Serious Writing.

I have been slacking for sometime now and while I have been good at keeping my personal journal, I have become a sham. I apologize for delaying my insight for this long.

After much walking and sweating early this morning, Tomas and I were able to secure and cross the first benchmark in my visa marathon around Eastern Europe. The next leg of the marathon will begin 12 September as I make an exciting trek to the embassy in Bratislava-details coming soon. Preceding this adventure, I should retrieve my visa and have it safely in my passport in time for me to return to the states for the holidays. Bureaucracy is, truly, for the birds.

This century is amazing with its seeming paranormal abilities to keep people in touch globally, whether they want to be or not. I have had many Google talks and Skype dates with my kindred and have been able to give walking tours of my homes more charming attributes (this mostly consist of the ever luxurious Bathroom & Kitchen) Who thought you would need two rooms? Nonsense!

Greatness.

I have made it one week without a cellphone and this has been the greatest gift of all. Imagine a world where you don't have something ringing all the time—pure bliss. I promised Tomas I would procure one by the end of the week, but I am filled with dread. It’s not so much the postulation of having a cell phone, but rather the moment that I have to be able to ask someone for a SIM card. I am preparing a written translation today. I have also prepared a written translation for the post office where I will go tomorrow to get stamps. For those that I have promised letters, they are coming soon. Foolish? Most definitely.

Classes start on Thursday and I am a wee bit nervous about meeting the parents. However, I am excited to teach the children this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCGKQvSz43s Well, maybe not, but the video should be quite amusing when you see it.

My school.



I have grown quite an affinity for XL Cappuccino, which I drink at Chocco Caffe daily. While it does not possess the attitude of some of my favorite neighborhood establishments back in the states, it makes a wicked XL Cappuccino, which would put any other coffee shops to shame. My tastes were validated today when I ran into some other English teachers who said this was the best place to get coffee in town. Alas! These teachers work at the Technical College in town and teach about horticulture. Finally, I have some resolve and explanation for why there are so many epically gorgeous gardens throughout!

Horticulturalist at work.

While here my diet has consisted of what one might refer to as the "jail bird diet". Lots of bread (which I hope is whole grain, otherwise I think I have a 5 lbs. bag of bleached while flour sitting in my tummy) and Prameita voda, otherwise known as bubbly water.

All for now, more pictures this week, and of course a report on adventures to the phone store and post office.

The mission continues...

On a mission to write something everyday, here is
A beautiful poem for a beautiful day. & to my friend.


After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn…
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth…
And you learn and learn…
With every good-bye you learn.
—Jorge Luis Borges

Square, Statues, & Chickens oh my!

Still living in a life of pictures. Perhaps once my lessons plans are truly underway I will be able to write more than pictures, but until then.

This is the square & the towns economy is centered here.




Statues in the Castel gardens.



& the chickens!!

On Litomyšl

The most beautiful of beautiful towns. The castles sits at the focal point and can be seen from most every direction.



I think this will lead me to Prague... maybe? Good thing I don't have to be there until September.



Some discovered artwork in the alleys of the square....



Cobblestone streets, hills, & more castles.

Arrival in Czech Republic

After 16 hours of travel, I have finally arrived in the Czech Republic and although there is still an hour and a half long car ride to go, I feel a great sense of accomplishment in having gotten this far.

First order of business was to get a beer and although I think sleep would probably be a good idea I do not see that happening quite yet. & so now we write, but what about. My feelings leaving Chicago were not as emotional as I expected them to be. I have not cried, but rather I laughed a lot. I have a group of friends that all drew 'portraits' (or rather representations) of how they view me. Some people wrote their names and some people left them anonymous, which has made it all the more interesting to guess the artist. Some of my favorites are attached below & I hope that you enjoy them.

That is all I have to share. Tiredness is about to overcome as a result of the past two weeks of preperation.

Till we meet again.

v