A Girl in Paris

   Anyone who knows me knows that I have an unhealthy obsession with Paris, which I'm aware it may be cliche, but I can't help it. To me it represents beauty, love, and all that is good in the world. Since I was a little girl I've been fascinated with the idea of going to that magical city. But really, Paris has such elegance and grace. This past weekend my dream came true and it was everything I hoped for and then some. Although, I had a rather rocky start in the beginning.
   Let's start with my very first hostel experience. I'm a girl on a budget, and Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so when it came to choosing a place to sleep, it needed to be affordable. My friend Catherine who was traveling with me recommended a hostel called Young and Happy. Sure, with a name like that it sounds warm and inviting, but names can be deceiving. I looked this place up and the reviews I stumbled upon had numerous comments such as "moldy showers", "disgustingly dirty", and "beware of bed bugs". Needless to say, I was quite nervous about this place before even getting there, but Catherine reassured me that everything would be fine. When we arrived Thursday afternoon, the place had a very welcoming atmosphere that eased my nerves. I chose the cheapest room that was a 10 bedroom mixed with men and women. After my day of exploring I returned to my room and went to sleep. I awoke around 2 am to the other people in my room returning from their adventures, and when I looked down at my sheets...low and behold... 4 bed bugs crawling towards my face. I got out of that bed so fast, and when the other people saw what I saw, they were out of that room in less than 5 minutes refusing to sleep there. Unfortunately, the guy at the front desk said he couldn't do anything till the morning so I was stuck in the bed bug infested bed...it was traumatizing. However, the next morning they switched me out of that room, which is apparently the only one that they have had issues with, and put me into a smaller room of 4 with a personal shower. I didn't use it though because there was indeed mold everywhere. Aside from that, it was a very pleasant experience. There was such a friendly atmosphere. You have all these people that are traveling alone and are so interested in other people's travels, where they are from, and where they are going. I met a couple from Italy, a guy from London, and a guy from Uruguay. Some have been traveling just a few days, others for months. It was certainly an experience to say the least.
   Now onto the good stuff. My first night is Paris was spent walking the Love Lock Bridge, seeing the Notre Dame lit up at night, and eating crepes with friends. From the moment I arrived, I had a permanent smile on my face because I just couldn't believe I was actually there. People warned me about having such high expectations saying that I would probably be disappointed, but deep down I just knew that was impossible. The next morning was probably a very pivotal moment in my life, the day I saw the Eiffel Tower. It was by far the most incredible thing I have ever seen and it was such an accomplishment to finally be there, because lord knows I've been talking about it for long enough. After taking probably way too many pictures of the tower, we then spent our day walking inside the Notre Dame once more, walking down the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre, Musee d'Orsy, and the Hotel de Ville. Every so often walking into a little thrift store to do some shopping. There was so much to do and see that it was a little overwhelming. Another trip is definitely in order, because there just wasn't enough time to do everything.
   Now my last night in the City of Love was very special and something I'm so grateful could happen. I'll start from the beginning and tell you that when I was probably around 8 years old I had a pen pal that lived in France. We would write to one another so that she could get better at her English. I can only remember writing to Laetitia a few times, but she recently found me on Facebook and we started talking again. The timing was perfect and with me being here in Europe, and spending this weekend in France, I was able to meet my pen pal from when I was a child. The stars must have aligned because she happened to find a letter from me that was written over 8 years ago and that is what made her decide to look me up. Saturday night we met and were able to get dinner and walk the streets of Paris. I had such a wonderful time, and we have already made plans for her to come to the states for the very first time in summer! Through my travels I've found it to be so special that no matter where you are in the world, you can meet people and form really meaningful relationships. Relationships that not only influence you, but inspire you. That's what I took away from having the chance to meet her.
   On my last morning in Paris, I woke up at the crack of dawn and headed over to the Eiffel Tower one last time to take some pictures without any tourists there. It was very cold and rainy, but I didn't mind. It added to the romanticism and beauty. I can only reflect back on this trip and just feel happiness. It's such an accomplishment for me to say that I was able to fulfill one of my dreams. I came into this whole experience with a list of goals, and I have already accomplished so many of them. I feel like a stronger person and like I can do anything. I'm going to take this feeling of empowerment with me for my next trip. This week I will be traveling to Amsterdam, London, Ireland, and finish off with Scotland. So many exciting adventures ahead and I just can't wait!

