Goal!
It's been a while since I've written about my travel adventures. I couldn't let today go by without giving it a mention. Why? Because today marks a year that I left the US to travel and live abroad.
It was my goal to stay gone one year. It was my hope not to return for an indefinite period of time. For those of you who may not know, my journey carried me through the fjords in the land of the midnight sun in Norway, the ghettos of Paris along with the jardins of the Louvre, the pink sunrises, super yachts and fresh food of Antibes, the walls of Berlin, wild nights smoking shisha in Frankfurt, the hellish heat of Roma, hearing sex on my balcony in Barcelona, delectable paella and sangria in Valencia, a primitive yet enchanting existence in Morocco and a two-week party in Malaga. I can't tell you about it all because I would be typing for days and you woudn't read it all.
The year finished, surprisingly, with what has come to be life here in Prague. I have a growing network of friends like Kat and Kingsley. And it's starting to feel a bit like home.
This year has given me the greatest gifts: life experiences I will forever treasure. The traveling has slowed and I am learning what patience is.
After my doomed trip to Bratislava where the Czech Embassy was closed, a week later I learned the Czech government swooped in to seize all the paperwork there. Apparently, the embassy officials were extorting money from foreigners like me who wanted and needed work/residential Visas. Arrests have been made. Like I stated, papers were seized. Had I filed there, I would be at back at square one. So, the curse turned out to be a blessing.
However, another issue has presented itself. Now, I will be going to Dresden where the Czech embassy does things by appointment only. The trouble now is, I am not the only person being re-routed from Bratislava to Dresden where there are only a certain number of appointments to be had each week. So I am still waiting and waiting and waiting. I don't know how much longer I can take this because patience is not a virtue I possess in abundance. This must be the lesson I am meant to learn.
As I wait, I make good use of the time by writing and writing and writing. Some for money to pay the rent but most for free as I am planting seeds for my harvest. That was a lesson learned last year and it stuck.
As I gave up the life I had in search of the life I wanted, I now have it to some degree. I feel I am better for it in mind, body and, most importantly, spirit. Every year I should grow as much as I did during the year of my reckoning. I have a lot of people to thank for their love and support during the last year. You know who you are, so know I am extremely grateful.
Thank you. Tusen Takk. Merci Bo coup. Danke. Grazie. Gracias. Dekujeme. <---- (I told you Czech was hard to learn.)
It was my goal to stay gone one year. It was my hope not to return for an indefinite period of time. For those of you who may not know, my journey carried me through the fjords in the land of the midnight sun in Norway, the ghettos of Paris along with the jardins of the Louvre, the pink sunrises, super yachts and fresh food of Antibes, the walls of Berlin, wild nights smoking shisha in Frankfurt, the hellish heat of Roma, hearing sex on my balcony in Barcelona, delectable paella and sangria in Valencia, a primitive yet enchanting existence in Morocco and a two-week party in Malaga. I can't tell you about it all because I would be typing for days and you woudn't read it all.
The year finished, surprisingly, with what has come to be life here in Prague. I have a growing network of friends like Kat and Kingsley. And it's starting to feel a bit like home.
This year has given me the greatest gifts: life experiences I will forever treasure. The traveling has slowed and I am learning what patience is.
After my doomed trip to Bratislava where the Czech Embassy was closed, a week later I learned the Czech government swooped in to seize all the paperwork there. Apparently, the embassy officials were extorting money from foreigners like me who wanted and needed work/residential Visas. Arrests have been made. Like I stated, papers were seized. Had I filed there, I would be at back at square one. So, the curse turned out to be a blessing.
However, another issue has presented itself. Now, I will be going to Dresden where the Czech embassy does things by appointment only. The trouble now is, I am not the only person being re-routed from Bratislava to Dresden where there are only a certain number of appointments to be had each week. So I am still waiting and waiting and waiting. I don't know how much longer I can take this because patience is not a virtue I possess in abundance. This must be the lesson I am meant to learn.
