For my annual trip to the Czech Republic, I decided to extend my stay a bit longer to visit some new (and old) places, but mainly to see all of my friends and “family” there. Along the way, I managed to see a lot of my favorite spots around the country, as well as go … Continue reading Falling for Autumn in the Czech Republic
This post is was originally written in February 2012 after one of my first weekend trips to Krakow, Poland, during my study abroad semester in Prague. Thinking back, it may have been the first time when I truly felt the need to write down my thoughts in order to fully make sense of my experience. Upon returning … Continue reading Memory: Krakow, Poland
With 2016 mere hours away, I was on a flight home from Guatemala and had time to think about my past year of travel with another stamp in my passport just in time. Here are my personal traveling highlights of 2015, with many other trips and stories in between. March 2015: Chicago Although I cannot … Continue reading 2015: Traveling On
Today marks one month since I returned “home” from my “homecoming” trip to the Czech Republic in September. The past 2 months have probably been the busiest in a while, with both a lot of positive change and not a lot of time to reflect and process it all. In the mix, my trip to … Continue reading Doma: Home
People tend to say that the last few weeks/days you spend in any place tend to have a golden glow around them. You do everything you wished, see the people you love most, and eat everything with no guilt. Maybe my last week in Znojmo/Czech Republic felt amazing because of the “leaving effect,” but I … Continue reading Glory Days
Please be sure to read the final paragraph of this post to #SaveFulbright! Since my last post the weather in the Czech Republic has turned amazing! The past week was 50s and sunny everyday and it seems as if the sleepy winter mood has lifted. People are out and about, flowers are starting to pop … Continue reading Spring Wake-up Call
Amidst a flood of metaphorical roadblocks last week my fellow teacher turned to me and commented, “Wow I can’t believe how optimistic you are.” Maybe it’s the tendency for Czechs to be realistic to the point of pessimism, or the American belief in the light at the end of every tunnel, but I think that … Continue reading Maintaining Optimism
Since last posting I have kicked off my spring season of visitors and travels! However, before going into detail about all of that, I’ll first recap the subject of almost all of my lessons 2 weeks ago: St. Valentine’s Day. I have never been a fan of Valentine’s Day, but the amount of lessons I … Continue reading Heading West
In honor of the New Year and before I recap my winter holiday, I would like to dedicate this post to a reflection of my year through the amazing travels I have had. The past year for me has been one of great learning experiences, primarily brought about by experiences through traveling. As much as … Continue reading 2013: My Year in Travels
The Czech Republic has become a Christmas wonderland! In just one week of the Advent period (the 4 Sundays before Christmas), I have now been to four Christmas markets and witnessed several important traditions leading up to the ultimate tradition of Czech Christmas. The week started with the beginning of the Advent period in Prague. … Continue reading ‘Tis the Season
Mariel Sporn Tavakoli 