Trenčín, Slovakia
July 13-14, 2012
July 31st
July 11th
Crystal Glamour Factory Tour:
July 10, 2012, Okrohoulice, CZ
We had so much fun! I don’t know if it was the seemingly primitive production method, them having zero concern for liability, imagining how many safety regulations would be violated if we were in the US, the simple and carefree environment, or seeing the workers equally amused by our presence and awe. Whatever it was, the tour was very different than anything we could do at home, and it felt like we were experiencing something unique to time and place.
My mom, her long-time friend Nancy, and I skipped the organized tours and contacted a factory directly to coordinate our own. Jaroslav was happy to show us around the factory and even picked us up from the train station- all for free with no pressure to shop! (Although anyone who knows my mother knows that she doesn’t need any push to purchase.) I’m not one for knick knacks or clutter, but seeing the crystal production from start to finish has greatly increased my appreciation for these handcrafted treasures.
July 2nd
Lessons reinforced from “learning” student:
- The importance of asking questions, listening, and then responding.
- The first week at a new job is the hardest.
- Masters degrees are not as daunting and unachievable as they seem. The programs are challenging, but many people are successful. You can do it. I can do it.
- You have to actually try something and work hard at it to know if you like it or not.
- It is more comfortable and less stressful doing a job when you have training. The more experience and education you have for your job, the easier it is.
- English grammar. Tenses in particular, when to use them and how to form them. Here is a resource.
Getting In
For all the travelers with a one way flight ticket who are uncertain about entry into a Schengen Area country.
My mom had this issue flying from Chicago to Prague with a transfer at London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic was set on not letting her fly to London because of this “rule.” After talking with the airlines/ debating about the regulation/ skyping with me, my mom was lucky that a Polish baggage man spoke up and told the present manager that you do not need a return flight ticket to enter the Schengen Area.
The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area which is a group of countries with open borders between them. This area includes 25 European Union countries with the exception of the United Kingdom and addition of Iceland and Norway. If you read through entry and exit requirements for the Schengen Area, you will not find a requirement stating that a return ticket is needed for tourists. To be certain of this, I confirmed this with two representatives from the US Embassy in Prague. There is no special rule requiring travelers to have a return ticket when they enter the Czech Republic.
It is unusual to fly to Europe from the US on a one way ticket without a visa. This may raise questions at customs. From my understanding and from no official source, customs officials can deny you entry into the country if they believe you are trying to illegally immigrate. This does not seem to be a problem for Americans traveling to the Czech Republic, especially with the lax customs officers at Vaclav Havel Prague Airport.
Airlines have two reasons why they will misinform you and not allow you to board the plane without a return ticket:
1) An airlines is responsible for you if the country to which you are traveling denies you entry. One online discussion board on the topic mentions a situation when an airlines had to pay for food vouchers and an airport hotel room when a traveler was denied entry into the country. Other discussion boards claim that an airline is responsible for sending you back to your original departure country if you are denied entry.
2) Airline companies are in the business of selling tickets. So, if you find out last minute that you cannot get on your flight, let alone through security, you are likely to buy an expensive one way ticket from their company.
Other countries outside of the Schengen region will probably have different rules and regulations. If you are unsure about entry requirements to a country you are traveling after reading the websites of the Department of State, the American Embassy in Country XYZ, and the XYZ Consulate in your country, make a phone call or write an email to the consulate and/or embassy.
To avoid this situation, buy a round trip ticket if you can. Round trip tickets are cheaper and more convenient. If you really want to be indecisive or carefree with your travel plans, just be able to stand your ground at the airport in the US. Ask for a manager, ask for proof, and be confident in your ability to fly into the Schengen Area without a roundtrip ticket. At this point, you probably know more about the topic than they do, so do not be timid.
I do not accept any liability for botched travel plans. This is just my experience and understanding.
(Source: that-anchor-holds, via sweet-southern-charm)
June 15th
Budapest: Authentically Hipster, Happily Tragic
January 6-8, 2012
Dusseldorf was too short of time with my cousin, so I am happy to report that Andrea and I continued our travels together after she arrived New Year’s Day in Praha. I had to work when she was in Praha, but, as a seasoned traveler, Andrea was able to see the sights and make friends while doing it.