Catherine and I on the plane! 

At least the hostel breakfast was good.

The hostel I stayed in.

Love Lock Bridge

Notre Dame

Hotel de Ville

The Eiffel Tower <3

Arc de Triomphe

Inside the Notre-Dame.

Laetitia and I at dinner!

My last morning at the Eiffel Tower. 

I do Paris, I do :) 

Back to My Roots

   More than 25 years ago when my mother was traveling through Europe, she went to communist Slovakia and was able to meet her Dad's eldest sister, Kamila. She stayed in her one bedroom flat in Bratislava and was able to learn more about her Dad and his family history. My great Aunt was in her late sixties during that time. Now 20 years later, I too was able to travel to Bratislava this past weekend and meet my great Aunt Kamila for the very first time, stay in her one bedroom flat in Bratislava, and travel to my grandfather's home town Brvniste, Slovakia. It was an experience that's hard to put into words, but one thing I know for sure, I will never forget it.

    My Grandpa, Vladamir Kuchalik,  was born on April 2, 1930 in Brvniste, Czechoslovakia. In 1948 he escaped the communist country and left behind his friends, family, and everything he knew. He was certain that if he had stayed, he would have either died or spent his life in prison. Joining the U.S. Army in Germany, he eventually found himself in Las Vegas. My Grandpa was the kindest, sweetest, and funniest man I have ever known. I've always had an immense amount of respect and admiration for the man that he was. He was my best friend and when he died in 2011, it was heartbreaking. I think I feel so close to his story because he was so close to me. I decided to study in Prague for the very reason of having the opportunity to meet my family in Slovakia and learn more about the life my Grandpa lived and where he came from. Not only that, but it's really special that my Great Aunt Kamila was able to meet her brother's daughter (my mom), and now 20 years later still be alive to meet her brother's granddaughter (me). 

   I arrived in Bratislava Friday morning and took a taxi to my Aunt's home. She was waiting for me downstairs, and when I first saw her it was hard for me not to get emotional. I first noticed her eyes. A deep brown with a kindness that could be seen as soon as she smiled. Just like my Grandpa. I gave her a big hug and we went upstairs where she had fixed a plethora of food for me. Did I mention that she speaks no English what so ever? So communication was very difficult to say the least and all I had with me was a Slovak dictionary. I think the clearest conversation we had with one another was when I commented on how little she was and she responded by saying she was so old. I then told her no, and that she was beautiful. She then burst into laughter and I followed. We spent the afternoon looking through old pictures and trying to talk to one another, but failing. However, I did understand her when she told me she was happy. She then took me to the train station where I bought my ticket to Brvniste for the next morning and after we went to an old church where she took a few minutes to say a prayer. We spent our evening eating dinner and watching Slovak soap operas. As much as I wanted to be able to communicate with her and tell her anything and everything, it wasn't really necessary. Us just being able to meet one another, spend time together, and smile at one another said so much. 

   Early Saturday morning I woke up and began my journey to Brvniste where I was meeting my Aunt's cousin Stanoslav. When I got off the train, I saw this little elderly man holding a bright pink flower and when I saw him I just knew he was waiting for me. He shook my hand and told me that this was the train station where my Grandpa first began his journey to America. He then welcomed me and gave me a run down of the days plans. The actual town of Brvniste is about 20 mins away from the station and only has 1,100 residents. Our short drive to this little village was absolutely breathtaking. Rolling hills of lush green grass and trees were endless. It was like something out of a movie. The best way I can describe the town of Brvniste is simple, yet charming. There were people out doing things like building sheds, painting fences, feeding chickens, and children riding bikes. We arrived at Stano's home and there we ate coffee and home made apple strudel from the apple trees in Stano's backyard. It was the most heavenly thing I've ever eaten. He then took me to the spot where my Grandpa was born and where his home used to be. It was surreal standing in the very spot where he was born in the very country he was from. Stano then informed me that my Grandpa had another living sibling, Vera, and that we were going to visit her too. Vera lived just down the road and when we arrived I met her, her husband, and her two sons Vlado and Jano. We all had lunch together and again looked through old pictures of my Grandpa's brothers and sisters. My trip to Brvniste was an unforgettable success. 

