Nuts to You

Ringing in 2012

2012-01-01T21:15:00.000+01:00

New Year's is not my holiday. Too many drunk people, too expensive and too many expectations. I like it low key. So G Unit and I spent the day watching MI5 (is it 5 now?), going to the grocery store and then watching lots of stupid movies and the West Wing while eating dinner, dessert and sipping some sparkling rose. Laid back and lazy. Just the way I like it.

Then G Unit said he wanted to take me out to the bridge to watch the fireworks, which we had been hearing off and on for an hour or so. I wasn't too keen on leaving the apartment. One I'm lazy, two it was warm inside and the TV was on and three I'm lazy and four we periodically hear fireworks at our apartment throughout the year and can even see them if we stick our head outside the window. Couldn't we just do that now? But I wanted to make him happy and start off the New Year right. and So he grabbed a manhattan to go from the home bar and we walked out our building and towards the river.

It was more than I expected. First it was packed, second it was 360 degrees of fireworks. Czech's don't do this halfway apparently. It's not like 4th of July in the States where you wait and wait and wait for 10 minutes of fireworks. Nope they start early here and it seems like it goes on for an hour before the Kaboom and an hour after. I should have expected all the fireworks. When G Unit and I were at the store I noticed that there seemed to be a stampede at a particular kiosk which just happen to sell fireworks. I guess I just thought that these fireworks would be set off outside the city, not on a busy bridge in between trams. So the reason that we had 360 degree views of fireworks as well as ones right over us was becaise there were fireworks being set off all over the city by random citizens. It was pretty crazy.

Either way it was a great way to ring in the New Year with my husband and I thought you'd all like to see it too. I hope you all had a safe and happy New Year's Eve with your loved ones. Happy 2012.

Did I mention?

2011-12-29T17:33:00.001+01:00

That we also made a trip to Amsterdam in the last few months? We're just traveling fiends in the winter.

Yep, yep. Amsterdam. Although for a square like me I don't know if it is as exciting as it would be for other people. nudge, nudge.

We tried out airbnb for the first time on this trip and it was a good experience. We were in a great location and a typical Amsterdam home. Check out the stairs!

If you haven't tried airbnb you should give it a whirl. You can rent a private space and not just a room and many of the locations are much better than some hotels. So enough advertising, but here's a picture of me in the place we stayed at as well as a view from our window.

Do you know what they have a lot of in Amsterdam? Bikes! Tons. I mean you hear that people bike in Amsterdam but the sheer number of bikes all over town is INSANE.

And do you know what drunk danish people do? Throw bikes into the canals. So many bikes that the government has to organize canal clean up or boats would get caught on all the bikes.

Bike removal in progress

So that is what I learned in Amsterdam. To get drunk and throw bikes in the canals. And that Stroopwafels are yummy. And that I miss sushi. And that I could live in Amsterdam.

The red house? Apparently the skinniest in the WORLD!

Nerds on a boat tour

Ahhh! We're in Amsterdam!

It's Christmas! Or it was....

2011-12-28T17:30:00.002+01:00

in Munich.

G Unit and went on a trip to Munich a couple of weeks ago. We spent 3 days in the city of München drinking glühwein, sampling stollen, eating candied nuts (G Unit's favorite) and buying christmas decorations.

It was a great few days. We relaxed, ate lots of great food, drank at Hofbrauhaus. Took a mid afternoon nap after Hofbrauhaus. And generally got into the Christmas spirit.

While we miss home, and boy do we, it's these trips that we're able to take together and share that are unthinkable back in the States and allow us to get a little peak into another culture that make me glad that we took this leap of faith and moved abroad. I don't want to be here forever and it's not the perfect fit I hoped for, but it's these memories that I will remember and make me glad we're here. Man that was long winded. On to the pictures!

ZiGarren

Where are we?

The place with beer as big as my head!

All this food is making my face look fat.

View from the top of our hotel towards the Alps

Kisses from Munich!

And now a little video. Merry Christmas!

About Belfast

2011-10-29T11:46:00.000+02:00

Just a few comments on my quick trip to Belfast:

I have never in all my life be so full of liquid. Between the beer and tea I could barely eat. Or move.

Chinese food was ordered for dinner. It actually came with a bowl full of chips

The accent is so soothing to me. Even when I can't make all the words out. Or when the only words I can make out are f***. It's strangely comforting.

Thanks for the quick trip Belfast. Going to try to come back again soon.

The Hills are Alive

2011-10-25T23:04:00.000+02:00

Did I mention that our vacation in Italy was hot? Swealtering. Don't get me wrong. I wanted the heat but we should have stayed on the coast. Or we should have gone with our original plan. Coastal Resort, lounge chairs and drinks with tiny umbrellas. I swear next spring/early summer I'm heading to the agean sea if it kills me. Blue water, sandy beaches and not much movement.

It was SO hot that on the drive from Umbria to Austria on our way out of dodge I literally passed out from the heat. I couldn't take it. The heat was just ridiculous. I'm just glad G Unit managed to power through and get us the hell out of that sauna. I actually woke up as we got out of Milan. I swear the tempature dropped at least 10 degrees as we got into the foothills.

And then we crossed over into Austria. And G Unit's blood pressure went down due to the more courteous drivers and as we got closer to Salzburg the mists rolled in. Super Awesome. Our second thunderstorm of the trip was in Salzburg. We finished our vacation with weather more like autumn than the height of summer.

We spent our 2nd anniversary in Salzburg. And G Unit made up for the fact that we missed spending our 1st Anniversary together. He took me on the Sound of Music tour. While he is a fan he knows that my sister and I spent our childhood watching the movie if not daily, weekly and acting it out, and listening to the soundtrack, a lot. So he grinned and beared the corniness that is the Sound of Music tour and took lots of photos of me trying to act nonchalant while secretly jumping up and down on the inside about where we were.

1st stop - the lake behind the von trapp house - so excited

I have confidence!!

Gazebo which has been moved from the location
near the lake and is now in a park that has special
trick water fountains - Must go back!

THE BUS! I'm in Marta's spot, cause that's where I belong.
Where's Gretel?

Lake Country. I shoudl be spinning with my arms wide
singing how the hills are alive, but there were too many
people around. I was scared.

The church where Maria and the Capatain
got married (in the movie) Hey it's our
anniversary. Got to kiss sometime

In the gardens. They all hit this dwarf on the
head during the do-re-mi song

G Unit - posing

FA!

End of the day - I still have confidence

And now that you have confirmed proof of what a nerd I am.....

I'm hoping we get a chance to head back to Salzburg. I would love to camp around the lakes outside the city and explore the city itself more. It's beautiful and has lots more for us to see. Did you know that Red Bull headquarters are outside the city? In the lake country. One of the lakes is called Lake Wolfgangsee. See, so much to explore. (no I don't know what red bull had to do with it, just wanted to menton.) So here's hoping. I'm sure there is still at least one landmark from the film I need to take a picture with still. Oh yes! The Abbey. I think I see a camping trip this spring.

Because, Because

2011-10-06T11:45:00.000+02:00

We're off on another adventure. To Moravia to do some wine tasting. To Mikulov and the surrounding area to be exact. Wine and castles people, wine and castles. Hope to be good and drunk and sick of wine by Sunday.

See you soon.

Reality Bites

2011-10-03T22:24:00.001+02:00

So as we are all aware I've been neglecting this blog. I look at my number of posts per month and shake my head in shame. It's pathetic. I'm disappointed in myself but the truth is I have a hard time coming up with something to write about.

I feel the need to be interesting and upbeat (because really why else bother reading this) and the truth is that life here in Prague is pretty much the same as life back in the US. I get up, I go to work, I come home, G Unit and I make dinner, we watch some TV and we go to bed. And how interesting is that to hear about? The truth is that G Unit and I are in each other's company a lot and there are only so many entertaining things we say to one another. Or see. Or do. And the truth is that I'm homesick. Seriously homesick. So it's hard to try and write about anything non exciting here when it just makes me realize how much we're missing back home.

Like Katy & Evan's wedding. Which we so didn't send a card in time for because we (I) are post office challenged. I can't ever manage to get something sent on time. Christmas, birthdays, special events. I'm always late with the sending. I always think about it but never manage it until after the due date has passed. So Katy and Evan, Congratulations! I'm so sorry that we weren't able to celebrate with you. Seriously hurts my heart. But a card is on the way! That is so not good enough. ::sigh::

But even if we were back in the States right now instantaneously the truth is that we most likely would not be back home. We've been talking about it around our house a lot lately. Our main goal is to save money, move our asses back to the States and settle down. Part of that involves buying a house and maybe, maybe people, popping out a baby or two. But to do that we probably can't stay in California, because who can afford that (in a nice area)? Probably not us. At this point the entire US is an open possibility, which is exciting, but also sad, because even if we get back to the comfort of the States most likely we will still be far from friends and family and that means starting over again.

It's all rather daunting. And exciting. And scary. And so far away.

So there it is. The reason I haven't been writing. I'm sad and have nothing fun to say. And winter is coming. But I'm going to try to write more anyways. Get back on the horse and all. Maybe something interesting will happen. At least TV season started again.

Hugs and Kisses
N

Delay, but finally

2011-09-07T21:19:00.000+02:00

Whew. So where was I?

Oh yeah. Italy. After making it to the coast and spending the 1st afternoon at the camp site we headed to Cinque Terre the next day to catch these 5 fishing villages we had always heard so much about. We had a bit of a problem though as in my head we were always going to hike between at least two of the villages, cause that's what you do in Cinque Terre but because G Unit was starting school we had to lug the computer around with us as there was no where to leave it securely.

So we made it to Cinque Terre and did the Via dell'Amore which is the shortest of the trails, well paved and easy. We got to Manarola went down near the water and had some lunch.

G Unit may or may not have taken this video of me well and the view too I suppose.

One of the best things in Cinque Terre was watching all the tourists. And as I noted in the video, man was there a lot of them. The best example was a family of four who walked by us as we were eating.

The teenage daughter walked by first as she texted busily on her phone (who allows their child to text internationally? i ask you) with the mother walking by next saying, "Are you ever going to get off that thing? We're in Italy!" and the younger brother walked by saying "We could throw it in the ocean" and trailing them was dad who walked by us while rolling his eyes. GENIUS! Is this what my future looks like? I don't think I'm taking kids to Europe until they can afford to pay for it themselves. They're stuck with camping and Native American museums for their summer holidays. Fisher Family Shout-out!

After lunch we headed on the train to the next village, Corniglia as the path was closed. We had a drink in Corniglia and then decided to walk the path between Corniglia and Vernazza. I did check to make sure G Unit was ok with this plan what with the computer on his back and all. I think he knew I really wanted to do it though, so maybe he didn't give his real answer. So we started off in the muggy afternoon and three hours later we made it to Vernazza.

I can't say G Unit had a nice time, but I made him take some pictures and try to appreciate the scenery. It wasn't an easy hike but it was pretty. And hey we went hiking on the Italian Coast!

That's Corniglia behind me. I don't think we were even half way

G Unit was hot and sweaty and not happy but took
a picture to commemorate the hike with me anyways.

The End! That's Vernazza behind us. Don't we look invigorated?

After wearily climbing down into the town, we hung out at the harbor just to relax. About that time the sky decided to open up and the tourists were making a massive exit for the train back to town. G Unit and I had some drinks, met some Americans and then headed to dinner. We had some seafood and gnocchi with pesto. Nothing earth shattering but a nice end to a long day. Then we headed to the train as we had to get back to town and to our campsite before they closed the gates. And I end with a the photos as we waited to get on the train.

Yep we came from WAY up there

Looking tired

And Bored

Attack

Hee-Hee. I'm so tired I'm funny

Happy Happy

2011-08-13T10:23:00.000+02:00

A year ago today I was heading to Morocco for G Unit's birthday and to get us out of dodge. This year instead of heat, ramadan and bureaucracy the agenda comprises of sleeping in, having a leisurely breakfast, some shopping, cooler overcast weather, and dinner at La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise (the food part never changes). I think it's safe to say that during our year in the stable Czech Republic G Unit has seen enough of me to possibly be sick of me. I hope that is a good thing.

So Happy Birthday to my amazing husband who's support have made all our traveling adventures possible. Here's to year three abroad. I love you.

Back from Italy

2011-07-16T18:39:00.001+02:00

A few words to sum up our Italian Camping Trip

Hot
Sticky
Gorgeous
Yummy
Did I mention hot?

And a few words from the beginning of our trip:

The car that G Unit was complaining about? See it here in all it's glory. Dubbed Panda said in the "baby Alby" voice. I'm holding the prized Austrian Vignette which cost a total of 7.50 EUR so that we could drive across Austria without getting a ticket.

Most countries in Europe either have toll roads (Italy, France) or Vignettes (Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic). I'm not sure which is better. A guess a set fee is better, although the Swiss only let you buy a year pass instead of a 10 day pass as the Austrians did, as the toll roads (read the Italians) we had to pay every time we got on the motorway. As American I find it weird to pay to drive on the road. Bridges? Ok. But roads....

Also a picture of our first campgrounds, Camping Maralunga, close to Cinque Terre (one of my listed Travel goals!) where we had a view of the sea and access to jump straight into the water. Or fall. Or half fall, half jump. I'm not sure what I did. For some reason I was scared of hitting the bottom. Or the rocks. Or really just making myself bloody. Besides that, it was gorgeous. Terraced with good facilities and peaceful. We often said during our trip we should have stayed on the coast where we could jump in anytime. It was HOT. Yes we came from California and yes we lived in Morocco but I think we've gotten to used to temperate (read cold) Czech Republic.