As I wait, I make good use of the time by writing and writing and writing. Some for money to pay the rent but most for free as I am planting seeds for my harvest. That was a lesson learned last year and it stuck.
As I gave up the life I had in search of the life I wanted, I now have it to some degree. I feel I am better for it in mind, body and, most importantly, spirit. Every year I should grow as much as I did during the year of my reckoning. I have a lot of people to thank for their love and support during the last year. You know who you are, so know I am extremely grateful.
Thank you. Tusen Takk. Merci Bo coup. Danke. Grazie. Gracias. Dekujeme. <---- (I told you Czech was hard to learn.)
Really nice article sweetie! Its so honest n full of optimism! I c U in good mood! That means Im happy cuz my tight girrrl feels happy!
Have a beautiful shiny day & I thank U too!
Dekuji
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Hey KaT!
Yes, I figure being full-o-optimism is better than being full-o-chit! LOL. It's a little secret I've learned. More to come on that one later. I am truly glad I met you...thanks to the people who make a "Place for Friends" for that one, eh? I am also looking forward to the day when we can become roomies in a cool place in Center! YAY!! We will be a triple threat then.
Enjoy the sunshine and I am looking forward to the week of the 17th. I will miss you this weekend.
ttys,
LL
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You are so gifted which many people who have not traveled could imagine.
What's so amazing with you is that you release all fears and truck on in to these other 3 world countries basically by yourself. This trait is to be admired by everyone. You, girlfriend have more balls than most men I have met in my entire lifetime.
Traveling brings awareness, growth, education also aligns the mind, body and spirit. It keeps you aligned with God and how special you are.
Your bravery, your intelligence along with your great heart will bring rewards your way. You deserve the best LL, which ever road you travel.
Good Luck and God Bless You, my gifted one.
Love ya,
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Hey Nash.
Thanks for all your kind words. You are one who helps me through the more difficult days of late. So, those 'thank yous' are meant for you as well.
Love you too.
LL
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Hey there LL, great article, thankfully it seems all is on the right track now. Sounds like you have had some real fun and exciting times and some disappointments alone the way, but all sounds good other than that. Take care and hope to hear from you soon.
TTYL
McBobly
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Hi McBobly!
It truly was a year of growth. It seemed like there were more downs and than up but that is only the way it seemed. My entire experience abroad has been wonderful and eyeopening, the pain-in-the-arse moments included.
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and read up. Welcome to the Met.
ttys,
LL
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I have to second what Nashville said - I could not have said it better myself..
"Traveling brings awareness, growth, education also aligns the mind, body and spirit. It keeps you aligned with God and how special you are.
Your bravery, your intelligence along with your great heart will bring rewards your way. You deserve the best LL, which ever road you travel. "
I am so glad that you have been able to grow so much from your experiences - your awareness has grown immensly... you know me Im all about the travel and internationalism lol lol... I am so happy for you and I know you will continue to network, grow and see many more things in life - there is more to come just be open, aware and most of all be yourself.....
By the way Anis is finally coming home for 1 month at the end of June
As always great to hear from you and read your thoughts and opinions
M
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Hey Mannie!
That is great -- I mean, GREAT! -- news about Anis! YAY! I would be so terrific if you got to spend time in any Arab country. Alas, there are too many so I couldn't guess, you'll just have to tell me. However, I couldn't be more happy for you. D is just about a woman, so the timing couldn't be more perfect.
Thank you for your support throughout this first year abroad. I always enjoy reading your comments. I am very excited about the next leg of my journey and can't wait (well, I think I can actually but you get my drift) to share what that will be!
For the record, I have noticed a difference in my perspective about everything. I suspect a bit of internationalism has helped to make me smarter. Everything has been worth it just for that alone! *winks*
Thanks for reading. Keep me posted on your plans!
LL
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Awesome!!!
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