26 years young

The title of this blog is an honest opinion of how I feel about turning 26.

Last year 25 seemed big, old, and scary to me. But this year I feel better about life than I think I ever have, and that is an accomplishment given where I was a year ago.

I didn't want to celebrate 25. I knew 25 was a going to be a life changing year and I was so fearful of the fluidness of my life that I wanted to stand still in the hopelessness of 24.

Why did 25 feel so big? Maybe I expected more of myself at this age.  I had goals for 24 that I wasn't even close to achieving. Birthdays are for celebrating the amazing year that has passed by, and all that you accomplished. And so, when year 24 brought turmoil,  confusion, and gigantic questions of what I wanted out of life, it seemed to me that I had gone backwards in year 24.

Every year to that point had been bigger and better than the year before. I done more, accomplished something and learned a lot about myself. When I got to the week before my 25th birthday and looked back at 24 it seemed I had accomplished and learned nothing.

In reality, year 24 taught me a great deal about myself and what I wanted out of life. I think back to the text message I got from my friend back when I was 21 and debating if this teaching thing was really for me. "A tree doesn't grow without a great deal of rainfall." 24 was the year of thunderstorms, and 25 was my year to grow into the strong tree I am meant to be.

I have a student who always smells the pages of a book before she reads them. At first I thought it was strange and then I thought it was sweet. Now I understand the way she desires to enjoy every single part of that book. This is what I want for year 26.

Welcome 26! I am excited to see what you have to offer me. Another year in Montenegro, a trip to Turkey, my parents finally seeing me in perpetual happiness, 6 weeks of straight travel, checking off a top 5 country, a Christmas at home, new friends, stronger relationships, and (hopefully) some serious life lessons.

Another blog about year 25.

Songs From Year 25

I used to make a mixed Cd for every semester of college. I figured why not start doing the same for the years of my life?

February:
I Don't Want to Change You- Damien Rice
This one took some debating. I knew it'd be a song from Damien's album that came out just prior to this. It was pretty much the only thing I was capable of listening to. These lyrics seem to resonate with the majority of what my life was a year ago.

March:
Song for Zula- Phosporescent
"I saw love, disfigure me, into something I am not recognizing."

April:
I lived- One Republic
I woke up hungover in Thailand one morning after sending out some pretty deep texts while I was drunk the previous night. I was of course sharing the room with a random guy I had met a few days prior, on an Island. He played me this song as I tried to choke back tears. About 2 hours later I accepted a job in Montenegro!

May:
Bleeding Out- The Lone Bellow
Dealing with health issues, and transitions. This song was my hope.

June:
Take My Love- The Lone Bellow
Not sure about this one. I just remember it being on repeat.

July:
Should Have Known Better- Sufjan Stevens
"The past is still the past, the bridge to nowhere." Being home was confusing. Like the lyrics of this song.

August:
Home from Home- Roo Panes
This song is pretty much how I felt to be back in the Balkans. I tried to choose specific lyrics, but it's all of them.

September:
This must be the Place- Talking Heads (Note: I like the acoustic cover by Iron and Wine)
A love song for Montenegro.

October:
Walking Far From Home- Iron and Wine
My friend sent this too me one night and I listened to it on repeat for about 2 hours straight.  By the next night I had learned it on the guitar. They lyrics still make me shiver. Once I see everything on this list....I'll come home.

November:
Ms. Potter's Lullaby- The Counting Crows
"The price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings." Nothing could compare to this song with the windows down as Cortney and I hauled ass on the Croatian highways.

December:
Cactus Tree- Joni Mitchell
You don't want to know.

January:
The Waves- Matthew and the Atlas
So when I came back to Montenegro I was really nervous I'd be homesick. But as soon as I saw the waves I was so happy. A few weeks later I heard this song and I fell in love.

February:
Wild Woman- The Ballroom Thieves
There is nothing I love more than a person rocking out on a cello. Other than maybe a person rocking out on a banjo or harmonica.

Vienna Budget Travel: Backpacking in Vienna

"Oh no...Vienna is expensive" I thought to myself as I checked my budget noticing I was slightly above my budget for my 3 week holiday in Czech Republic and Austria.

I spent 4.5 days in Vienna for 40 euros a day and I came out with an extra 20 Euros in my pocket. I actually spent less money there than I did in Prague, and I even splurged on the expensive famous chocolate cake (which I have to say was not fantastic.)

