Back in October, we decided we wanted to to drive to the sea. The closest sea is the Baltic, and I’d never been, so we started planning a road trip to Poland. But those plans changed quickly when my boyfriend Filip's best friend called and told us they’d rented a big house on a German island for … Continue reading An Island Called Rügen
Wedged between my 40-pound bag and the window, I force my hand to hold a pen instead of my drooping head, heavy from three well-lived nights in Paris. As I write, our train speeds away not a minute soon or late, and the city of love disappears in a hurry, without saying goodbye. I prop my feet up and try to find a … Continue reading Little by Little: Farming in Le Mans, France
In Paris, John-Scott says, "We are all here, just waiting for you," like he knows I need that little bit of reassurance, and I do. I'm on the plane now, waiting for takeoff and, though I've been flying by myself since I was 12 years old, the miracle of flight still shakes me. Fierce, solo … Continue reading Vive la Fête!
For weeks, I'd been talking about the beach; for the first time in my life, I missed it. I grew up in sunny, coastal Jacksonville, where sea, sand and sweat practically pumped through my veins. On my first trip abroad, I went straight to the tropics. My body was comfortable with the uncomfortable effects of the … Continue reading Escape to Český Krumlov
It was one of those days where the sun does more than warm the earth or your skin. Winter was long and hard, and this sun is almost hot enough to melt the memory. Almost. Sweat feels good streaming down my cheeks. In Český ráj, or Bohemian Paradise, I lift my head in reverence and let … Continue reading Sun Worshipping in Malá Skála
I took a long weekend to explore the southern part of the Czech Republic--Moravia, known for its warm weather, plentiful wines, and laid back culture. I went bowling, watched a kamikaze-like air show, got motion sick on an unbelievably scenic bus ride, cartwheeled around a chateau, and drank Moravian wine as the sun melted and softened everything in shades of honey and I … Continue reading Cartwheeling through South Moravia
Read my full guide to the 5 Best Ancient Baths in Budapest here. I spent my Easter Sunday in Budapest, indulging in these ancient rituals. Instead of churches, I sat in bathhouses, engaged in another form of religion. For five days, my to-do list read simply: Soak. Just sit and let winter's sludge slide off you, like … Continue reading The Healing Baths of Budapest
