The heat is on

I'm writing this entry at the Prague airport waiting to board my €58 flight to Rome. Once again they made me check my backpack (free of charge - wtf is wrong with US carriers?). It's not because of the size, it's because you're only allowed one carry-on. I don't understand why. You still have under the seat in front of you and you still have the overhead compartment so why I couldn't bring both is a mystery to me. I am proud, however, as a recovering overpacker, that my backpack for over 6 weeks of travel is neither oversize nor overweight. I still cross my fingers every time I repack or check into a flight but so far, even with the addition of 1 pair of jeans, 4 shirts, a beach sheet, a pair of shoes, 2 dresses and 2 bejeweled drink stirrers I stole from a bar in Prague, the pack still has plenty of extra room.

I need to do real laundry soon. Handwashing is good for underwear and my "techwick" shirts and pants but there are some items that need a good washing and in the past 4 weeks I've only done that once. Apparently I did a good job packing because I don't feel dirty or smelly and don't miss the items that have been retired until I find a washing machine. Given that the temperature in Rome is supposed to be 95 degrees F for the next 4 days maybe I should wait til London to take care of that.

Prague was great. The combination of the people I met, the cooler temps and the beauty of just about everything (even the graffiti at times) really made me wish I could stay longer or go back soon.

As I already wrote, I spent most of yesterday wandering alone. I went out for nachos and margaritas (yes, I know, Mexican again) at a cool vegetarian restaurant and then grabbed a couple drinks at a place called the Cross Club (I think) which is basically built out of and decorated with metal junk that has been creatively turned into lights, stairs, balconies, fans, etc. It was pretty awesome but I decided taking pictures would make me stick out like a sore thumb among the locals so I refrained. They happened to play a pretty great reggae set for a while that made me happy. I miss music. At home/work I constantly have music playing. While traveling I don't want to walk around with my iPod on so when someone does have music playing or I'm in a bar with a good set I find myself getting kind of lost in it.

The night ended with a suggestion for a "better" strip club. Hahaha. I decided 1 Prague strip club is enough for this trip.

So, I think I may have upset Steve. He seemed to want to hang out and sight-see again yesterday but after I told him I was out and about on my own I saw him in the hostel and he didn't really talk to me. Obviously I've had my moments of loneliness on this trip where I craved company but I think I may have found a balance where I truly appreciate just being with myself and in my own head for a while. We'll see how I do in Rome. I'm staying in my own room which automatically makes it harder to meet people. I'm excited to have my own space for a bit but we'll see what I think when I head out for dinner by myself tonight.

I can't believe I only have 2.5 weeks left of this trip. Back when I was homesick in Toledo (Spain, not Ohio) someone told me that once I got over it I wouldn't want to go home. That's partially true. I miss my friends, family, cats and the familiarity of Philly. I hear about concerts or the "Back on Your Feet" run and I want so much to be there. Part of me still has my fingers crossed about the job I applied to before I left both for the job and so I can put some roots back down. The other part of me is dying to go to Australia and New Zealand with my brother both for the time with Evan and also because I'm still itching to see more and do more.

Prague was a little confusing for me. Spain was a growing/learning experience about being on my own. Paris was both comfortable because Margeau was there but also where I realized I enjoy my own company. Prague was where I was calm, content, chill and that made me think a lot about what and who and where I need around me to be happy. I'm interested to see what happens to my thought process in Italy (where I will likely struggle a bit with the language part again), in England and in Amsterdam with my parents.

Sorry for no pictures or hilarious adventures in this entry. From what I've heard about Italy, I'm sure I'll get back on my game (assuming I survive the sweltering temperatures in Rome).