Here's how I did it:

Step 1 find a good hostel:
When choosing a hostel I did look at reviews, but I also counted bonus points for something very important. A kitchen. I don't particularly enjoy cooking for myself when I travel. But let's be honest in terms of traditional food Vienna is lacking. Most of the hostels don't offer free breakfast so even just keeping some yogurt and granola and fruit in a fridge can save you up to 5 euros a day. I stayed at Hostel Ruthensteiner  in a 6 bed dorm for an average of 15 euros a night. 10 bed dorms are even cheaper.  (The reason I say average is cause I was there shortly after New Years and prices on the 2nd were about 20 euros and then they started going down to the usual 13)

Step 2: decide to eat food on the cheap
Yes the food in Vienna is expensive, but also it's not that great. You can get schnitzel anywhere. I had one obligatory schnitzel and I ate the famous sacher chocolate cake (with an espresso I paid 10 Euro!) Then I switched to the far cheaper option: street food. Vienna has some amazing street food. A doner sandwich will cost around 3 Euros, Pizza slices 1-2 euros, and a schnitzel box (chicken, veggies, and fries) will be around 5 Euros. Additionally there are many markets around that have heatable meals, pre-made salads, and sandwiches for 2-5 euros. Once again the breakfast is very important. My hostel was charging 3.50 euros for yogurt, granola, toast and jam, and coffee or juice. I purchased little tubs of yogurt for 33 cents each, a box of granola for 2 euros, a loaf of bread for 1 euro and used jam that others had left behind on the free shelf.  I purchased breakfast for 5 days from the shop for the cost of 1 breakfast at the hostel. The coffee is the only thing that makes it worth it as coffee with cost you 2-3 euros in most cafes. However, Vienna is known for it's cafes, so I simply had breakfast, left for the day and took a mid-morning coffee break as my treat to myself. Additionally the hostel charged only 1 euro for coffee.

Now the more complicated part. What the hell are you going to do in Vienna with the 15 or so Euros you have left per day after accommodation and food?

Step 3: Decide up front what you want to do while you are in Vienna.

I'm not a museums lover. In fact I am a very strong museums hater. That being said Vienna has a lot of different museums to offer. Check the list and decide which ones you are interested and budget for them. I allowed myself a museum for each full day I was there. I chose the Globe museum, the clock museum, the museum of technology, and the house of music.

I also decided I wanted to spend some time being cultured in the arts.

I also love being outside and so I wanted to take advantage of some opportunities to visit parks, and walk around admiring architecture.

Step 4: Find deals

This is important. Once you have decided what you want to do, research each one. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will save you A LOT of money. For example many museums have free or reduced entry during certain hours or days. Some offer discounts if you have a Vienna Pass. Some have student discounts. Keep in mind that you count as a student if you have an ID that validates you as under 26 years of age.

As for music, it will cost you 25-150 euros for tickets to see the Philharmonic or the Opera. I booked standing room only tickets to see the Philharmonic for 6 euros and I got to see a ballet at the Opera for only 3 Euros. At these prices it's worth it just to get inside the buildings and look around. Even if you don't stay the whole time. I put the links below for how I got the tickets.

Opera House

http://www.wienerphilharmoniker.at/concerts/list

http://www.traveldudes.org/travel-tips/how-get-standing-room-tickets-vienna-state-opera/62514

Also it should be noted that a metro pass is totally worth it. Vienna is a large city. My first day I decided I'd walk to save money. No! Just buy the pass up front and save yourself the time. I got the 3 day pass and used my last day as my walk around and spend time in the parks day.

Step 5: Enjoy

That's it! enjoy your time in Vienna. It really does have something for everyone!

Czech Republic: My Top Ten

So many people I know go to Czech Republic and only do Prague. I would be lying if I said I did enough of the country to really write this post, but a friend asked me for my favorites list from the Czech Republic so here it is.

10. Pilsner Urquell: Don't sell it short because it is a Pilsner. It's a pretty damn good beer.

9. Church: I went for Christmas Eve, and it was an incredible experience. Make sure to go to church at least once. Just to say you did.

8. Walking: Even in Prague I didn't use public transit. It's such a pretty city. Spend one day just walking around. Pack some water, a map, and put on your good boots. Stop for a beer when you need a break.

7. Student Agency Bus: Way cheaper tickets, and excellent service. I was having trouble and they emailed me back instantly. Make sure you are on the Czech/Hungarian website (look for the .cz at the end of the web address) and not the European one, as tickets are more expensive. You do not need to be a student to use these services, though students do get a cheaper rate.