Budapest is such a great city. Anyone who makes it as far as Praha should visit Budapest. It is full of history and an inexpensive place to visit. We left a lot to chance- arriving with no map, no place to stay, and with a text message reporting our bus to Vienna was cancelled. Shortly after our arrival, we were befriended at the bus station by two fellow Americans, also lost. Everything worked out, as it always does. In our few short days, we shared a table with strangers for amazing thai food, took 2.5 walking tours, bathed at the bath houses, stopped over at the Ernst Museum, and relaxed in the ruins bar, Simpla. Then it was off to Vienna!
Vienna, Austria
January 9-11, 2012
Our first day in Vienna was a total SNAFU. The day started with the most intense run of my life, trying to catch the bus to actually get to Vienna. Andrea and I were very lucky the bus was running 45 minutes late, although this would have been nice to know before I broke my lungs. We were able to tour the catacombs at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and walk the historic district, but the rest of the day was spent trying to find a place to stay that didn’t have reports of bed bugs and unsuccessfully coordinating a meet up with Brona. I was so, so happy to take off my backpack once we settled on a hostel.
Andrea and I started our one full day together at Schloss Schonbrunn or Schonbruun Palace. This was a pretty sight in the winter, but I presume 100 times better to see in the spring, summer, or fall. Next, we stopped in the personal home and office of Sigmund Freud to inquire about why we are blessed with such great mental health. The doctor wasn’t in, so we headed to Belvedere Palace to see the major works by Gustav Klimt. We got to Kunsthaaus Wien, designed by famous architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, just after sunset to take a few unsuccessful photos of the fun, quirky buildings designed with bright colors and strong elements of nature.
By late evening we were quite tired, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity of attending a mini opera at the Vienna State Opera or Wiener Staatsoper for just 3.5 euro. We were very excited because Grandma & Grandpa really hyped up the music scene in Vienna, just like Rick Steve:
“As far back as the 12th century, Vienna was a mecca for musicians, both secular (troubadours) and sacred. The Habsburg emperors of the 17th and 18th centuries were not only generous supporters of music but fine musicians themselves. (Maria Theresa played a mean double bass.) Composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Mahler gravitated to this music-friendly environment. They taught each other, jammed together, and spent a lot of time in Habsburg palaces. Beethoven was a famous figure, walking — lost in musical thought — through Vienna’s wooded parks.”
The standing area was slightly embarrassing to be a part of as there were cellphones ringing and a steady exodus of people as they bore tired of the opera. If you ever make it to the opera, stay until the end. Watching the performers take bow after bow after bow is the most entertaining part of the experience.
The third day Alyssa and I visited the famous Naschmarkt- a long street of fresh food stands with scattered restaurants and a flee market. My new food experience- dragon fruit!
It was quite sad to say goodbye to my cousin, but I am happy for our time together.
Our journeys continue.
June 7th
June 6, 2012
Exhibition of the Castle Guards: featuring my one and only.
I tried out to be in the motorcade, but the guy next to me ended up getting the job. Hate how these things happen- my career research and subsequent job hunt shall continue.
May 31st
Twenty Three. I had a truly wonderful birthday weekend with Kuba and the Dubecky family. Highlights were Cirque du Soleil, seeing the sheep get their spring haircut, running from village to village with Míša, playing some crazy Czech card game with the fam, birthday cake, and rollerblading on my new rollerblades from Kuba. I feel really, really fortunate.
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Below are some excerpts from my annual birthday journal entry. I think they are an honest reflection and assessment of my current state. ______________________________________________________________________
“Greatness. I really want this.”
“Family: I miss them. I miss my family of friends as well… I struggle because I feel like by choosing to stay in Prague, I am sending a message that these people aren’t important to me, which couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“To the future me, I hope you are happy, that you commit, and that you are great. Continue to be grateful because you are truly, truly blessed. Keep writing it all out. It makes you feel better.”
May 9th
Lesson of the Day: How long do eggs last?
Fill a large bowl with water and remember this
If she floats on her side eat her with pride
If she stands on one end in to the baking pan
A floater is a stinker and out the door you must fling her