Lerici is also where we had our first thunderstorm. Our last was at the end of our trip in Austria. Camping with a thunderstorm was definitely an experience and always in the evening thankfully, but it was an experience that G Unit didn't enjoy too much. He startles easily when he's sleeping.

More to come....

No.Time.To.Breathe.

2011-06-25T12:48:00.001+02:00

My unofficial goal earlier this year was to post twice a week. And then I went to Paris. And then the Fishers came to visit. And then I went to London. And then well work got insane. Good thing it was an unofficial goal.

And then. Then I was going to catch up on some posts I'd been meaning to write. Go all the way back to my trip to Paris and tell you about a few things. Show you some pictures. And I started a entry. And then before I could finish it our computer died. Crash. Burn. It's at the Apple doctor now. We haven't heard anything. G Unit is pretty worried that when we try to go back to the shop they'll be gone. Empty office. Absconded with our laptop. Like thieves in the night. I think they just left work early.

So now here I am using my cough*work*cough laptop to do a catch up post. G Unit is at the store with Kristy while I'm recovering from a hellish two weeks at work while Tony surfs the internet. Who are Kristy and Tony you ask? Our current houseguests. Garren grew up with Kristy across the street and her parents and his parents are still very good friends. They are doing a 5 week worldwind tour of Europe. They just came from London and are leaving for Rome tomorrow and then it's off to Germany and France after that.

And G Unit and I are leaving for Italy one week from tomorrow. Bring. It. On. But that's in a week. For those of you who might be wondering how my trip to London was a few weeks ago. I thought I'd tell you. It was work. Honestly I didn't get out much. I went to my training. I did some work in the evenings....That was about it.

Except I did get to go to Bar Boulud at the hotel one night. Man that was tasty. Charcuterie made on site. Yummy. I had the piggy burger. Which had BBQ pulled pork on top of the paddy. Oh good god. I felt very American getting the burger. Totally worth the stereotype. My sister should take note to try the place out as Chef Boulud is a native of Lyon and the menu has some traditional dishes from that area.

I was not staying at the hotel chain I work for as it was too expensive for my budget. Go figure. So I ended up closer to the Corporate Offices at The Sanderson. I am so not cool enough for this hotel. The elevator was like walking into a club. It was dark with a glow in the dark universe. I kid you not. And there were no doors inside the hotel room. The bathroom was a glass box and there were curtains you could use to close it off from the bedroom. And there was a painting on the ceiling above the bed about where your head is. I suppose it's interesting, but my question is if it's dark, cause usually you would only be laying down on the bed looking up to go to sleep, how can you really appreciate the painting? And everything was white. Very modern. Not really my style but fun to experience when I wasn't footing the bill.

I also got to watch just random TV. G Unit and I only download so there is not usually just background TV on at our house. No news. Nothing. So it was nice to watch some random English TV. I somehow ended up watching a documentary about Queen. It was strangely fascinating and I have a new appreciation for the band, as G Unit can attest to as I have been listening to their music quite a bit.

On the personal side I did squeeze in a visit to the O'Malleys. I crashed in on them one evening and joined them for dinner. It was lovely as always. Seeing the O'Mallyes is like seeing family and I always feel at home. Besides that I managed to pop out and go shopping the night before I left. I don't remember there being so MANY people in London. Oxford Street was crazy. I spent 20 minutes in line just to try on some things in Banana Republic. And every store I went into was full. You could barely walk down a sidewalk. I love London and always thought I wanted live there but with the amount of people contained in such a small area...I don't think I could do it. I like my cities on the smaller side. I need room to breathe people. I need a short commute. Time is too valuable to waste commuting 2 hours every day.

So there it is. My London trip. Told in a random stream of consciousness fashion. Probably with lots of spelling errors. Some of you may have been lucky enough to get postcards. It is so much easier to send them when you can ask for stamps in English. I need to find a tourist trap in Prague that sells postcard stamps. They'll understand English.

And now back my weekend schedule of being a lazy bum.

Calling my name

2011-05-29T21:53:00.000+02:00

G Unit and I went to the Prague Food Festival today. It was a glorious day. Sun, big fluffy white clouds, a nice breeze, food, booze and a lovely park setting. What more could a girl ask for?

An opportunity to wear my new dress from Paris! Funny story about this dress. Or maybe just a typical story. Every morning when I was in Paris I walked by a little store called Vincenzo on Rue des Petits Champs and a little dress in the window called my name. I stopped, I stared. I checked the opening and closing times. Not open on Saturdays?! I continued walking thinking I'll make it out of work early today. I'll stop by before they close. And then every evening after staying late at work I walked back to the hotel and looked in all the windows of the closed shops. And every night the little dress in the window taunted me. Just stared me in the face claiming I'd never be able to buy it.

So one of my last days in Paris I skipped out on lunch and told my colleagues I had to go see about a dress. There were of course a few other dresses calling my name but I ended up with the one that was in the window. And look how happy it makes me.

Or maybe that's the ice cream.

Or the shoes. I bought those in Paris too. At a store called Minelli. I'm all sorts of coordinated today

Or maybe it's just the company

And the best part of said Food Festival. They sent us packing with a six pack of beer. Yeah. It was a good day.

A Breath and a Word About Macaroons

2011-05-28T18:53:00.000+02:00

G Unit's parents left us for Poland yesterday. While I can say that it was a joy to have them for the week G Unit and I just about died from the joy of sleeping in our bed last night.

But not to worry the Fishers are back in a week and then we're all off to Vienna and then back to Prague and then off to France for the Fishers and off to Italy for the Mansard-Fishers. Can you tell we're not hibernating anymore?

Speaking of France. Shortly before I left for Paris a friend mentioned she was jealous at all the macaroons I would be able to eat. "I forgot about the macaroons" I declared. But after that it was the only thing I could think about.

I had read about Laduree before arriving and on multiple occasions I was asked by my fellow co-workers if I had made it there yet. Cause it was around the corner and if I liked macaroons well..... I assured them it was on my list but with the late nights at the office the first opportunity I had to go was shortly before G Unit arrived on my last working day. But even before I stepped foot to go towards the shop my colleagues surprised me with my very own box of Laduree macaroons. One of the best gifts ever.

G Unit and I were in heaven all weekend. I hogged the raspberry ones but generously let him have the pistachio ones and split the caramel ones with him evenly. We tried to go to the store over the weekend but it was overrun with tourists. Probably good for my waist line but sad for my taste buds.

Just writing about them right now is making me reveal over the gooey filling and soft crisp egg white almond cookie outside. I'm going through macaroon withdrawal. So if you find yourself in Paris or in some fancy pastry store that sells them. Eat one for me.

I'm heading back to Paris before the end of the year to eat more Parisian food in general and my weight in macaroons.

Whew!

2011-05-21T13:44:00.000+02:00

It's been a long two weeks.

Paris was great. Fabulous. But it was long hours and then the weekends were spent packing in as much of the city as possible. And then getting back to work in Prague. Well you can imagine what my desk looked like. Papers everywhere with me in the middle and me tearing my hair out.

And G Unit's lovely parents Mark & Leslie arrived this past Thursday. And now we're in Bavaria just over the Czech border in Germany. Whew. I'm tired just thinking it over.

I got a lot of sleep last night and now it's raining so the options are to read, watch a movie, blog or sit and look out at the lovely scenery at the rain. All excellent options. Although taking a bike ride on the trails in the National Park wouldn't be a bad thing either. Maybe the rain will clear up. I see some blue skies out there.

If you're interested we're staying at Bavarian Forest Holidays in Peter Haus. It's a great place run by a British couple and man is it fully stocked. Self serve grocery supplies, booze, movies, books, huge screen tvs, schnapps, bike rentals, tennis, badminton, games and in the winter, skiing. The owners have put together an entire binder of information on the area and things to do. It's insanely impressive. This is the kind of place G Unit and I would love to run.

ANYWAYS. I just wanted to let all you loyal readers know that I'm alive and well. More blogs on Paris as soon as I can upload pictures as well as more information about Bavaria and the Fisher visit.

And now back to relaxing.

Every kid's dream

2011-05-06T23:54:00.000+02:00

I had gelato for dinner tonight. I can because I'm in Paris and I said so.

After having drinks with my Parisian counterpart earlier this evening I headed back to my hotel to drop off my stuff and change. I decided to head out and walk around the city just to finally get a chance to see it. On the way I picked up a pasta salad at the grocery story in case I got hungry. I have vouchers to eat at a few cafes but it was 9:30 and I wanted to try to see the city.

So I headed over to the Louvre, stared at the pyramid and then headed up along the Siene and crossed over the "party bridge" or Pont des Arts. There were, as always, people picnicing on the bridge as well as along the Siene all the way up to Notre Dame. I crossed over the river again after pausing to view the Cathedral and then started making my way back towards the Louvre.

I somehow ended up in Le Marais or perhaps just the start of it. I had no idea where I was but I heard some guy mention Le Marais and my ears perked up as it's where my sister is going to be living this summer. Or in the general vecinity anyways. Lots of bars, sister of mine and lots of gay men. I'm sure you'll have a grand old time.

As I was wandering by all the bars, pubs and cafes I passed Gelati d'Alberto and couldn't resist. It has been so long and I'm sorry to say there's no real good ice cream in Prague. There is some ok ice cream but not gelato. So I got my stracciatella and coffee flower shaped ice cream and enjoyed the walk home. Bliss. I managed to find my way back without a map. G Unit thinks I have no sense of direction but the truth is I do, just not when he's around as it is easier to rely on him.

Tomorrow's agenda? Catch up with a friend and maybe do a little shopping and Sunday I may head to Versaille. We'll see. I'll be sure to let you know how it all turns out.

My Tea is Rich

2011-05-03T23:13:00.000+02:00

Just a quick post to let you know I made it to Paříž safe and sound. It was a pretty uneventful trip. I'm in a budget hotel in a nice part of town and I got presents upon arrival. More mugs! And info about Paris. G Unit is so excited he's going to steal a mug for work. I would take pictures so you could share in the joy but well I forgot to bring the cable to connect the camera to the laptop, so you're all just going to have to wait, but I promise to take pictures, of Paris and not just the mugs and maybe even send some postcards.

My room basically feels like Harry Potter's closet, but I suppose a little bigger. And a shower that is meant for a tiny person. I think the shower head is as high as my chest. There is a window in this Harry Potter sized space. Looking at the back of some buildings and into someone's home. And Sacre Coeur. I think. I mean it's a big white building on a hill right? They're can't be something else that looks like that right? So worst room ever, or best room ever?

Full disclosure - This is not my picture

My French is still there and it's seems more readily avaialble than it was in Morocco. I wonder why that is? I wonder if it has anything to do with being surrounded by Czech and not being able to answer. Because my brain wants to answer any language that is not English with French. Maybe my French language has just been waiting for someone to understand what it's saying. Either way I'm feeling a bit more confident about it all.

It's time for bed. More info to come.

Spring in Prague

2011-04-27T22:11:00.000+02:00

The weather has turned gray since I took this picture last week but Spring is definitely here. Next week? Spring in Paris. It is officially a go with tickets purchased and everything. Only a week and a half instead of three weeks in Paris but G Unit will come for a weekend visit. Stay tuned

Bunnies and Chocolate

2011-04-24T12:54:00.000+02:00

I have fond memories of Easter growing up. Mostly revolving around eggs. Painting eggs, easter egg hunts (while singing christmas songs - apparently my sister and I were confused children), posing with the easter bunny, cadbury eggs, jelly beans, so much chocolate I'm amazed I never feel into a sugar coma. The typical American experience, I would think.

Here in Central Europe there are many similarities. Images of baby chicks, bunnies and chocolate shaped everything are everywhere. Painting eggs is a tradition as it is in the States but it's done in an elaborate fashion here and is an art form in its own right.

Compare the above to the Easter eggs I made this year. I will admit I did not spend much time on mine. It was more just to do it.

Here in Prague they even have what I've heard is not traditional but prevalent Easter Markets. The below photos are from the market near our apartment.

The whole atmosphere in Prague around Easter feels to me like a celebration of the Spring season and it is even more enjoyable with the work holiday it provides for the Monday following Easter. Apparently Easter Monday is the true holiday in Central Europe, but it is my co-workers unequivocal least favorite holiday. When it came to deciding who would work the Monday holiday both co-workers said, "I'm working. I hate Easter Monday. I don't want to go home." When I asked why they mentioned being hit with a stick and/or drenched with water. Say what? How did we go from eating too much chocolate and painting eggs to being wet and beaten?

Apparently the Central European Easter tradition involves unmarried women being awoken by being drenched with a bucket of water or hit with a pomlazka which is a braided whip made from pussy willow twigs and decorated with ribbons. All this is supposed to bring luck and fertility in the new year. These willow whips are on display and available for purchase everywhere in Prague at the moment from the Easter markets to the grocery stores.

There are variations of this tradition. I've read that the ladies are whipped on the legs in the morning and then in the afternoon they dump water on the men. But in Slovakia the ladies get water thrown on them in the morning possibly combined with the whipping. And in return for this blessing the ladies are supposed to give them men easter eggs and chocolate treats. Either way to me it seems like the ladies are getting the short end of the stick. I can't really blame the girls for not wanting to be at home for these particular traditions.

Thankfully for me my Easter traditions still just include painted or dyed eggs, chocolate and enjoying the Spring weather. G Unit and are will be making our first trip to the beer garden today in celebration of Easter. I think that's better than being wet, shivering and having whip stung legs, but maybe that's just me.

Happy Easter!