6. Dumplings: Yum!!!!! They mostly stuff them with smoked meat. Find the gravy smothered ones.

5. Local Beer: In general the beer in Czech Republic is amazing. You can find a lot. Find someone who knows and ask for tips or do some research. There are so many places to get good beer. I ran out of money so I didn't get to try them all, but the Beer Museum is a good place to start because they have a lot of the local ones on tap and can help you decide which breweries to visit.

4. Free Tours: So yes, you tip at the end, and therefore they cost money, but you get a good local feel for things and many pointers. It's great to do at the start of your trip as a way to help you figure out the layout of the city, and what to do. Be sure to ask for advice about things you are interested in. All the cities I visited in Czech Republic had these available.

3. Pilzen: Do not skip out on Pilzen. Take the day trip from Prague or Cesky Krumlov. Go and do the tour and spend either the morning or afternoon just roaming the town. Not a lot to see, but that beer straight from the cask was one of the best I have ever had. (other than Double Day Tripper, and Furious on tap at the breweries.)

2. Hiking: Go to a little city and then ask around or research paths online. I went to Cesky Krumlov and hiked Klet Mountian. It was an incredible experience to just be in nature by myself in a foreign country.

1. Christmas Markets: Of course this won't exist at certain parts of the year, but where else can you get a 3 Euro sausage and 1.5 Euro glass of mulled wine? But don't get suckered into the expensive ham which is sold by the kilo....

Maybe I can crawl my way back to the good beer.....

Musings from Bratislava

Day 19 (6/1/16) -To Bratislava
It is hilarious that even as I am traveling I am envious of photos of my other friends who are traveling. How selfish can I be?

Day 20 (7/1/16)- Bratislava
Crazy that so many people want what i have. And sometimes i want what they have. We all make sacrifices in our lives. I am sacrificing the security of a solid home, with a relationship and future family to do solo traveling life for awhile. For the first time i am realizing this does not mean I don't want that life. Just that I am not meant to be that person YET. Give me 5 years. Chances are I'll change who I am as a person and what I want again...

Day 21 (8/1/16)
Today I am angry at traveling. People keep stealing my food. I'm tired of calculating my money to a tee. Thanks budgeting! You have added another stress to travel. Sometimes I wonder if I should have just stayed in Indonesia for another year, gotten rid of a massive amount of loans while sitting and delving further into my depression. Nah...I think I'll take the budgeting.

Musings from Vienna

Day 15-2/1/16 (Transfer to Vienna)
It was a long day of buses. But I love the feeling of getting off a bus or train somewhere and not knowing where you are going what you are doing. Outlaw Maps.

Equally exhilarating is staring at a map trying to plan out how far you can get with x number of days and y amount of money.

Day 16- 3/1/16 ( Exploring Vienna/ Philharmonic)
Panic attack 2 was not as kind as number 1. I actually was laying on the bathroom floor, confident I was dying, trying to breath my way through the fact that my body was so overloaded that it shut down my ability to hear for 5 minutes. Scary moments.
                                                                               ...
Alright Vienna....I give in. You aren't as terrible as I thought. People really can find things to enjoy here. Its just the freezing cold, gloomy weather that is making me want to sit and sip coffee all day long. I can do that in a week. At least, you know...in the evenings. I press on!

                                                                               ...
Talked to a fellow traveler about my panic attack. Apparently it's not uncommon. I'm alright. Also I'm beginning to really be able to notice the differences in traveling solo in Asia and in Europe. Asia seems more accepting of backpackers and tourists. Not that Europeans are unkind. I just consistently feel like I'm being judged for not speaking the language. Did I mention I'm only here for a week? And is it me, or are European travelers more stuck up? I really haven't made friends with anyone from Europe yet. Everyone I have met has been American, Canadian, Brazilian, Asian, or Australian. I'm finding it very interesting.....

Day 17- 4/1/16 (More Vienna explorations/ Ballet)
Oh my cold! It has been a long time since I have felt numb due to cold, but this morning I did. As I wandered the famous, beautiful palace gardens, I thought "nope...this is not worth it. Time to go back to my book and tea." No more northern winter trips.