   I made my way back to Bratislava and spent my last evening with Aunt Kamila. We did the same thing as the night before, eat dinner and watch Slovak soap operas. In the morning we had coffee, bread, and jam together and then Aunt Kamila walked with me outside to the taxi. We gave one another a big hug and said our goodbyes. 

   I have a very special love for my Grandpa and I wish with all my heart that he was still alive so that I could share all of this with him. He would be so happy. It's extremely fulfilling knowing that I have already accomplished my main goal for coming here. I was able to go back to my roots this weekend and learn so much about my Grandpa, his family, and even myself. This is an experience that has made me a better person and it's something that I will carry with me forever.

My Great Aunt Kamila and I taking selfies. :) 

After our walk around Bratislava.

Stano and I at the train station.

Where my Grandpa was born.

Where my Grandpa's home used to be.

All this land belongs to Kuchalik's.

My great Aunt Vera and I. 

My Grandpa when he was still living in Czechoslovakia. He was a stud.

<3 

Bones, Churches, and Wine Make for a Good Time

   This weekend was jam packed with enthralling spunky adventures the first being Friday's trip to Kutna Hora! We woke up bright and early and made our way to the old medieval town about 90 mins outside of Prague. Our first stop was the Cistercian Monastery aka the bone chapel that contained bones of some 40,000 medieval plague victims...yes, all completely real and once belonging to actual people. Creepy, morbid, and disturbing are words that come to mind to describe this place. The bones were arranged in various weird shapes. There was even a chandelier made entirely of bones! However, I'm not going to lie, it was pretty cool and probably my favorite stop of the trip. We then visited St. Barbara Cathedral that is considered to be the finest example of late gothic architecture in Bohemia. Fun fact, due to it's silver mining Kutna Hora was the second most important town of medieval Bohemia and competed with Prague for political power and prestige. This cathedral was beautiful and gave a view overlooking the whole town which was quite stunning. After a short lunch break, we continued onto the Museum of Silver, which was an exhibition that portrayed the entire process of the extraction of silver and production of silver coins. They also took us on a 250 meter long walk about 35 meters underground through a mining shaft built between the 14th and 16th century. There were moments where I had to completely hunch over and literally squeeze through the shaft because it was so small. I don't suffer from claustrophobia, but I had a small freak out moment because for a good time when I was hunched over and walking I realized there was literally no where I could go if something went wrong. It was a scary thought, I recommend you don't allow yourself to go there if you are ever in a situation like that.
   On Saturday we left Prague once again and headed towards the South-Moravian town Mikulov where we had lunch and then took a hike up this massive hill that overlooked the whole town. The weather has been unpredictable lately, but as soon as we reached the top, the sun decided to come out and it really made the view just breath taking. After snapping some photos and relaxing a bit, we continued onto Lednice, a place that is actually on the UNESCO Heritage List as a great example of design landscaping. This park was so incredibly peaceful and angelic. We spent about 1-2 hours walking around and enjoying the weather, nature, and each others company. Our final stop for the night was Nemcicky for wine tasting and it was here we all got a little saucy. I've never been wine tasting before, so I didn't quite know what to expect. We tasted about 10 different wines starting from white, to rose, then to red. We were all fairly exhausted after walking all day and barely having any food in our system. I think it's safe to say we were all feeling pretty good after the tenth sample. We then walked upstairs where we finished our evening with dinner and unlimited wine. It was certainly a successful trip, but after spending the entire weekend away from Prague I'm happy to be back enjoying this lovely Sunday in the city of a thousand spires :)

The bone chapel in Kutna Hora.

The beautiful St. Barbara Cathedral.

Kutna Hora

Example of medieval gothic architecture. 

Moravia

Such a pretty town.

Our walk around the park in Lednice. 

Wine tasting!

Perfect way to end a long day.