Delayed Coffee

2011-04-22T19:23:00.000+02:00

So this past week has been kinda hellish so thanks for re-scheduling coffee with me.

I had a bad work experience last week and it kinda threw me for a loop as these things do. The week has slowly gotten better and with the weather turning absolutely gorgeous today I'm feeling more positive again. I'm hoping to make up for my silence with some more posts this weekend since G Unit and I both have three whole days off because of Easter. I like this holiday. It should be celebrated with a day off back in the States too. Stupid separation between church and state. Wait why is Christmas a holiday then? I don't get it.

There's not much to catch you up on in regards to my week besides the crappy work part, which really dominated my whole outlook unfortunately. I did manage to raise my head from my book while nesting in bed to go to brunch with G Unit. As many of you know we love weekend brunch. It was my favorite thing when we lived in Berkeley to head to La Note or Rick and Ann's. Prague is a little behind on the whole brunch experience. We've tried Cafe Savoy which G Unit finds a bit too high class in the clientele, so when he heard about a new french cafe across the river from us we decided to try. And I'm glad we did. I still like Cafe Savoy but Cafe Amadine is closer, less crowded and a more relaxed atmosphere. Oh and the coffee is great. I meant to take a picture of my latte for this post, you know for vitual coffee, but of course I forgot to bring the camera. But here is a picture of their display case instead. Mmmmm pastries.

While Cafe Amadine cannot live up to my memories of potato pancakes at Rick and Ann's or creme fresh pancakes and raspberry jam at La Note it does have pan perdu, croissants, tartines, croque monsieur and pan au chocolat and various tartes I have not yet dared to try. It will do just fine thank you. Plus they are not afraid to be bold and I love their green and pink signs. So anyone want to come by some Sunday for brunch? I hate that you are all so far away. It's the one of the really sucky things of living in Europe.

But what is going on with all of you? How is the weather in your neck of the woods? Are you doing anything fun this weekend. We only just found out that G Unit actually does have Monday off so I think we're going to try to do a day trip somewhere. It's a little last minute so we'll see.

I have to finish my coffee now. G Unit's co-workers are due here for dinner any minute. He is of course cooking up a storm. Risotto, chicken and I made no-bake mini vanilla cheesecakes. I hope they work out. I'll let you know and maybe take a picture or two. If I can sneak one in without anyone thinking I'm weird.

Braiding!

2011-04-18T21:31:00.000+02:00

Last week when I posted pictures of the zoo I was too tired to point out my hair. I always love having my hair braided but I've never been able to do it myself. I practically attack Michele every time we're around each other for more than a few hours and make her do my hair. And I love having long hair but the reason I usually chop it all off after I grow it out is because I don't know what to do with it besides put it up in a ponytail. Or a bun or a hair clip. Boring. Previously I was always frustrated when I tried to braid. I didn't know what I was supposed to be doing with the different pieces and it always looked wrong.

But then Tracy posted a link to B Jones Style hair tutorials and it was like a light bulb went on. So I started practicing. This was my first success after a few attempts.

Pippi Longstocking

Look at that - braids on the top of my head

This shows my mad braiding skills even better

Then later I tried out the bun in the back
instead of braids down the side

I'm still trying to perfect it as I'm still a bit of a novice but it's working out if I do say so myself. Score!

Virtual Caffine

2011-04-12T22:53:00.000+02:00

If we were really meeting for coffee today I would be on my 5th or so cup. It's only Tuesday and I'm ready for the week to be over. I'm not sure what's going on. G Unit and I had a restful weekend that included naps, reading and the zoo but somehow I woke up Monday with bags under my eyes wishing I could stay in bed. Today was not much better

Unfortunately this means that our coffee chat today has to be a little brief as it's already getting late here in Prague and I'm in desperate need of some zzzs.

So today I'll leave you with some photos from our annual zoo trip. I can call it annual since it's the 2nd year in a row right? There's also a video or two that you might enjoy of the animals.

Happy Tuesday everyone! Fingers crossed that tomorrow is a bright eyed Wednesday for me.

Random photo op on our way to see the elephants

Baby Gorilla!

so cute! so playful!

This is what Willoughby looks like. Are all cats the same?

Bench with a view - Photo op!

View towards the river

G Unit refusing to pose with Polar bears because
of the glare

Polar Bears playing (note minimal glare)

Orangutangs - He's so soulful - Can I mention to get here
you have to go through a "twilight area" and there are bats
FYLING FREELY. Freaking crazy. I ran through, hunched
over. I kid you not.

And now the videos. I give you Elephants:

And some sort of wild cat kittens. I wanted to take one home!

Find more interesting conversation over at Amy's

Virtual Coffee

2011-04-05T22:08:00.006+02:00

Happy Tuesday everybody! I feel like I should talk like a muppet when I say that as that is what it sounds like in my head.

First if we were really meeting for coffee I would take a minute to mention that it's my mother-in-law Leslie's birthday. I don't know how I got so lucky have her in for a mother-in-law, but I'm glad I did. I'm just sorry that G Unit and I are not closer so that we could celebrate her birthday with her, but I hope our phone call let her know how much she means to us even if it is only a lame message on the machine. Good thing she's coming to see us soon so that we can spoil her rotten in person. Happy Birthday Leslie!

So, how was everyone's weekend? Mine was fab-uuuu-lous. The weather has finally turned warm here in Prague and G Unit and I took full advantage. As you may know hubby ran the Prague 1/2 Marathon which was lots of fun for me. Sunday we decided to head to the park and have a picnic.

G Unit remarked as we were enjoying the sunshine that he would never have wanted to do this back in California. He said that he would have found it boring, but after 6 months of cold weather and the indoors any excuse to get outside is now jumped on.

It reminds me of a wise man (I'm looking at you Bob Larson) once telling me that as you get older you notice/pay more attention to the seasons. I didn't really believe Bob when he said that to me way back when as I had just graduated college and was working in a University environment. I didn't think I would ever not know when it was mid term time or Christmas break. And I don't know if I would notice it as much if I was still in California, but when there is a true distinction between the seasons, boy do you notice it. Walking around without a coat is like a miracle. I heart Prague in the Spring.

If we were really meeting for coffee I would completely change subjects and gush about my uncle Jerome (pronounced Jerem with a Belfast accent) who has written a play called LoveJig, a love story about two Irish dancers. He started writing the play when my cousin (his daughter) went on tour with an Irish dancing show. After getting back she and her friends said he should write a story for an Irish dancing show as the story-line on their gig was not so great. He started writing and LoveJig is the result. It's turning into a bit of a family affair. My cousin and her friends (I believe) are to provide the dancing for the play, another cousin is helping with the promoting and my aunt auditioned and is to be one of the leads. It's all very exciting. I just wish I could make it to see the damn thing. sigh. I'm afraid the timing won't work out though. It's right before G Unit and I leave for our vacation in Italy. I've told Jerome he has to tape one of the performances for my viewing pleasure or take it on tour to Europe. I'm fine either way. Fingers crossed. But if anyone else reading this is in the Toronto area June 24 - 26 you should totally check it out.

And apparently this week I'm obsessed with all things Irish, as I'm dying to tell you about a new documentary about Irish Dancing. It's called Jig.

For anyone who ever wondered or was curious about what I was talking about when I mentioned an Irish Dancing Feis and the crazy world of Irish dancing competition you would probably be interested. I sometimes wish that I was as great an Irish dancer as these kids or my cousins are, but I really do not have the drive for it. Sometimes it bothers me that I don't have the drive not only regarding Irish dancing but studying/school and any other hobbies I start. But maybe it's not drive but plain lack of competitiveness. Or passion. It can be a little upsetting when I think about it. But don't worry; this feeling usually passes, probably more quickly than it should and I shrug my shoulders and get on with my world happy with who I am and what I have done.

And that's it for me today. What's new with all of you? I'd love to hear what's going on in your neck of the woods.

Join Virtual Coffee with Amy at Lucky Number 13

Spring, with a bang!

2011-04-04T21:58:00.000+02:00

Spring has officially arrived in Prague and this past weekend was the kick off event.

G Unit ran his first 1/2 marathon. He's been training since January and Saturday was THE day. We got up early, I got dolled up and he got prepped to run. We left with plenty of time to get to the starting point. It was a gorgeous day, probably in the low 70s. I was comfortable in a skirt and light sweater. G Unit thought it was too hot. He's used to running in freezing conditions.

Man were there a lot of people at this thing. 9500 people running and then all their family and friends. It was intense.

G Unit packed up his stuff handed me his bag, took a mandatory pre run photo with the wife and then left me to go and find out where he needed to be and make sure he was all ready to go.

Then I pushed my way through the crowds and found myself a place to watch the start of the race. There were a lot of pushy people trying to get past me as they had to take a picture of their "friends". What the hell is my husband chopped liver? I unfortunately didn't manage to catch a glimpse of G Unit at the start. SO MANY PEOPLE but I did manage to catch the front runners and a lot of other random people

Look at those strides - crazy fast

After looking at all these random people, reaching the end of the group and not seeing G Unit, I grabbed my things and ran off towards work. I had a surprise. Secretly I had made signs. Oh Yes. G Unit had a "team building" dinner earlier in the week and it was perfect timing. I colored my signs while watching my tv shows. (side note: I think I may need to buy coloring books for myself. I found it oddly relaxing to be coloring in the lines.) Behold the genius of my signs, which I totally stole from other people.

G Unit asked earlier where his sign was while traveling to the start

I played the horrified wife pretending that I had not thought to make him a sign
and now felt totally guilty at my lack of support - I'm sneaky like that

People at work totally appreciated my sign making abilities. I grabbed the signs and picked up Bara and Martina who wanted to help me cheer G Unit on. I was a little worried that he might have reached the bridge where we decided to wait for him before we got there, but I tried to relax while Martina and I held up the signs for others to read.

This was probably the best part of the day for me. Lots of the runners going by smiled, smirked or out right laughed. I could see them reading the signs as they went by and they would then look up at me and I'd give them a huge smile. And Martina was cracking jokes next to me. It was great. All the while though we were frantically searching for G Unit. Do you know how hard it is to find a white with red trim shirt during a marathon? Practically impossible. I've already told him he needs to get a pink or purple shirt for the next one. And then Bara spotted him and then there he was right in front of us. He didn't even read my signs, but we yelled and screamed at him anyways as he went by. Apparently he could hear us giggling halfway down the bridge.

I had lunch with the girls and then headed over towards the finish. I got there around 2:20 which is about the time we thought he would finish. To make a long story short I had just missed him but didn't know it so I sat there with my camera waiting for him, hoping to get a picture of him finishing. I didn't get a glory shot of him coming in on the home stretch but I got these other random pictures.

And then I wondered where could hubby be. He should have finished by now. He said he would text me. And then I started to worry. What if he passed out somewhere. Who would I call? How would I find him?

This is me worried. I had my hand up like where is he?

And then I decided to text him. And then I heard a strange buzzing. Coming from his bag. Damnit! He had left his phone with me. So I ran over to where we said we would meet if I missed him at the finish. And there he was. Bad wife. I tried to cheer him on at the end and he ended up having to wait for me. {le sigh}. I'll do better next time. We got a picture of him with his metal even if it was delayed. Isn't he cute?

Now I'm trying to convince him to do the 1/2 marathon in Brussels. I've also told him he has to put a full marathon on his list. I want to make more signs. And get pictures of him finishing the race. And eat Belgian fries and gaufres. I like this whole traveling to cheer him on thing. He says he'll do the full marathon if I do a half marathon. I'm thinking I like the sidelines better.

Virtual Coffee

2011-03-29T22:13:00.001+02:00

Family shout out

If we were really meeting for coffee today I'd invite you over as we just had the apartment cleaned today and it always looks so fresh after someone else has spruced it up. I am happily so spoiled.

So a week has passed and G Unit is still working. I think he's happy in the new job. It seems as if there is a lot to learn and I feel that can't be a bad thing in terms of experience. It may not be his end goal in terms of an employer or type of work but I don't think any experience is ever wasted.

I've been getting back into cooking with G Unit back at work. We're learning to share the kitchen. Or maybe it's taking turns. He's been used to doing things his way and he has become an amazing cook in the last two years, but previously before this whole grand adventure I was used to cooking my way with him asking my opinion when he cooked. Now we both have our own opinion. So far no one has died.

Work wise, this past week has been interesting for me. There is going to be some changes in the management above me. So there is a new boss on the horizon. Hopefully this will be a positive change, but change is always a little scary and uncertain.

For me personally there is a new work challenge. This is not definite yet, but I've been asked to help set up the reservation systems for a new sister property opening this summer.

Hells to the yes. I wanted to do a trip to the city of lights next month. Looks like work is going to pay for me to go for two weeks. fingers crossed. And it will be work but I'm hoping G Unit can join me for at least one weekend and the rest of the time I'll spend going to museums and pastry shops. Bye-bye weight watchers. Anyone want to hop on a plane and come see me?

Before anyone jumps to conclusions, I am not moving. I know with Prague I went off for a few weeks and then stayed indefinitely, but they already have someone in my position at the new hotel. I'm just going to help. And gorge myself on pain au chocolat. Hopefully. I feel like I'm jinxing this by telling you all before tickets are bought.

News about this trip came when I was obsessing about my closet. I always feel so unfashionable, so blah. Yeah going to France is seriously not going to help that feeling of inadequacy. I have been saying for years want a personal shopper. I want someone to tell me what to buy and what I should be wearing with what. Ok I want a personal stylist AND a personal shopper. I've even asked my sister to send me things she thinks I should buy when she's shopping for herself. And I tried to see if I can find someone in Prague who does wardrobe consultations, like my friend Tracy. (Who I would so ask to re-haul my closet if I was back home.) I was that frustrated. Course I have this freakout at least twice a year but then when I realize how much clothing costs I back off again after buying a few things. Which I did when JCrew posted a 30% final sale. Hopefully after a few years of careful buying I might have a wardrobe I like. Nope. I still think I need help. One day. I bought these in case you were curious.