Day 18- 5/1/16 (Outdoor Vienna explorations)
Once you travel for a fair bit of time in a fair number of places, you can tell almost instantly if a city is meant for you or not. Prague felt like instant love. I'm not sure if it was the beer, the general welcoming of the people, or the fact that I was just able to walk around with ease and reflect on the beauty. Vienna felt cold. Mostly because it was. Even though there were plenty of opportunities for cheap culture I just felt unwelcome. People were generally kind enough, but overall the city felt egotistical to me. Easy enough to maneuver around, but without a heart.
                                                                               ...
Today as I arrived at the central park without getting one bit lost I felt totally accomplished. This travel thing ain't so bad sometimes. Vienna did alright for itself. I had to remind myself not to get too cocky. New city, new challenges tomorrow.

Day 22(9/1/16)
Last day of travels. I'm almost in tears as I complete my Tom Robbins book. So much insight in it. I cannot contain my disappointment that I never read it before, and that now, I won't have as much time to read for fun as I go back to school/work on Monday. Agh!
                                                                               ...
I return...poorer in the bank, richer in experience. Weaker in the heart, stronger in the mind. I am so ready to be home, and yet, I contemplated hopping a random train or plane to another location. The journey is not yet over. I still have all my pictures to edit, blogs to write, and highlighted notes in my book to mull over in the silence of my home, with some wine and dinner. Which will consist of all vegetable please!
                                                                               ...
I was feeling that ever knowing wrenching depressing post holiday blues. But as I saw the ocean I felt a sufficient amount of relief. A small reminder of why I am doing this.

Musings from Cesky Krumlov

Day 11- 28/12/15 (Cesky Krumlov)

No profound thoughts today. Just glad I travel the way I do. So many people are dashing in and out of this city in 1 night. I get to relax and explore the surrounding area.

Day 12- 29/12/15 (Complete confusion)

So I woke up  with a plan to hike. The weather was crappy so I sat for hours trying to decide what I wanted to do instead. I kept sitting there thinking of all the other ways I could have planned my trip to fit in more activities or cities. The problem is, that in a day and age when I meet all these all travelers, and see what they are doing, I want so badly to do it too. I feel so overwhelmed with the constant need to see, and do, and experience it all. So much so, that I can't even say that I have actually traveled any one county completely.

I sat for the whole morning and criticized myself for planning the trip wrong. I could have fit in another city if I had done it backwards, or maybe spent another day in Prague to take another day trip. I want so much to do and see it all in travel, that sometimes I actually freeze and am unable to do anything.

I became so frustrated with my indecision, that I just locked up all my crap except for my camera and journal and took a random walk.  And in this walk, I learned something about myself. I am not as flexible as I think I am. Not in day to day and certainly not in my life. And I think it is my greatest fault that I cannot change. I plan, and I plan, and the plans never work.

Eventually I ended up at the castle gardens, sat down on a bench, and I sobbed. And It felt damn good.

Maybe I cried out of frustration. Maybe out of homesickness. Or maybe my body functions were just out of wack from traveling for a week in half, eating crappily, and not sticking to any sort of routine. Then I thought...

THIS. This is why I planned the trip like this. I wanted time to sit and reflect on my experiences and my life. Maybe I actually do know myself after all. Maybe it is okay to have a day to relax and read and do nothing. Maybe it's already to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee without having to engage in an experience other than the simplicity of time with yourself.

Also... I should point out how crazy it is that I had this thought in southern Czech Republic, in the gardens of a castle, in a city whose name means "Meanders." Just sitting there wondering if I should hop a train to this city or that. What is life?!?!

Day 12- 30/12/15 (Ceske Budejovice)
I will always have some desire inside me to be wrapped up in some mans arms. And sometimes I wonder if this is a feeling that has been engraved in me since birth? Or, if it is simply the fact that I'm a woman, that has led me to this disposition. I am free and independent and content to be so, but at the end of the day we all desire companionship in some various form. I crave the comfort, but the complication is too much to desire.
                                                                              ---
I'm sick. I should have bought juice, but for 50 cents I can get half a liter of beer, and juice is double that!
                                                                              ---
My new favorite smell: Malt at breweries. Yum! I just did the true Czech think and had unfiltered unpasteurized beer for medicinal purposes.

Day 13- 31/12/15 (Hiking/Relax)
It is amazing how when you are on the road simple things can help so much. Like washing your hair, shaving your legs, or cutting your nails. I feel human again...

Day 14-1/1/16
Let's sleep all day long. After spending the early morning hours rocking out to some classic rock, sung in Czech swigging back beers with people who didn't speak a lick of English.