Respite, “A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.”
I have used this word several times in conversations over the past couple months. I didn’t really think about it until Dave said to me, “I’m not sure if that word translates into…Greek, Albanian, Croatian or Czech”, depending on where we were. It got me thinking about using words, without thinking about the meaning, mainly because of how hot it has been the past two months since we’ve been in Europe. As an EL teacher I think about language a lot and I found it interesting to reflect upon how many words I use, assuming people know what they mean, without thinking about it. That, and the fact that most of those exchanges were a one off unless it was with someone that I had taken time to get to know. With multiple interactions and exchanges you’re given the chance to ask questions and clarify if there has been a misunderstanding. Which makes me think about the book The Little Prince and being “tamed.” There haven’t been a lot of chances to be “tamed” on this adventure and I think that is why we have a greater appreciation for the places that we stay in longer than a week. It creates more opportunities to cultivate a situation where one can be “tamed.” If you don’t know the story of The Little Prince, definitely check it out. It is one of my favorites and there are a lot of words of wisdom, which my French teacher in high school called “WOWs”, that are applicable at any point in your life.
I can’t believe that we have been in Europe two months already! It seems to have passed so quickly. We’ve done and seen so many amazing things. Last week we were in Prague and while we were there I got to spend an amazing two and a half days with my dear friend who extended her time in Europe just to visit us. Being with her was good for the soul. I do truly love my solo adventures and what a gift to have someone to share them with! We did a lot of walking and saw several of the incredible things there are to see in Prague. The Astronomical Clock, Church of Our Lady before Tyn on Old Town Square, we did the Pilsner Urquell tour, Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral (which reminded me of Notre Dame in Paris), Strahov Monastery and Brewery, Petřín Lookout Tower, Letná Park, the Metronome and Lookout Beer Garden, Frank Kafka Museum, The Lennon Wall, Lesser Town and Saint Charles Bridge and much much more. We even went on a Ghost Tour one night, which Dave had been talking about wanting to do since we were in Charleston, and it was fun to learn more about the city in a unique way.
During our time together I was thinking about the things that I missed about home, besides my friends and family. The things that came to mind were, in no particular order, chip n dip, dill pickles, Target, anything that doesn’t smell-specifically like mildew, a clothes dryer, Mac n Cheese and Diet Coke-especially from McDonalds! It doesn’t exist people! Initially I thought that my blog would be about these things and then I changed course because, a) sometimes that is what happens when I start writing and b) I thought it was silly to focus on what I missed. I feel like it takes away from all the joy and that isn’t what this adventure is about.
In spite of the heat, funk and discomfort, we had an amazing week in Prague. I even gave myself what I needed by taking an overnight in Český Krumlov which was absolutely spectacular. My dad and I had visited this magical place 23 years ago but only for a day and it was wonderful to go back and spend more time there exploring. It was also incredible, even though I would’ve loved to have Dave along with me, to sleep in a comfortable bed that didn’t smell like mildew! 😂 I took the bus there on Thursday and arrived around 11am. I walked over 18,000 steps the first day and saw many beautiful things. I think the part I liked best was walking along the river. I don’t remember doing that the last time I was there and it was a nice respite from the crowded streets of Prague.
Saturday night we began our three weeks in Dublin. We had a later flight leaving Prague and our luggage missed the connection in Amsterdam but I remembered my supplies this time. We spent the good part of Sunday waiting for our luggage to be delivered to our Air bnb but then we were able to go to Dave’s “Aunt’s” house in Leixlip, about 25 minutes outside of Dublin, for a meal and it was absolutely lovely. By the way, Aunt is in quotation marks because she is actually the sister of his Aunt who we spent two weeks with in San Pedro, CA back in the end of February beginning of March. We met her and her husband for the first time eight years ago when we joined his Aunt and Uncle at their house to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. Having time with family and eating a home cooked meal is also something that we have been missing and we left our gathering with very full bellies and hearts.
This is my fifth time in Dublin and I’m looking forward to exploring places that I haven’t explored before. Dave’s family gave me lots of recommendations and insider tips last night so once again I’m excited to see what our time here has in store for us. We chose to come here for this amount of time because Dave has several coworkers in Dublin. He is definitely looking forward to being able to collaborate with them in person.
Here are a few things, besides our time with family, that are already bringing me joy a little over 24hrs in. Our place is a lovely one bedroom with a space for Dave to work, a balcony, and it is in a great location near the Brazen Head. Which is the oldest pub in Dublin. The bed is comfortable, the sheets and towels don’t smell like mildew, and the French Press is big enough to make several full cups of coffee! Oh and the forecast! See attached. Now that I think about it, maybe this post should have been entitled “relief” instead. 😄
I am extremely grateful for all these things and I am aware everyday just how fortunate I am. Even though I wish we were together I’m thankful to you for coming alongside me throughout this adventure. Sending you love wherever you are! ♥️
