Empowerment

When I took my first trip to Europe, I was a bit timid and overwhelmed. I was glad to be with my brother and a tour group. But it only took me a few days to become comfortable with my surroundings, so much so I decided I could follow my own way for a bit.

Our group was on "free time" and my brother and some others wanted to sit in a cafe and eat. I at first sat with them, but quickly became quite agitated that a) I was not hungry and b) why was I "wasting" my time sitting with these people when I could be out seeing something.

Therefore, I quite literally jumped up, made an excuse of some sort, and set off on my own. Bear in mind that I am in a country where I don't speak the language and I'm about to take off on my blister-laden feet through the sweltering heat that is July in Prague.

Knowing a little bit of the history by now, I knew that one of the Czech Republic's most holy relics, the Infant of Prague, was contained in the Church of our Lady Victorious. I also knew that our tour would not take us near there.

If you are familiar with Prague, you know that the Vltava River runs through the city and you can cross it via the St. Charles Bridge. When I left my group, I was in the old square in front of the astronomical clock tower and had to find my way to the Bridge and then to the Church.  I will talk more of these sights in later blogs.

My first delight was in finding the Havelska Street Market. The booths were filled with all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as souvenirs. I picked up a small clock which was reminiscent of the astronomical clock for less than I had seen in the regular shops. I also indulged in a small bunch of the best grapes I have ever eaten. They were warmed by the sun and full of flavor. I munched on them as I continued my walk to the Bridge.

Havelska Street Market, Prague

Just look at those old buildings and cobblestones! Although it was as I said a sweltering heat, everyone was friendly, polite and generally in a good mood. I stopped and looked at every stand before I remembered I was on a mission with a time schedule; I had to be back in the old square by 4pm to meet up with the bus back to our hotel.

I continued on my way and felt a bit lost in searching for the river. All the streets curve and the buildings are high so you can't really get a good bearing. Lucky for me I am one of those people who can usually remember where I've been and have a good sense of direction. I made it to the church and back to the meeting point with time to spare.

I say all that to say, as I was crossing the bridge back I was struck by the thought, "I am doing it." I had navigated an unknown city, without knowing the language, and I did it all on my own. No one to fall back on, no one to ask what to do next. I was completely independent.

It. Felt. Wonderful.

This feeling stayed with me through trip. But it wasn't just the independence; I was doing more physically than I ever thought possible. The heat was oppressive, my feet were blistered, my muscles were sore, I was jet lagged, and yet I carried on.

Never give up. Since then I try to incorporate this into my day to day life. Live life to the fullest.

You Don't Have To Leave Town

I had to travel half way around the globe to come to the realization that you don't need to leave your own city to have a marvelous trip. When you are in a strange city, whether it is in another country or across your own, you look at it with different eyes.

I found myself taking pictures of buildings and bridges and statues and landscapes that if I lived there, I probably never would. Why take a picture of a Frank Gehry building, if it is two blocks from where you work?

The Dancing House in Prague, also known as Fred and Ginger or the less polite Drunken Building

And how often do you go to the zoo or a museum in your own town?

Ad for Phoenix Art Museum

If it's not as often as you would like, then I challenge you to get out and be a tourist where you live. The advantages are great - you speak the language (presumably), you probably know your way around, you won't necessarily need a hotel or restaurant (although I'm always easily talked into indulging in both of those), and you won't have to go through security at the airport.

Take pictures and buy souvenirs so you can always remember that there really is no place like home. Besides, think of all the people getting on jets and flying in just to see what you take for granted.

Passing Through Bratislava, Slovakia

Alas, this trip I was with a tour group so had no say over where I went or how long I stayed. This spectacular bridge was my first sight after leaving the bus:

Novy Most or New Bridge over Danube

That is a "boatel" in the foreground. It's a hotel on a boat. Looks like a fun place to stay and within sight of the castle:

Bratislava Castle

From there we walked to a nice park that had restaurants, shops and hotels along it's cobblestone paths.

This beautiful building was the main focus of the square:

Through the middle is a long row of pools that people were able to take a break from the heat by cooling their feet. Next to the pools was a very large chess set.

Nearby was also a statue of Hans Christian Andersen which surprised me because I never associated him with Slovakia, but apparently they liked him there.

Hans Christian Andersen

I wish I had more time to spend in this delightful country. One day I would like to go back. It wasn't just the beautiful countryside and buildings, it was all the history from kings to communism. Nothing makes history come to life like visiting the locations.