Although it is officially spring, the weather gives no indication of that. Temps are still in the 30s. Even if it hits 40s wet and rain follow. Also, it is not uncommon to get snow in April in Chicago. Winter isn’t officially over here until May. It is this time of spring that my wanderlust sets in, when I envy Europeans and their ability to have annual holiday/vacation. I vacation once every 4-5 years, depressing particularly because as a teen and young adult all I wanted to do was travel. All work and no relaxation is not good for the soul. That is probably why I’m a closet europhile – jealous of a reasonable work week with the guarantee of a holiday in the summer. My last holiday was four years ago to Prague. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I’m feeling the urge to go anywhere outside the US. Actually, Spain has been on the brain. I must visit Ronda, Spain for obvious reasons. It doesn’t look like a vacation is in the cards for this year. So I’m reminiscing my trip to Prague. For the next few days, reminisce with me as I share the journal I wrote while there.
Prague-Day One (Sept 18th)
We sit on the runway at O’Hare for an hour for paperwork. I’m not a patient person and I want this vacation to get started ASAP. Plus, the person in front of me has a bad case of gas. Unfortunately for me, that lasted the entire flight from O’Hare to Dublin. Next to me is an American going to college in Wales. She is studying drama and we chat for a bit about Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. However, I’ve been sleep deprived for weeks before my vacation and I tell her I’ll soon doze off. I wrap my hair for a perfect look when we land. Footies check. Off we doze.
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.