Dress of which I can use for work and play! Right?

Blazer of which I have none. Score.

If we were really meeting for coffee I would shut up now. I have a problem with babbling and I'd let you catch me up on your week while I finish the rest of my Tim Horton's coffee. Hey it's virtual coffee I can get anything I want, even if I do have to go all the way to Canada.

Finally I'd look at the clock and realize that it's getting late here in Prague and time for me to go to bed. I'm so glad to have this weekly chat and can't wait to see you all again next week!

Catch up with other Virtual Coffee posts at Amy's!

Monday Motivational

2011-03-28T21:36:00.000+02:00

Hello everybody! I can't believe another week has started. Now that we're really settled in Prague time seems to be flying by. This week (or perhaps just indefinitely for the the immediate future) I've decided that my intention should be

Restraint

There are limits to self-indulgence, none to restraint. - Ghandi

Mostly this is in reaction to the past few weeks which has seen G Unit and I stretch our bank account. Now that G Unit is working it has made it easier to lose the self restraint and splurge. While this has been fun it could easily get out of hand. Part of the reason we moved away from California was we knew that with the lower cost of living we would be able to save more on one salary than we ever could on two in the Bay Area.

There is also the fact that I'm entering week two of getting back on track with weight watchers. Remembering that a little restraint can go a long way I hope will help me get through the week and closer to my goal.

But I also want to focus on social interaction. Sometimes things pop out of my mouth before I really think about what they mean or how they could be interpreted, especially in a multicultural environment. I don't think I've ever really offended anyone here but starting to feel comfortable here in Prague also means that I don't think through things as much as I maybe should.

So this week I'm hoping to focus on is the goals that I have set forth for both in the short term and the future. I also want to think about how my thoughts and actions can impact others. I want to think about what is important for down the road for the bigger picture rather than on the instant gratification of buying shiny new objects, trying the latest restaurant or saying whatever pops into my head.

For more Monday Motivational, join Jade at Tasting Grace

Zero or Nuala?

2011-03-24T18:01:00.001+01:00

Did you know? Apparently Nuala in Czech means zero. Like in the number. Or lack of number. Seriously when you count it's nula, jeden, dva, tri.....

I'm not so good at coming up with new upset/worried faces

Is there an upside to this? I mean being known as zero. Well kinda. Everyone understands my name. I say Nuala and then they look at me a little funny, like stupid English speaking person doesn't realize I asked for her name and then I go, Nuala like zero. And I get a sly smile every time. Even with people smirking over the accidental czech translation of my name at least it's not being butchered and is recognizable. Even G Unit's started using my name for reservations cause zero is easier to get than Garren.

Will the level of meanings my Irish Gaelic name has ever end? I sure as hell hope not.

Virtual Coffee

2011-03-22T22:15:00.000+01:00

Another week, another post. I'm feeling a little uninspired today. All week I've been thinking about what I would say today when we met for coffee but I've got nothing. Okay maybe not nothing, but nothing entertaining. Not really.

The big news is that Kept Man is a officially a Kept Man no longer. G Unit has made the move back to the daily grind. Two days strong and he's going back for thirds tomorrow. This past weekend was spent getting the house and ourselves organized as we knew that no one would be around with tons of time on their hands to clean and cook. I think we've done ok so far and feel as if we are both putting the effort in to do things around the house. Mostly me really since before I did not bother at all cause well...he was home all day. {sheepish grin}

As for the drama that is the Moroccan Embassy in case any of you were wondering, G Unit got an unofficial, "Well if you can't get it, but can prove you tried, with countries like Morocco we understand..." So it's no longer dire to get this piece of paper from Morocco. Thank the gods. Hopefully this is our last interaction with Moroccan bureaucracy. fingers crossed

Besides that I'm back on the Weight Watchers wagon. Some of my work pants are beginning to feel uncomfortably tight. Apparently eating dumplings, schnitzel and strudel to your heart's content isn't good for your waist line. Oh and let's not forget the fried cheese. Apparently that's not calorie free either. Go figure. The Farmer's Market here in Prague officially opened the location near our apartment last weekend.

View towards our Apartment from market

There's not much in the way of vegetables yet, but we should start seeing something in the next few weeks that will help us eat a bit healthier. That and G Unit not having all day to make home made tamales or lasagna. {sob} In the meantime we're making do with grocery store veggies and trying to eat better (read eat less cheese).

Ratatouille tonight!

Farmer's Market fish from last week - Healthy except for the fact that we covered it in broken beurre blanc sauce - Fail

My new resolution didn't stop me from buying this awesome smoked cheese from Slovakia called Ostiepok at the Farmer's market

Mmmm cheese

It's so yummy when you heat it up in a pan and let it get all soft and gooey and then place it on some fresh bread....num. My idea of heaven involves non stop food (read cheese and carbohydrates) with no repercussions.

And on that note I will leave you with a memento (laugh) from St. Patrick's Day. Green teeth. And me finishing a book...in bed. A party animal I am.

Thanks for joining me for coffee today. I hope your past week has at least been as relaxing as mine if more interesting. Head over to Amy's for more virtual coffee.

Monday Motivational

2011-03-21T18:40:00.000+01:00

Jade at Tasting Grace (who many of you may know) has been doing a weekly Monday Motivational. The idea is to set a word, image or thought as the intention for the week. I thought I'd join in.

POSITIVE

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference - Winston Churchill

It's amazing how easy it is to fall into a recurring negative loop at work. Something is always wrong, something is always frustrating, someone has always messed something up that needs to be fixed, the guests ask too many questions, every phone call is meant to interrupt you from your very important work. (wait, what?) It's a never ending cycle that just builds on itself.

This week I've decided to realize that these things are not important and maintain a positive attitude so that things that don't really matter do not affect my overall outlook. I'm going to be happy, happy, happy damn-it.

Happy Day

2011-03-16T11:48:00.000+01:00

"Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words" - Platus

I don't know if I can think of a better way to celebrate my mom's birthday. I just wish I was with her to help drink the wine! Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you know how much I love you. You're amazing. Enjoy your day.

Hugs and Kisses,
Nuala

PS A little something is on it's way in the mail, but as always I'm late with the sending (because I roll like that).

Cup o' Joe

2011-03-15T21:15:00.000+01:00

...or maybe a cup of tea. It's about 8pm in Prague and I don't think caffeine would be the best choice at this point

If we were really meeting up for coffee, I would ask how your week was and what is new with you. I'd like to hear how your life is going before I get into what's up around here. There are a lot of changes going on in this household. As I type Kept Man is finally hanging a bar that we got from Ikea back in October for extra pot and pan storage as well as a chalkboard for the kitchen. We'll probably only doodle on the chalkboard but at least it will be something on our big white walls.

Besides cosmetic changes on our walls, Kept Man is getting a change of status. As of Monday he will no longer be a Kept Man. That's right, he's going back to the world of 9 to 5! What will I call him now? Maybe I'll go back to the old standby of G Unit.

Disregarding the fact that I have to come up with a new nickname, I'm so happy for that Kept Man has been offered this opportunity. The past two years bouncing between Morocco and Czech Republic has been a bit frustrating for him. I know the idea of having almost two years off traipsing around Europe and North Africa sounds fun but after a while I get the impression it's a bit boring. In case you're internally screaming, "What is the job Nuala!?", he'll be working for a huge company doing customer service. It's not glamours but it's steady work with interaction with others and it means we'll be able to save a lot more money while we're here in the Czech Republic. Plus he gets his own cubie. No more sitting at home twiddling his thumbs. Or making me dinner. Yep, I'm already going through withdrawals.

With all these new exciting work happenings it was inevitable that Morocco's bureaucracy would crash the party as if it wanted to give us a final parting gift. This new job wants a criminal background check from Morocco since we lived there in the past year. I think I can honestly voice the opinion that Morocco is the most frustrating and stupid bureaucracy ever.

For comparison Kept Man already got the background check for the Czech Republic. He went to the post office, presented his passport and told them what he wanted. One business day later it was available to pick up. All for the low low price of 50 CZK (approximately $2.50). In the meantime emails have been sent to the Moroccan Embassy with limited useless information given in response. Finally I called the Moroccan Embassy today to try to get some help on how we can get this stupid piece of paper that says that Kept Man has no criminal record in Morocco. I was basically told that that the Embassy could not help us and we would have to go to Morocco. I mean REALLY?! Why is it so hard to do this? Why does this become an international incident? Why is Moroccan civil service so f'd up? What is wrong with having a form to fill out a standard fee to pay and instructions on how to do it? Why is everything a huge hassle? It is unbelievable. Those of you in the States, thank your lucky stars for the DMV. It is a pantheon of order and helpfulness. Those of you in Czech Republic who think the Czech Republic is difficult, go to Morocco, then we can talk.

We're trying to go through the Moroccan Embassy in the US now. Maybe they will be more helpful. HR seems content that we are still trying to get this piece of paper and Kept Man is scheduled to start Monday even without Morocco and their "Kept Man is not a criminal" documentation. Keep your fingers crossed that it all works out.

So my week in a nutshell - Job for Kept Man (yeah!) - No more chef at home for me (boo!) - Morocco sucks! - Czech Republic is awesome! - Kept Man still starts on Monday (yeah!)

Thanks for the tea time and a sympathetic ear. I appreciate you listening to me rant and rave about things out of my control. And celebrating Kept Man's new job with me. Next week we'll learn if I can remember how to cook! I'm also hoping to get some pictures to share with you from the Farmer's Market here that is along the river and near our house. Let's hope for blue skies. And maybe I'll have a story about going to an Irish pub for St. Patty's Day. Big plans, that's my middle name. Have a great week!

I'm a Degenerate

2011-03-12T13:58:00.000+01:00

....so says Kept Man as I hold his beer on the metro as we head home because he's too embarrassed to hold an open container of booze on public transportation. It's his Puritan American side coming out. Did I mention that it's 12:30pm and he's tipsy?

We were returning from the Farmer's Market in Galerie Fenix at the metro stop Vysocanska. Some friends invited us to join them as they know we were interested in accessing local products. And Kept Man and Karel decided that 10am would be the best time to try the local beer being sold. The label on this particular beer 'was for men' and would probably 'not be allowed in the States'. Protestant sensibilities and all. I kept my hand over the label as we rode the metro home stealing a few sips here and there. While I didn't mind holding the open container the label was a little to likely to catch someone's attention.

All and all it was a fun morning. We managed to procure some fresh trout, bacon, sausages, smoked cheese, butter, pasta, wine and of course beer.

Along the way Kept Man learned some dirty Czech words and phrases and we had some laughs. Not a bad way to start the weekend.

Sun! Oh the joys!

2011-03-09T18:21:00.000+01:00

Spring is around the corner.

It was down right temperate today. A high of 54 F! The sun is staying out later and later every evening. Everyone is out and even the dogs are happy. I saw at least 5 dogs playing in the park today and when I was waiting for my tram this evening I saw a little shitzu prancing along the cobblestones like he was dancing looking as happy as Larry.

It's a amazing what a little sunshine does to everyone's mood.

Coffee Coffee Coffee

2011-03-08T19:01:00.003+01:00

Happy Tuesday. Pull up a chair. Can I get you something? Coffee? Tea? Me? (Name that movie!)

I'm in a bit of a silly mood. Maybe it's just a good day. Or maybe it's finally deciding not to take things so seriously. Or maybe it's realizing that I am good at my job and I do know more than I realize.

Any-who. If we were really meeting for coffee today I'd tell you about the Kylie Minogue concert I attended last week. I was lucky enough to score a free ticket randomly through work. Kept Man decided he was not interested in going but I didn't want to miss out on a free show so I decided to go on my own. I'm glad I did. The ticket was the kind that I would never pay for but the view might be worth it. I was about 10 feet from Ms. Minogue at all times. It was awesome. And boy does she put on a show. *begin side note* I will mention that I have never seen so many gay men in one place in Prague before. But then again, I don't get out much. *end side note* The costumes, dancers and the sets were more than enough to keep me entertained even though I didn't know too many of her songs. I'm only familiar with her very recent hits and the 80s classic (well classic to me and my sister) "Put your hand on your heart". She did not play the 80s classic but she had enough good looking male dancers (start around minute 2:00 on this video to see what I'm talking about) to make up for it. If I had the opportunity I might go see Ms. Minogue again. It was good times.

The rest of my week was quiet although Kept Man did manage to drag me out on Saturday night. We headed to Botel Admiral (which is a two minute walk from our house) for drinks which was a complete trip. Lots of dark polished wood and furniture that looks like it was in style in 1984. I'm looking forward to trying it out again during the summer when the deck is open. During drinks at one point I thought we were having an earthquake, but no that's just what happens when you're having drinks on a boat. It moves from time to time.

Kept Man managed to keep me out late and after drinks we headed to Jazz Dock (again a 10 minute walk from home) and listened to some Jazz. It's a small venue. A little pricey on the weekends but I know they have less expensive shows/times. I was glad we went. We'd been talking about it for a year. Really a year. No exaggeration. Man we need to get out more. We are old people. Scratch that. I am an old person. Kept Man actually gets out into the world more often than me.

