Prague + Funny Rocks

I was staring at the town map erected just outside the train station. For once, I had tried to research where to go prior to arriving, but I had struggled mightily with the inconsistent hostel Internet and poor Czech online instructions. Therefore, I resorted back to my old ways. As I was studying the map in Turnov, a small group of young people walked up. After fifteen seconds, I turned to the girl next to me (she sounded Australian) and simply asked if they were heading to the famous rock formations I was seeking. Similar to many times before, this simple question was the icebreaker needed to gain some unanticipated, but definitely appreciated company. What had started as a solo trip into the less “touristy” part of Czech Republic turned into a great hike through a beautiful forest with 12 different people from all over the world—each with a unique and interesting story. While there are times when I feel it is good to be alone, genuine, sincere and honest conversations can be very powerful. My fondest memories of Czech Republic is that peaceful walk though the forest and the sharing of life stories with new friends.

Born and raised in Texas... I wear bright clothing in forests.

Prague is no longer secret gem of Europe. The tourists flock to the beautiful, cobblestone streets in droves. While I recommend visiting the city and I understand the lore, there were too many tourists (I am in peak season right now) so I did not “fall in love” like so many others.

Those people are not locals

I experienced my first July 4^th outside the United States while in Prague. A group of Americans and Kiwis decided to go to one of the famous beer gardens in the city for beer, sausages, beer pong (eventually) and fireworks. While many thousands of miles from home, some assemblance of a normal July 4^th weekend was welcoming and refreshing. We brought a little slice of America to Czech Republic that night and our numbers grew from the initial five to over fifty by night’s end (beer pong to Americans is like a light bulb to a mosquitos).

3-hour train delay from Budapest to Prague. Shocker!