details to take care of and need to start packing, but things are starting to come together. The big stuff is over!
I am flying by the seat of my pants on this trip, and as most of you know, I don't have much of a plan. This is what I know so far. I land in Vienna, Austria on Thursday at 12:30pm. I am going to spend Thursday night and most of the day Friday in Vienna, then will head to Bratislava, Slovakia Friday afternoon. That's all I know so far, but I will keep you posted.
Well, it's time to get ready for a going away BBQ. Another day and night of eating and drinking! Seriously, my clothes barely fit after the last 2 months of celebrating. Good thing I have a lot of walking ahead of me ;-)
I am flying by the seat of my pants on this trip, and as most of you know, I don't have much of a plan. This is what I know so far. I land in Vienna, Austria on Thursday at 12:30pm. I am going to spend Thursday night and most of the day Friday in Vienna, then will head to Bratislava, Slovakia Friday afternoon. That's all I know so far, but I will keep you posted.
Well, it's time to get ready for a going away BBQ. Another day and night of eating and drinking! Seriously, my clothes barely fit after the last 2 months of celebrating. Good thing I have a lot of walking ahead of me ;-)
Friday, August 22, 2008
Giddy up!
Well, I'm really doing this! It's finally sinking in and I must admit, I'm a bit nervous. My mom is on her way to help me pack because once again, I've procrastinated! My last day at work is August 29th, I have to be out of my apartment August 31st, and I fly to Vienna September 3rd. I have a lot to do to get ready.
While away, I will do my best to update my blog every couple of days so everyone can share the experiences with me. When I get to some of the more remote places I am guessing internet access will be limited, but I'll try to give everyone a heads up beforehand so that no one worries about my safety.
Speaking of safety, many of you have expressed concern for my safety. Please know that I will be careful and will remain aware of my surroundings at all times. I have purchased a UK cell phone which works in 170 countries, so I should be good. I'm not worried, if anyone can do this, it's me :-)
I'll write again before take-off. Have a great weekend!
While away, I will do my best to update my blog every couple of days so everyone can share the experiences with me. When I get to some of the more remote places I am guessing internet access will be limited, but I'll try to give everyone a heads up beforehand so that no one worries about my safety.
Speaking of safety, many of you have expressed concern for my safety. Please know that I will be careful and will remain aware of my surroundings at all times. I have purchased a UK cell phone which works in 170 countries, so I should be good. I'm not worried, if anyone can do this, it's me :-)
I'll write again before take-off. Have a great weekend!
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