Welcome to Praha!

In the words of my Uber driver: “Welcome to Praha!” Which I actually do not get at all (Prague? Praha? Which is it?). But then again, the language here is very much not like Spanish, and after 6 months in Spanish-speaking countries, we’re all struggling a bit.

Fun phrases:

Ahoj = hi (this one cracks me up, ahoy matey!)

Dobry den = basically hello/good day

Ano = yes (…this should be interesting)

Na zdravi = cheers!

If you’re a traveler, I’m sure you’ve heard that you can ‘do’ Prague in a weekend; True and False. In one day I walked all around Prague, through Old Town and across the river, into churches and down cobblestone streets with Disneyland buildings, stopped at the best coffee shops, and tried trdelnik and Czech beer. You could say I covered all my bases, but there is SO MUCH MORE TO DO.

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As you know, last week was my trip to Raleigh. I had often mentioned the people who told me how re-grounding it was to go home during RY- how it gives you fresh perspective on the blessing that is your life. My trip home was certainly all of these things, but what I was only vaguely warned about was how hard it might be to leave again. Six months post-departure to Mexico, I had no uncertainty or worries about RY- it’s the best part about my life right now. These people are my family, who I admire deeply and crave being around because of the joy each and every one of them brings me. I’m traveling the flipping world. I’m happier than I’ve ever been. So why did my last two days at home flood me with such sadness?

The answer: appreciation.

For the first time, I was truly appreciating my former life. The beautiful, clean and colorful city that is Raleigh. Running into old friends and catching up like nothing has changed. My office and the people in it. A familiar bedroom filled with all my old things and memories. A glass of wine on the back patio in the warm summer heat. The stories I’ve listened to a dozen times, but truly want to hear again. Real rest. Understanding when I let my anxiety show. Help when I don’t feel like being strong and independent.

When I look back on why I did remote year, I probably used the word ‘escape’ a few times. Sure, some of the quirks of the South may not be for me, but I had a great life in Raleigh. I still have a great life in Raleigh. But I also have a great life here in Prague, and back in Mexico City, or maybe in Kyoto (did I mention we’re going to Japan instead of Cambodia?). And who knows where I will end up calling home after this year. The pain it caused me to leave my home in Raleigh is just a reminder that I’m learning not to take things for granted. And while many times we think the grass is greener on the other side, for me lately, the grass is greenest where I stand. Wherever that may be.

So yeah, there was some separation anxiety the second time around, because on this trip we forget that we are always in a state of discomfort and home was…home.  But I’m back in the swing of things, friends are in town, and I have activities lined up from now until the fat lady sings.

That said, you may not hear from me for a couple weeks, but I’ll have plenty to report back on then. Mainly my first ever camping music festival… pray for me. Now cue the Euro-party.

Na Zdravi!

#NP: Dear Raleigh - Kooley High