And then after telling you all this is would shamefully admit that apart for going out Saturday and heading to a movie and the grocery store on Sunday I didn't leave our apartment even though it was sunny and clear all weekend. After a week of working all I want to do is lay around in my pajamas and veg. I need at least 4 days off if I'm expected to do more than catch up on TV. I promise to try to get out this next weekend. Kept Man and I have already discussed going for a bike ride. And if all else fails the farmer's market starts in two weeks and that is across the river from us. I cannot claim laziness to avoid it.

And that pretty much catches you up with my week. I'd be sure to leisurely finish my coffee while I listen to what's been happening with you. And when all possible topics have been exhausted I'd get up to go as Kept Man has prepared dinner and I'm holding things up. Turkey burgers tonight.

The man, the legend: my husband

mmmm Turkey burgers

I'm so spoiled. Thanks for joining me for coffee this week. See you next week!

Coffee Time

2011-03-01T23:24:00.002+01:00

If we were really meeting for coffee today I would be bounding over to you with a huge smile on my face because I was surprised by a package in the mail today.

I got a notice in the mail yesterday letting me know that a package waiting for me at the local post office. I decided to pick it up on my way home from work today. Side note: Can I mention that with all the packages we received off and on since Christmas time the gentleman behind the counter now recognizes me and speaks in English to me because he knows I don't speak Czech. And he does it with a smile. I don't know how the post office got such a bad wrap here in Czech Republic. I was terrified of it after hearing so many horror stories. But it's downright pleasant, especially after the scariness that is the Moroccan post office. In Morocco you either never get your packages or if you do they've been rifled through. And there is no semblance of a line at the Morocco post office (or at least when I went). And they have no concept of personal space. And there is not a woman in sight. INTIMIDATING. End side note.

So when my nice Czech Post Office worker brought over the package I noticed that the name on it was my friend's last name. My first thought was, "Kristen sent me something?" And then I noticed the address was not her address but the house she grew up in, "Why would Kristen put her parents address on the package?" And then I got closer and saw that the package declaration noted that the contents of the package were cookies. And then it clicked. The package wasn't from Kristen. It was from her mom, Eydie (and I'm betting Bob too), my Girl Scout troop leader. Girl Scout. Cookies.

Aww yeah. I walked home with a skip and a smile and wondering how I would hide a box from Kept Man to hoard all to myself. Not really. Kinda. He's a cookie monster.

And speaking of Kept Man. This past week has been more eventful for him than me. All of a sudden he's had two job opportunities pop up and 4 interviews in the last week. He just had the last one today. He seems to think he didn't do so well on one of the interviews, but I think he probably did just fine. He's very competent, intelligent, has a wonderful smile and I think gives a nice first and second impression. So we'll see. Hopefully he'll hear back from one or both opportunities in the next week or so.

He may not be a Kept Man for much longer. And while I'm very excited at the idea of him getting a job as I know that he has been very frustrated not working, I am already going into withdrawals at the thought as I have gotten very used to him being available for everything, being home when I get off of work and ahem, preparing my home cooked meals. It's back to oven pizzas if he gets on some wacky work schedule. Fingers crossed for him though even if it means I'll starve. Because obviously I've forgotten how to cook in the last year and a half.

And now I will probably stop rambling and ask how your week was? Did you do anything fun and exciting? Any new adventures? Anything planned for later this week? I myself have no plans for the rest of this week, except Irish Dancing, trying to find out if the farmer's market in town is starting this weekend and managing to post on this blog twice a week instead of once a week. Let's see if I succeed shall we. I need some inspiration. Or maybe just sunshine. Where are you spring?

And now it's time for me to put down my decaf cappuccino and head to bed. It's getting late and I have to get up early. It was nice catching up with you all. See you next week!

Daily Grind

2011-02-27T22:25:00.002+01:00

I've found that living abroad people always think you're doing wild, crazy and fabulous things. I even assume this about others (I'm looking at you Jade and Toby). I assume this even though I know that while living abroad sounds exotic, the truth is you're just living your day to day life as you would anywhere. A friend recently equated it to being on a roller-coaster where all the highs and lows of your normal life are strangely magnified.

So in an effort to dispel you of the notion that we're constantly hanging out with fabulous foreigners, in exotic Czech bars drinking strange Czech beers and eating foreign delicacies, I give you a typical day in photo format.

I start my morning by getting up, rubbing sleep from my eyes and jumping in the shower

Kept Man in the meantime gets up and makes me a breakfast of oatmeal and bananas

Doesn't he look happy to be awake with me in the morning?

I make a coat selection

And bundle myself up

I walk out of our apartment building

And walk towards Andel

I ride the tram to Hellichova where I get off

And walk towards the back work entrance. The building in blue is a school. I grumble about all those damn whippersnappers take up space on the morning tram as I walk by

And I make the final turn to enter the hotel

And then I'm in the office

At my desk

working. with no window. sigh. fun times

And after crunching some numbers I leave the hotel once evening rolls around

And walk to my tram stop

Which is in front of a church

Once I get on the tram I look out the window

To see the people, cars and

shops passing by

Then I walk towards home

enter our building

climb up to our landing

And it's slipper time!

Where the man is waiting

As is the booze

and the food....mmmm chocolate fondant

And then after catching up with Kept Man and watching a couple of shows or a movie it's off to bed and in the morning it starts all over again. And so I leave you disillusioned of our exotic Czech Republic life but hopefully smiling over a silly video of Kept Man cooking which is the best part of my day. He might soon have a job. I might go into serious withdrawals. I suppose I will survive. Wish him good luck.

Virtual Coffee

2011-02-22T23:50:00.003+01:00

If we were meeting for coffee today I would probably order a glass of wine as you can do that in most cafes in Prague and it's getting to be evening time here and I'm ready to relax. I'd also want to thank you for listening last week. I know I was a little down but I'm trudging along doing just fine.

This weekend was too short as I worked on Saturday. I had a lovely Sunday though. Kept Man and I tried Cafe Savoy for the first time. I enjoyed it a lot. English papers to read, great coffee and home made jams. It was yummy and relaxing. Kept Man thought it was a bit on the expensive side and mostly comprised of more well to do people but I would be happy to go back and spend another Sunday there. The rest of my Sunday was spent napping and reading. Bliss.

On the bright side of such a short weekend, I'm taking a day off tomorrow to compensate. I was itching to do something so I planned a date day for Kept Man and me. We're going for massages in the morning and dinner at SaSaZu in the evening. I've been craving SaSaZu for a few weeks. The service is mediocre but the food more than makes up for it. What we are going to do in between these two appointments I have no idea. Maybe shopping? I've been wanting new boots but apparently the spring collections are in the stores now and no boots are to be had. sigh. I miss internet shopping. It is so much more convienent to have things show up at your door then plow through stores.

In other news it has turned very cold here the last few days. I miss the temperate California climate and am extremely looking forward to spring. When we first moved into our apartment we were just moving into winter and I was looking forward to hibernating, but the last few weeks I've been feeling restless and I'm looking forward to warmer weather so that Kept Man and I can go on some adventures. We may fit in one ski weekend before winter is officially over. Course I don't ski, but I'll try.

If we were really meeting for coffee I would be sure to tell you about this new website I heard about from my friend Michele that uses the new Kindle Lending feature so that you can borrow books from other Kindle owners. It's called Booklending.com and it is pretty awesome. I've already loaned some of my books and am looking forward to trying to borrow someone else's book after I finish my current reading material. They only negative thing is that the publishers decide if the book is lendable or not and of course many of the books I would like to "borrow" are not available for lending. I wish the book publishers would wake up and realize they are only hurting themselves by limiting the options for e-books. It's especially a hot topic with me since I am living outside of the United States and the main way I get my books now is electronically.

And then I would stop ranting about publishers and their e-book policies and ask how your week was and what is new with you. Once we were all caught up I would finish my glass and get ready to leave. It's the end of my day and I'm looking forward to heading home and sleeping in tomorrow.

Thanks for joining me for coffee this week and I'm looking forward to seeing you next week!

For those who were a wee bit upset

2011-02-16T19:15:00.000+01:00

...that I did not post pictures of my hair last night I give you the following. Really you can't tell how it looks. And really it's the same as you remember. I did not go off the reservation here people. But the continuous shots were kinda fun to do anyways.

Did I mention that I'm not very inventive at making funny faces? Where is Kept Man when I need him?

Virtual Coffee

2011-02-15T23:41:00.002+01:00

I've been inspired by Jade's 'virtual coffee' posts as a way to keep all you readers updated on what is going on without feeling like I have to come up with some interesting, inspired topic in order to impart with you what life here in Prague is like.

So....

If we were meeting for coffee today I would give you a big hug as real homesickness has set in. It's taken a while, but I think that is because it is only really since October that I have felt settled and secure. Before that it was hotel living and uncertainty with the thought that everything was about to blow up in our faces and we would be back State side any minute. Since October Kept Man and I have found a home, received our things and settled into domestic bliss. But now with normal day to day practicalities I realize how much I miss my family and friends in California (and elsewhere). On top of that since October I have been trying to figure out a way to get my furballs to Prague from San Francisco. Coming home to the furballs is part of what makes a home for me and being settled and not having them around has hurt my heart. A Lot. But this past weekend I finally decided it was better to leave them where they are. We don't really know how long we'll stay in Prague and moving them multiple times across the world doesn't seem fair. I'm glad I finally made a decision even if it wasn't what I was hoping for.

And if we were really meeting for coffee I would change the subject because that was all way too depressing and tell you about the gift I got Kept Man for Valentine's Day. I had one of the pictures he took when he was on the coast of Morocco printed onto canvas.

It looks gorgeous blown up and I'm excited at the possibility of taking other photos from our journeys this past year and having them printed on canvas for the big white walls in our apartment. I would also mention how proud I am of having managed to get the photo printed and pick it up all by myself. I find myself very timid in Czech Republic as I feel bad for not speaking Czech and hate feeling stupid, but as someone said to me if you let that stop you, you'll never do anything.

I'm sure I'd also mention that the whole feeling uncomfortable thing and not doing things because of it is a bit of a theme for me (why I moved to a foreign country I do not know) and my hair has paid the price for it. After 5 months this non Czech speaking girl was finally able to make it to a hair dresser today to get a very badly needed trim. A good recommendation found me at a high end salon where they do speak English and charge a premium for it. But after cursing my hair the past month and contemplating just being done with it and just chopping it all off with my kitchen shears it was all worth it.

I'd also be sure to tell you how excited I am about the camping trip that Kept Man and I are planning for this summer. We originally had hoped to go to Greece but when budgets and ideals did not co-exist we rethought things and decided on camping through Italy. In the last two weeks we managed to buy a used tent, one gas burner stove, two camp chair (one broke - at least it was only $2.50), air mattress pump and extra sleeping bag.

We also just received a camping book in the mail today from Amazon and I'm looking forward to heading to bed to read about some different Italian regions - read food.

And now my caffine rush has worn off and with Prague reaching the end of its day, it's time for bed. Thanks for listening to me today and I'm looking forward to sharing coffee with you next week!

The Original Jack Bauer Power Hour

2011-02-07T23:04:00.001+01:00

Kept Man hates the tv show 24. He refused to watch it with me. Which was fine. It is stupid. But I enjoyed it for the stupid fact that the Jack Bauer no matter how badly abused by the governement always finished his mission. No matter what the cost. I'm not saying these costs are ok. It was just fun to watch him play it all out.

I also just love saying Jack Bauer Power Hour. That is the bigger joy really. Seriously try it. Totally fun to say.

Kept Man and I watched Rambo, or excuse me, First Blood, for the first time a few weeks ago. My first reaction? Rambo is the original Jack Bauer. He can't loose and he's horribly abused by unfeeling government officials and he's willing to do whatever it takes. A Jack Bauer prototype if you will.

My second reaction to watching the Rambo movies in general. "Where is the rocket launcher? There's got to be a rocket launcher!"

I understand Tropical Thunder much better now.

Breakfast

2011-01-30T14:15:00.000+01:00

Since before we left for Morocco Kept Man and I got into the habit of weekend brunch when we had a day off together. In California we usually went out, Rick and Ann's or La Note being the destinations of choice in Berkeley and Cajun Kitchen or Tupelo Junction in Santa Barbara. In Marrakech and Prague there is a void of quality brunch locations. In Marrakech we usually ended up at Cafe de la Poste for a French breakfast while in Prague we gravitate towards The Globe Cafe for an American style brunch.

While we do go out for brunch from time to time our preferred choice since leaving the States has been to cook at home. Our go to meal is Buttermilk pancakes and bacon, from the Bride and Groom Cookbook - our magic book - which I bought before I even met Kept Man and now give as a wedding present. Incidentally we need a 2nd copy. Ours is covered in grease and batter spattering from being used so much. We've also experimented with muffins, breakfast burritos (yummy), French Toast and some not so eggy dishes. Too much egg and not enough stuff and I may puke all over Kept Man. Ugg. One of the worst smells I can think of is a frying egg. I know everyone out there will probably disagree with me but all I can say is blah.

Last Saturday it was the good old pancakes with bacon. Side note on the bacon. This was the first bacon we found at our grocery store that was labeled "British Bacon" meaning it was smoked. It was yummy and crispy and Kept Man was able to stock up on his bacon grease. It's amazing since one of us has time to cook how much more we use and save in the kitchen. Did I mention that Kept Man has made preserved lemons recently? We're going to try them out in a Tagine sometime soon. Marrakech with it's easy to buy preserved lemons was wasted on us. sigh.

Anyways back to the pancakes. They were supposed to look like this:

But in reality with the prep and the cooking

Did I mention how my food pictures suck?

They looked a bit more like this:

I'm only working with a point and shoot here. And Kept Man is the photographer of the two of us

But I'm too lazy to have him edit the photos because by the time he's done I won't want to write anymore. So you have uninspirted food photos I"m afraid

Today Kept Man decided he wanted muffins. No low fat crap muffins. Real muffins. So we found a recipe. Albeit a bit of a complicated one. (Kept Man remarked that it made a lot of dishes) and set to baking

Kept Man did not like the sugar lemon topping

But I found it quite enjoyable with my coffee

And Kept Man didn't snub his nose at them either for all his talk of how the lemon made it taste funny.

Now don't you all want to come over for breakfast? Or late lunch. I am lazy on the weekends. If you can't tell from our state of grooming in these pictures. So I guess that would be 3am California time. Surely you're all free.

Winter in Prague

2011-01-25T20:22:00.001+01:00

So I wanted to share a picturesque view of Prague in the Winter. Snow on the hill, big fluffy flakes falling slowly in the foreground. You know the ideal winter, where it's so pretty you can't possibly be cold. I had that view before Christmas and I was ok with the cold weather because it was the holidays. But I never seemed to have my camera with me. sigh.

Well since after Christmas we had a bit of a warm spell. And by warm spell I'm mean in the 50s (California cold!) so all the snow melted and not a smidgen of snow in site.

I took the above picture on a foggy morning a week or two ago as I thought it would do in place of a picturesque hillside full of snow. Didn't know we had fog in Prague did you? And then I procrastinated, hoping that snow would show up, but also hoping that it wouldn't.

And then the past week just when I thought we were getting closer to spring (wishful thinking, I know) the temperature dropped and it snowed overnight. I should have taken a picture while I was on the tram the next morning. We were passing by the park and all the trees had a fresh layer of snow and it was still all fluffy and pristine on the hillside. So pretty. But I'm always self-conscious taking photos. I don't like looking like a tourist especially on my morning commute. So I took this picture instead after I got off the tram walking to work.

It was snowing while I took this picture but there are no fluffy snowflakes apparent in the photo. Probably didn't use a slow enough shutter speed or something. Use your imagination instead. Are you cold yet?

Grin

2011-01-20T18:20:00.001+01:00

It is a commonly known fact that Kept Man hates my mug collection. He thinks it is crazy that we have so many mugs and never use them and that we have dragged them halfway around the globe. I however challenge him to pick one that does not have a specific memory for me. And I'll have it noted in the official blog/internet record that I have gotten rid of quite a few mugs and those that are left are just the must haves. It's not my fault my family remembered vacations and memorable events via mugs. Not t-shirts, mugs. I am a product of my environment. Or my mother's excessive tea drinking. You decide.

The one he dislikes the most is my Cheshire Cat mug from the Disney Store because it's so huge and takes up so much space. But I can't possibly get rid of it. It was a going away gift when I left the Cheshire Cat Inn in Santa Barbara. Memories man.

So upon hearing how cumbersome my mug was again when it finally showed up in Prague I decided to get it out of the house and bring it to work. And while my brilliant mug was under-appreciated by Kept Man it has been praised, remarked upon and a cause of a lot of smiles at work.

Vindication! I'm never getting rid of this mug.

As a side note as I was typing this Kept Man asked what I was blogging about and I said, "My mug" and he said, "Your mug. Your ugly mug?"

So for the record; Suck on it Kept Man. Everyone loves my mug. And by my mug I also mean my face.

Discovery

2011-01-16T22:20:00.002+01:00

Living abroad definitely teaches you to embrace the unknown. New customs, new food, new laws, new surroundings. Soon you get used to. From time to time something pops up that makes you realize your not where you grew up but that is part of the fun. Or the frustration. Take your pick.

What's funny though is that you (or really I should say Kept Man and I) are contstantly on the look out for things that are familiar to us but not readily available in Prague. I would think that it is a common expat or immigrant experience. Familiar things are what you make you feel at home and for Kept Man and I this mostly relates to food. Family members and friends have already heard of our Mexican food obsession and have been nice to ship us hard to find items.

I thought I would document some of our (read Kept Man's) finds because 1. It's been an ongoing process and we are very excited every time we discover something and perhaps only our friends and family outside of Prague will understand and 2. A list of places to find hard to acquire itmes might be a nice resource for any other expat in Prague. If we had found something as useful as another expats list of places they shop and find speciality items we would have been extremely excited.

I asked Kept Man what his favorite discover was in Prague so far and it is no surprise that has to do with Mexican food. We had gone to dinner at our favorite Tex Mex restaurant, Cantina, which was a life saver for two Californians in desperate need of enchiladas and tacos until they could get their own kitchen. On the table was a bottle of Cholula which brought back fond memories of our old work cafeteria and how the staff went through liters of the stuff. As I was looking at the bottle I started to wonder where the restaurant had purchased it. You can get hot sauce readily in Prague but I hadn't noticed Cholula. On the back was a sticker with the ingredients listed in Czech and a website. Kept Man immediately grabbed the bottle and made me remember half of the website address.

Upon returning home he looked it up only to find that not only did this place sell Mexican food items but that they had a store front in Prague. I think it took him less than a week to head out to the store. He has since discovered that it's better to order what he needs online and then pick it up than to go to the store and try to explain what it is that he wants. But they have dried chillies so we are no longer hoarding the ancho chillies like they're the last ones on the planet and there is even Masa Harina to make corn tortillas so family members are no longer required to ship it to us and we don't have to use of valuable weight in our suitcase the next time we're in the States. We also now have a tortilla press which Kept Man is enamored with. Before he found the store he was getting to the point he was going to go to a hardware store to see if he could put together some sort of home made tortilla press.

So our Mexican obsession now continues in Prague with fewer restrictions than before and that makes for two very happy native Californians living in Prague.

Voucher Phenomenon

2011-01-12T20:28:00.001+01:00

There is this phenomenon in Czech Republic where websites offer a discounted price on various services. (no, not those kind of services!) Things like restaurants, gyms, spas, and bars. Mostly service related industries but there are some general shopping opportunities as well. Maybe this phenomenon is not only available in the Czech Republic but it's the first time I've run into it. Either way it's a promotional way to get people to discover your place of business and I've found through my work colleagues that it works. (At least to try the place out).

Case in point our Accounting Department at work are the partiers of the hotel. I know weird right? Anyways they are always the ones who are putting together an outing with everyone. One time they wanted to head to Hooters. I asked the Financial Controller why. Cause seriously I'm not a Hooters type of gal. The reason? He had a bought a voucher one one of these sites. And then he tells me (to convince me to go), "I would never go to Hooters, but I have this voucher with chicken wings and beer...." And therein lies the genius behind these vouchers. Things people would normally never ever buy, or places they would never ever go, they buy vouchers for on these sites because it's a "good deal." Even an uber smart Financial Controller. Go figure.

Garren and I have not been immune to the voucher siren call. The Yoga sessions I recently purchased? Total voucher buy. And last night? Garren and I went to a little restaurant called Mon Rouge Pif. A little out of our way and it was only the two of us in the entire restaurant but for 260 czk total (approximately $15) we both had a 3 course meal with 3 glasses of wine. The food was decent, the wine tasty and the service friendly and attentive. We had mistakenly bought two vouchers thinking that the price was per person. We might go back on a Saturday to see if the atmosphere is a bit more lively and get another meal.

I think we (and by we I mean I) may be slightly addicted. We recently bought another meal for sushi for two (which is normally very expensive in Prague) and just today I was contemplating buying another meal at a Brazilian restaurant that is around the corner from us. I'm trying to control myself, but when we're talking about getting to try out new restaurants at a fraction of the price it's a little hard to resist.

If you're interested in pursuing these sites just for fun the top three listed below are these are the ones I frequent the most. The last one is apparently a compilation of all the voucher sites for easy viewing pleasure. I only found out about it today. I might have to pretend I wasn't told about it.

Slevomat
My Deals
Lime and Tonic
Skrz.cz

Movement

2011-01-10T21:08:00.000+01:00

I'm not sure if it's because of the New Year or if I finally feel settled enough to pursue a hobby or perhaps it's just because my foot no longer hurts and has been confirmed to not be broken but this past week I:

Bought passes to attend to Yoga classes to try out a studio
Emailed about and then attended an Irish Dancing class

I don't know how long this new motivation is going to last. It's already been put to the test. I had grand plans to attend Irish Dancing class on Friday and then Yoga on Sunday to stretch myself out. Yeah uh-huh. Too bad I'm so out of shape that I could barely move all weekend.

I have an insanely wonderful husband who massaged my legs Saturday morning. He made fun of me the rest of the weekend for my old lady shuffling around the apartment and constant moans but I forgive him because he started with the massage.

Irish Dancing class was actually great. Everyone is Czech but the teachers speak English and not speaking Czech gives me the excuse to not make chit chat with anyone. I am so anti social. I'm going to make it a weekly thing. Here's hoping my legs get used to it and my motivation lasts. I must have made my mom bring the Irish Dancing shoes from California to Canada for some reason besides taking space in my closet, right?

Next weekend I'll try for Yoga too. Hopefully I won't be moaning in pain after that just as badly. I don't like my body reminding me that I'm not 15 anymore.

Santa's on his way to Prague

2010-12-24T23:16:00.000+01:00

I am so fascinated with the Santa Tracker. He's starting to hit Eastern Europe now and should find his way to Prague soon.

Kept Man and I have been very christmasy this year. We got the tree. We baked the cookies. We listened to carols and we watched tons of movies. I got in my favorites, Scrooged, It's a Wonderful Life and One Magic Christmas. Plus loads of other silly movies while making christmas cookies.

I've also enjoyed experiencing Christmas in Eastern Europe. The traditions are basically the same but just that little bit different. Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve. And Santa basically is celebrated earlier in the month with St. Nicholas Day. It's all a big jumble to me but still all the thoughts and ideas I'm familiar with are mixed up in there and it's interesting to experience a new version.

It's been fun seeing Prague all decked out for Christmas too. First there is the snow. Then there are the Christmas markets with food stalls, spiced wine, candied nuts, traditional/homemade gifts and randomly singers. Every day when I step off the tram in Andel and start walking home someone is singing on the stage set near all the christmas stalls. And it's not Christmas music they sing. Kept Man asked me if it might be Karaoke as it can be that painful. Once I found myself knowing the melody of a song but not being able to recognize it as the words were in Czech. I realized as I walked home that it was a song from the movie Grease. Trippy.

Kept Man and I exchanged one gift this evening, as is our family tradition. I gave him belgian chocolates. I love watching him eat them. He's always so delighted. And he got me an angel for the top of our tree.

I've been saying for weeks that I want an ornament. I like to get one every year to remember the holiday by. You'll notice that our Angel is holding a fish.

It's very traditional in Eastern Europe to eat carp for dinner Christmas Eve. Why I haven't really been able to find out. Something about luck. Carp have been everywhere the last few days.

All of a sudden kiddy pools showed up on street corners full of fish and people buy them and have them butchered right there. On the wholes it's pretty messy. Apparently some people take the fish home alive and put it in the bathtub until Christmas Eve. Although the girls I work with were telling me that they don't even like carp and people apparently have started protesting the carp sales in the street. It's now an animal rights issue. Go figure. So now we have an Angel with a fish to remind us forever more of Prague.

Kept Man and I are now getting ready for bed and for a mellow Christmas tomorrow. We're on our own with plenty of presents to open, monkey bread to eat for breakfast and I'm sure a silly movie to watch during the day. Then I'm going to cook dinner for once. Lamb. I like lamb for Christmas although I don't think it's a traditional dish anywhere for the holiday. Oh well. Here's to our own traditions.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas in Prague

2010-12-12T20:53:00.000+01:00

Kept Man and I purchased a Christmas Tree today. I didn't get one last year (Morocco) or the year before (too lazy) but living in a christian country with temperature appropriate weather for the holidays a tree was mandatory this year.

Only one problem all of my great ornament collection is at home cluttering up mom's closet. So we purchased some generic ones so the tree didn't look naked. And I strung some popcorn and we bought some lights. Not spectacular but it's tree and I'll take it.

And now I will continue to watch Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer with Kept Man. Next week? Christmas cookies!

Cold Weather

2010-12-08T21:05:00.000+01:00

A couple of things that make living in a cold climate ok

Gluhwein. How does it keep you warm even when it's freezing out? Kept Man has come up with a pretty good home version which keeps me happy when I come home from work.
Christmas markets and all the yummy food. Sausages, gingerbread, warm candied nuts and Trdelnik are worth the cold weather

It's picturesque. Walking to work with snow flakes coming down is pretty surreal for this California girl and it distracts me long enough get to work and back.
It really feels like Christmas. Screw fake snow and 70 degree weather. (I'll admit I'll probably be ready for the snow to be over after Christmas, but I can revel in it for now)
I actually have use for hats, gloves and scarfs. I've never used them so much before. And I look cute.
I have a reason to buy and use leg-warmers. And I don't look like an idiot and no one cat calls, "Hey Flashdance" or anything like that. It's awesome. It's ok. I know you're jealous.

So winter time with snow is pretty much ok. The only downside? Slushy snow. And slipping. I was doing ok until yesterday when I totally bit it and landed on my ass. But I'm ok. The only bruise I have is from running into the corner of our bed. Which basically means it has nothing to do with my falling. I'm nothing if not a klutz. And in case anyone was wondering my foot is all better. I went to a doctor and she pretty much told me that if I had broken it it isn't anymore. And I can wear heels again. Yeah for winter!

Connected

2010-11-24T16:07:00.000+01:00

Kept Man and I have entered a new era of our phase of living abroad. No longer satisfied with lame less than 100 KB per second internet we finally bit the bullet, got up enough courage and went to the local telecommunications chain and ordered internet for the house. It was installed yesterday. It's like we were living in the dark ages.

At the same time Kept Man had enough of our 13" macbook pro as our main source of multimedia watching. We had been debating TVs or computer monitor for a while but the cost, size and thought of moving it left me unable to make a decision. After a year of 20" or smaller screens we now have a projector Michele style. And such a tiny machine if we ever move. No need to sell it! And it's mobile! Want to watch TV in bed? We can do that! And with the big walls in our apartment there is plenty of wall space to have a projection at least 5 ft x 3 ft.

Not the greatest picture but you can make out the couch just below the screen

This TV addict is pretty much in heaven. And our inagurial movie? Teen Wolf. Surfin Safari. Awww yeah.

Run do not walk

2010-10-28T20:45:00.000+02:00

and watch Jamie Does.

Jamie Oliver in different cities exploring the food and culture. The boy is hilarious (I mean seriously)

the food yummy and the scenery spectacular.

First episode is Marrakech. Kept Man and I are getting the cookbook. And I want to go to Stockholm

Vienna & Back

2010-10-27T23:43:00.000+02:00

Mom asked for more pictures.

So I present a few of the ones we took in Vienna. The truth is we didn't do much. We hopped on a train from Prague to Vienna at the ungodly hour of 6am. This crazy hour was offset by the fact that I do heart trains and the view was relaxing. And there was a nun! On the way to Vienna! I'm sorry all I can think about when I think of Austria is the Sound of Music. Hence excitement over nuns. We will make it to Salzburg soon. I must experience the Sound of Music tour.

And then Kept Man went and took his test. Which he dominated by the way, if you were not aware. And I hung out in the hotel and caught up on TV. I know, I know. But I was tired people! And I had the whole night and next day to explore with KM. So I vegged. And loved every minute of it.

Then we went to dinner at the Biesl and managed to miss the cut off hour for dessert at a cafe.

The next day involved sleeping in and sight seeing. We visited a food market (what else?) and made a stop at Oberlaa for coffee, pastry and macaroons! I love macaroons. We should have bought MORE macaroons. sigh. After that we mostly walked around the inner stadt and looked at all the pretty buildings. I also attempted to shop. But very badly. Apparently the older I get the less patience I have to look for anything not on the internet that can be delivered directly to my door. We had lunch at a seafood chain restaurant Nordsee because well....it had fried shrimp. Eventually we made it to the Hofburg Palace and we had a look around.

After getting enough walking time in we headed to a restaurant called Meierei which translates to Dairy and/or Milk Bar. It's a beautiful little restaurant in the park that specialized all things dairy such as milk, hot chocolates, cheese, etc. I had a hot chocolate and Kept Man had wine and then we ordered an insanely sized cheese plate that we were unable to finish. You can see pictures from a food blogger here, which is how I found out about this place. I highly recommend it. I'd love to go back to try breakfast.

Later that evening we caught a movie. Cause we are party animals and that is how we roll. Later we had a late night snack of currywurst and french fries from a street vendor. Currywurst gets two thumbs up. Kept Man has raved about it since Hamburg and I have to say I agree with him.

We were up early again the next day and had coffee and pastries at Aida before catching a Student Agency bus back to Prague. Weird thing apparently getting to Vienna via train is cheap but heading back is super expensive. Thankfully the Student Agency buses are comfortable, cheap and easy and took about the same amount of time as the train.

And now here we are back in Prague thinking we might need to plan one more weekend trip before it gets really cold here in Eastern Europe. Any suggestions?

Fall in Prague

2010-10-26T19:49:00.001+02:00

You know what I like about Prague? Seasons. Sure it's cold now that it's autumn and I'm having to wear a coat, scarf and hat. But that's kinda fun and it's not so cold that I've been driven to wear a heavy duty coat or gloves and I can still manage skirts with pantyhose. Plus I get this view

Doesn't mean I don't miss 70 degree weather in October. But forget the 75 degrees year round Santa Barbara weather I'm used to. This is about seasons. Summer, Fall, Winter Spring. Right? Mmmm I wonder when I get 75 degree weather again.

Wiener Schnitzel wha?

2010-10-25T22:43:00.001+02:00

Kept Man and I went to Vienna for the weekend. We walked, we gawked and we did what we do best, we ate.

Wiener Schnitzel is probably the most well known traditional Viennese dish. Now being an uncouth American with no real prior knowledge of wiener schnitzel do you know what I automatically thought of? You get a prize if you yelled sausages. Most Americans would because of this lovely chain of fast food restaurants.

But here's the thing, true wiener schnitzel doesn't even involve sausage. Nope. It involves veal being breaded and deep fried. So while not sausage wiener schnitzel is still pretty tasty (and fun to say). I didn't try the traditional wiener schnitzel. I had the hausschnitzel at a traditional beisl we visited (although I've just learned it's also called a Salzburger Schnitzel) which instead of veal was pork with the added benefit of being stuffed with cheese, onions and bacon and then breaded and deep fried. I like to really go for the calories when I'm out on the road. I also got a nice side of boiled potatoes.

Our Vienna food tour also involved beer, wine, cheese, hot chocolate, coffee, macaroons, and curry wurst, but sadly no cake. But more on all that later.

Finally A Home!

2010-10-17T19:35:00.000+02:00

Can you tell which books are mine and which are Kept Man's

Our stuff came this past week. After 2 months we have our things again. Although for me I honestly feel like I haven't had my things for 9 months now. Periodically I would have them but for the most part I've been living this past year out of a suitcase. Having all this stuff is overwhelming. It's a good time to get rid of things and makes it harder for me to justify buying new things because all of a sudden we have so much stuff.

But my books. Oh books. Seeing them is like really feeling at home. It's like seeing old friends. Although seeing them makes me realize how many old friends are missing. The kindle is great, but it's harder to have such warm fuzzy feelings about electronics. It sure does save on space though.

I see lots of nights filled with book reading, moving watching and cooking in our future.

I feel so posh

2010-10-06T22:14:00.000+02:00

and lazy. Kept Man and I are getting someone to help with the housekeeping duties. Just every other week for an hour or two. To do the things we hate. The vacuuming, the mopping, the dusting and cleaning the bathrooms. All that blah stuff.

It's completely affordable and totally worth it and yet saying I have someone coming in to help with the housework feel so hoity toity. So very bourgeois. The question is will I let that stop me from not having to do housework?

Ummm no.

1 Year, 2 months, 18 days

2010-10-02T22:28:00.003+02:00

Is how long it took us to have a photo from our wedding framed and displayed in our home.

It's a start. Now if we can just get more than one photo framed......

Black and Blue

2010-09-30T22:55:00.000+02:00

What happens when you're at a bar for a goodbye party and all of a sudden a stool falls on your foot?

This

It only really got bad after I wore high heels two days later. It's not broken I swear. Just really blue. Or green. Or something not normal. Seriously don't worry. Kept Man is worrying enough for you. I'm not even limping or anything. Really.

Another Czech Language Lesson

2010-09-05T10:49:00.001+02:00

The word for yes in Czech is 'ano'. Which to me sounds like "ahhhhh, no". I constantly therefore feel like I'm saying no when I say yes. Someone suggested that I use the more informal 'jo' which translates to 'yeah'.

I love this language in it's simplest form. (In it's more complicated form it's damn hard) When else would I get to say 'ahoj' and 'jo' in daily life and not sound like a retard? So here I am with another word that I get to use on a daily basis that makes me giggle to myself every time I say it thinking of the movie Rocky and how my sister hated growing up with Adrienne as a name in the 80s. Awesome.

Home Sweet Hotel

2010-09-04T18:31:00.000+02:00

As many of you know Kept Man and I made it out of Morocco alive. Not only did we get our stuff packed and shipped out, but we managed to get a reimbursement and our deposit back. All in all a successful finish to our year in Africa. (It still feels strange to say we lived in Africa, yes it was North Africa but still...)

We've had no word on when our stuff will arrive, but the moving company assures me that the received the magic paper that allows our things to leave the country so I'm assuming it will show up eventually. I have a second magic paper (I got a back up just in case. When in doubt in Morocco always have back up copies) so if there is any trouble I'm prepared.

Now we are just trying to settle into life in Prague. The weather has been on the colder side. Apparently autumn has come early but Kept Man is pleased with this change after 100 degree weather in Marrakech. We have also found a place to live. A friend is sadly leaving Prague in the next month to head back to Hong Kong, but conveniently leaving when we need an apartment that is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute tram ride to work. And is furnished. And bigger than our last apartment. And includes wireless internet. And doesn't involve paying a commission to an agent. We move in the first weekend of October. Just in time for me to do some fall baking. As long as I can find canned pumpkin. I hope I can find canned pumpkin. Of course I can! It's not like this is Africa or something.

As you can tell things are settling down. I've got Kept Man here with me full time. I feel more secure in work knowing I'm here for the long haul and that I'm not going to be shipped back to Marrakech anytime soon. Kept Man is also starting to look into schools and applying for jobs. Which he's able to do here in the Czech Republic since I have French citizenship and we're in an EU country. We're exploring new restaurants and locals in the city. All in all it feels nice to be making a home again. Just a few more weeks and we'll have an apartment instead of a hotel room and I plan on hibernating at home through the winter. With maybe a weekend or two in a nearby city.

So if anyone wants to see us I think you need to plan to make a trip to Prague. I'm done moving this year. No more flights! No more limbo! This homebody has got a home again!

Laminated Gold

2010-08-16T20:56:00.000+02:00

Today I finally received my carte de sejour which is basically my work visa in Morocco. This means I can open up a bank account, stay in the country for longer than 3 months at a time and overall be considered a resident in the country instead of an extended visitor.

Mmm...too bad I'm leaving forever next week. That's right. It took a year to get this card. And it looks like the only thing I will use it for is to get out of the country.

I've survived day one of Moroccan bureaucracy. I never felt so exhausted by waiting and looking stupid while other people discuss me and what it is that I want. The end goal is to receive a piece of paper that allows our belongings to make it through customs. I hope to have it by the end of tomorrow. Cross your fingers that my vapid express continues to work and they give this poor girl a customs clearance just so she'll go away and stop staring at them blankly.

I will never complain about any form of US bureaucracy. Ever. Again. You don't know how good you have it with the DMV. Yes, I'm serious.

Home is where he is....and the food.

2010-08-15T18:09:00.000+02:00

Beef Bourguignon is in the oven. Husband is in the house and we are not in a hotel room. Life doesn't get much better than this.

What a difference a year makes

2010-08-13T06:00:00.009+02:00

Last year on this day Kept Man and I flew to Marrakech for the first time. I was nervous, scared, unsure and uneasy.

And it was Kept Man's birthday.

This year on the same day I am again flying into Marrakech but for the last time. I'm coming to officially say goodbye, collect our things, my husband and move our lives out of Morocco and into the Czech Republic.

This year Kept Man and I will celebrate his birthday in better spirits. At a restaurant we've been trying to eat at for the past year even though it is around the corner from our apartment. This is going to be a better year. Things are settling down.

So Happy Birthday Garren! I hope that this year provides you with the opportunities you want and that we're together so much you're practically sick of me. See you in a few hours birthday boy.

This week

2010-08-08T20:36:00.000+02:00

.....I was annoyed by the fact that since I have bought my Kindle there have been many books that are unavailable to download. The books I have most desperately wanted have been 'unavailable in the ebook format' and I have been told that I should 'click here to inform the publisher that I would like to read the book on my kindle'

This weekend I decided that I no longer wanted to play by the rules of the publishers who were trying to gouge me price wise for an ebook or just deny me completely so that they sell more hardback copies. So i did some minor looking on the web. Previously I've had no luck, but this time I found four books that I have been wanting to read for months now in pdf version. I was able to download and have readable copies of all four books on my Kindle.

Good job guys. Instead of having a client who was willing and happy to buy your books, you restricted the availability or increased the price to ridiculous amounts so that she found a cheaper, more readily accessible option. Smart move. Really. How long do you think it will take before most ebook readers are downloading free copies instead of paying you for one? Maybe you should ask the record companies what they think. Re-think your ebook strategy. Now.

On the brighter side I've finished two of the four books I've downloaded and am as happy as a clam.

Arrrrr Matey!

2010-08-05T19:04:00.001+02:00

You know what I love about the Czech Republic? Their work for 'Hi' is Ahoj as in 'Ahoy Landlubber!'

It's like I'm on a pirate ship every day. I keep looking out for sails, masts and canons. Alas no pirates ships are in sight in a land locked country but everyday secretly, I add Matey to the end of my ahoj greetings and giggle silently to myself.

It's the little things people.

I hear you Danny Glover

2010-07-31T16:04:00.041+02:00

Went on a little outing last night to La Bodeguita del Medio. It's a popular cuban bar near Old Town Square with live music on the weekends and salsa dancers to watch. The music is great as are the mojitos and daiquiri and if you're looking for a lively evening in Prague I would recommend it.

But at the same time last night was a strange echo of evenings spent at Santa Barbara bars with Krista or Courtney in tow where party buckets full of booze and long straws could be seen at other tables. While there were no party buckets there were 'classier' fish blow size mojitos at various tables with long straws. And while the crowd was not 20 something college students everyone there was pretty much acting as if they were. I was constantly looking around myself last night and laughing at how people don't change. At any age group people who are out looking for a good time basically all act the same way. Age is not a defining factor for stupidity.

So while I had a good time, next time I think I'll enjoy the music, dancing and drinks but leave an hour or two earlier because I am not interested in doing the things I did in my twenties. Namely drinking too much and staying up too late. And today in old lady fashion you probably think I'm displaying, I'm going to dinner and a movie to be in bed at a reasonable hour to get my beauty sleep.

Destroyed

2010-07-28T09:09:00.000+02:00

A weekend in Barcelona equals good food, decent weather, great friends, mini reunion with my husband of one year, amazing gelato and painful feet.

Either I didn't expect to walk so much or my flip flops really just hate me. Blisters and a possible streched tendon were my prize. Don't worry Christine, I don't think it's actually streched or skewed or really hurt it at all. I'm ok. Not even limping anymore. I swear. My feet are only starting to forgive me for abusing them, and only because I have avoided the blister loving shoes since returning to Prague, but the weekend was worth it.

Want recommendations? I've got them!

Amorino Gelato - They shape the gelato into a flower people. And you can have as many flavors as you want. Genius!
Ciutat Comtal- mmmm Razor Clams and Champagne based Sangria
La Bouqueria - I love you Spanish Iberico Jamon. LOVE YOU
Park Guell - Gaudi is not boring

And as usual I need a vacation from my vacation. One of these days it will be a lay on the beach and only roll over for booze or food kind of vacation. One of these days....

Hopefully Kept Man will provide you all with photos. He has the camera.

Bastille Day

2010-07-14T08:15:00.071+02:00

**Begin sappiness**

A year ago today I said, "I do" to Kept Man. It was the most perfect day shared with family and friends and I think back on it often knowing that it was everything I could have wanted and that he is everything I will ever want.

While our wedding day was as close to perfect as possible our first year of marriage has been less than stellar logistically. A move to Morocco, lack of work and stability, separation, and a general feeling of uncertainty about where we will end up has lead to a frustrating year abroad as newlyweds. Despite all that we still adore each other, (At least I do. I hope he does.) and while we miss our friends and family I think that our first year of marriage alone in a foreign country together has been good for us. You might think that a couple would get sick of each other in a new country with a small and/or non existent social circle, but I find that it has made us appreciate what we have together. Shared jokes, frustrations, discovering a new culture, forging new friendships, and various travels together and apart make us realize that we both have the one person who knows us the best and that in itself is amazing, but it is also a huge comfort in a new place filled with changes.

So while we are sadly separated on our first anniversary, I can't wait to see what another year with my amazing husband will bring with us together, settled and happy in one place. Happy Anniversary Hon! Here's to year 2. I love you.

**End sappiness.**

C'est sa vie

2010-07-13T16:32:00.001+02:00

You know what I love about living in Europe. Randomly hearing songs on the radio that remind me of my summers in France as a kid. Things I would once upon a time never hear in the States, but nowadays might hear once in a blue moon. Except this classic. This one I'm not likely to ever hear in the States, but they've been playing it on the radio lately here in the Czech Republic. Why? I don't know but it's awesome.

Trivia fact for those who care - That girl singing, that's Johnny Depp's girlfriend/wife.

Matches and Anniversaries

2010-07-11T17:17:00.004+02:00

A while back a friend introduced Kept Man and me to the Globe Bookstore and Cafe here in Prague. It's a nice little place with decent food and English books to browse through. They also do lots of weekly events and seem to be a general gathering place for expats.

In addition they also have a projection screen that they use for movie nights and sporting events. Can you guess where I'm headed tonight? That's right! Big screen watching of the final World Cup match between Spain and the Netherlands. If you're wondering I'm rooting for Spain.

On a side note today is also the 2 year anniversary of one of my favorite couples - Toby and Jade. Happy Anniversary you wild and crazy kids. I hope you're having fun on your cruise.

July 11th is apparently an important date as another one of my favorite couples - Christine and Adam are getting married today. Congratulations! I'm looking forward to celebrating with you in Barcelona.

And speaking of weddings and anniversaries, Kept Man and I are celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary in 3 days. Unfortunately we are separated at the moment with me in Prague and him in Marrakech. While we won’t be together on the exact day of our anniversary which is sad we will be together for a weekend in Barcelona at the end of the month. For a couple who never celebrated an anniversary of any kind prior to their marriage, in fact Garren revealed in not having an anniversary, I think we’re doing okay celebration wise.

So that’s me in a nutshell for those of you who were wondering what I was up to. I’m watching world cup games in Prague, missing my husband, and looking forward to a weekend in Spain. Not perfect, but not so bad either.

Lame

2010-07-01T19:09:00.000+02:00

What will I do without TV Shack? I know the government couldn't have siezed every site out there but TV Shack was so organized. I'm not in the States people and you won't make Hulu available to me! How the hell else am I supposed to keep up on my tv shows?

My world is upside down. At least it's the summer. There are no new shows per say.....I was currently just getting into True Blood, Season 1. And looking forward to new Entourage episodes. AND waiting for Eureka to start. sigh. I could go on really.

Want to know what the hell I'm talking about? Here's a small article on the subject.

Extra Time

2010-06-09T23:07:00.003+02:00

Kept Man and I are back in the States. We made it! After a delay in departure in Madrid and a mad dash to our connecting flight in Newark, we are back in California. It has already been a mad whirlwind of non stop eating and visiting. I'm loving every minute of it (even with my cold) but I secretly wish that we were able to take more time. Two weeks just doesn't seem like enough.

But today is the first day where there is no where to run off to. Nothing that needs to get done. TV watching and lounging around are on the agenda. So I thought I would do a little blog catch up. Especially since I have internet connection.

As I mentioned previously Kept Man and I did a weekend mini-break to Cesky Krumlov with a couple of friends while we were in the Czech Republic. Cesky Krumlov is a Unesco World Heritage site and has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic. It's a charming little town which sits in the middle of the bend in the river with lots of outdoor restaurants along the river and old fashioned warm indoor medieval style eateries. Here as in Prague there are many bars and restaurants which are in old cellars or converted buildings. It's all very gothic and cozy. (Can gothic be cozy?) We happened to go a weekend when the weather was on the colder side so we didn't get the chance to do a lazy float down the river, but we did get a chance to drink mead, see bears, eat at an outdoor grill and party at the local bars. Side fact about the bears, apparently the Rosenberg family who owned the area/castle back in the day added bears to their coat of arms to tie them to the noble Italian Family Orsini (orsa meaning she-bear in Italian) and then later went so far as to keep bears to support the supposed family tie. So there are bears hanging out at the castle. They were pretty awesome.

My favorite portion of the trip was the dinner we had at Restaurace U Dobraka. The food was all grilled on an open fireplace and all the tables were outdoor picnic tables. Every other restaurant we had tried to get a reservation at in town was booked solid but this place was relaxed with full of only locals. We couldn't figure out why it wasn't busier, but we were glad to have made it.
We had a great time with our friends Alex, Tony and their dog Sophie. My only wish is to back when the weather is nicer so that we can enjoy the outdoor activities that the city has to offer. If you're in the Prague and are looking for a day or weekend trip I would highly recommend the city. It's small, but with lots of cute B&Bs, rustic food, great views and outdoor activities it a welcome break from the city live in Prague.

Layover Check

2010-06-05T09:18:00.000+02:00

We're about to leave Madrid for a 16 hour travel day to California. Thanks for the day Madrid, it was great. You made our lives much less stressful with no possible missed connections and you had space for us at the bullfight. Good day.

We go?

2010-05-25T22:10:00.000+02:00

4 days and counting until I'm back in Marrakech

10 days and counting until Kept Man and I are on a plane to Spain (The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.....sorry musical interlude)

11 days and counting until this "adventurous" couple are back in California where they belong and I see my mommy and the cats (cat lady all the way!)

12 days and counting until we have a BBQ with our friends and family

14 days and counting until we spend some time with the Fishers in Redding

16 days and counting until I get to see my sister and future brother in law

17 days and counting until I get to go to a Giants game (where are my crackerjacks?)

18 days and counting until we just can't wait anymore to go to Wood Tavern

19 days and counting until my mom graduates. (Seriously. It's about time!)

21 days and counting until Finer Things Club is reunited (and if feels so good)

25 days and counting until my best friend who I've know since I was five (that's one whole hand people) gets married

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. We go now?

Stop. Reject.

2010-05-23T13:06:00.000+02:00

I have not been doing well on keeping up with my short term goals. Pathetic really. And all I can say dear readers is that I am exhausted. You would think that living where you work would be easier, no commute, you can go home for lunch, but really all you end up doing is working more because you just have to walk upstairs and you just want to finish one more thing. And the truth is I like having a commute (a short one mind you) but I need that 20 minutes to wind down, relax and process my day.

Basically I come home, lie down and do not want to move. Kept Man was always good at getting me to go out, to keep me from being a bed potato, but he's off traveling and I'm here in Prague in the hotel room wallowing.

And I want to say Stop. Reject. No wallowing. No depression. Get up and do something. You're in Prague. It's new. It's different. But the truth is that I'm over not having a home. This whole year has been starting off new in two different places and as soon as I start feeling comfortable in one I'm yanked away. I miss having a place of my own. A kitchen. Family. Close friends. A life outside of work. I wish I could look at it as one big adventure. I wish I could not take it all so seriously and just enjoy what I do have. But for the most part I find not being able to plan out my personal life and things I want to do frustrating. I do not like being all about work.

I'm hoping to have some answers about where the rest of this year will be going in the next few weeks. I hope that the rest of this year will be settled in one place or another sometime soon and I hope that makes me happy.

And that is where I am at today. I promise that the next blog will be less blah and more fun. Kept Man and I visited Cesky Krumlov last weekend with some friends and as soon as I can access the pictures I'll be sure to post about the trip. Which is fun and upbeat. Really. I swear.

A Yummy Little Whale

2010-05-01T14:40:00.000+02:00

Kept Man and I have periodically been attending some events here in Prague hosted by InterNations and MeetinPrague. It's been a good way to meet other expats in the Czech Republic and while I was in town on my own it forced me to get out of the hotel and interact with people besides my work colleagues.

A few weeks ago the event organizers posted a 'Secret Dinner' which was limited to under 15 people and was to highlight a lesser known restaurant in the city. The name of the restaurant was not to be revealed until closer to the date. I thought it looked interesting and right up our alley. Food + drinking + limited number of people = good times. We managed to secure a place at the table and then found out that the restaurant was The Little Whale (U Male Velryby) which is right across the street from the hotel and a place I had been telling Kept Man we should try.

I had a bad day Thursday and I almost didn't want to go to dinner but I had been looking forward to the night so I ran out of work 15 minutes before we had to meet at the restaurant, did some speed dressing out of work clothes and into normal clothes, and we headed on over. I'm so glad that we did. The evening lifted my spirits and got me out of the stressful mood I had been feeling all day. The restaurant in a word is YUM. I mean super good, and in my humble opinion it was Wood Tavern good. I can give no higher praise.

The chef is Irish. He said a quick hello, but he could have a rat under his hat whispering cooking techniques for all I cared, as long as everything I ate that came out of the kitchen continued to be lip smacking delicious. The waitress was also wonderful and managed to keep everyone in a larger group very happy. And her husband is from Morocco. Marrakech is always a source of conversation wherever we go.

We had a set menu for the evening. For starters I had the octopus salad and Kept Man had sauteed duck livers. We both had the cod with mash potatoes (lumpy, ah yeah) and a creamy mustard sauce and some sort of crunchy light bread topping for our main course. The steak was also apparently very good which had a side of corn on the cob. And for dessert it was a chocolate torte with brown bread ice cream. Weird right?! But incredibly, it was amazing.

Besides the great food and service we had a great time with the group of people put together by the InterNations Ambassador and we got to know some of the people we had met in passing at these events a little bit better.

Kept Man and I had previously avoided the Little Whale because we found the pricing to be a bit high, but now having gone I can say that it was definitely more than we usually spend during a night out for dinner in Prague but was much less expensive that what we regularly spent at our favorite restaurant in Berkeley. While dining we noticed that the restaurant has a tapas menu and reasonably priced wine by the glass so a sunny afternoon sometime soon we plan to head across the street to sit on the patio and partake in some delicious bites offered from the Little Whale kitchen.

U Male Velryby
Maltézské náměstí 15 | Praha 1 | 420257214703

Sunshine and Beer

2010-04-25T11:26:00.002+02:00

The Czech people take their beer drinking seriously and once the weather turns nice they leave their bars and homes and head out to the parks and patios.

Yesterday we decided to enjoy the sunshine and try out one of the beer gardens we'd heard about. We headed out to Letensky Zamecek in Letenske Sady park which is a large venue with a few restaurants, bocci ball area and plenty of picnic tables with a gorgeous view of Prague to enjoy.

Not only was there beer, sunshine, views and grass to lay on there were so many dogs! I know that Kept Man thinks that I am crazy but I miss having furry animals around me and I miss people having pets. In Marrakech it's only stray dogs and cats and the only one you see are pets are with older french expats. It's depressing. But here in Prague people have dogs as pets and they take care of them and bring them out as much as possible. I cannot believe how much I have missed seeing happy animals who belong to someone. But it makes me smile.

It was a beautiful afternoon spent drinking some mandatory beers and soaking up the sun and the views over the city of Prague. Now all we have to do is compare and contrast and try the other big beer garden in Prague, Riegrovy Sady which has TV screens for watching football games as well as sunshine. Drunk Europeans getting worked up about a football game is always a good time.

Just need to make sure that we find the nearest bathroom locations next time so this doesn't happen

A Mom Favorite

2010-04-24T09:56:00.001+02:00

I decided I should write more about the places we are eating at here in Prague because let's face it Kept Man and I are food OBSESSED. Seriously. For our trip home in June to California all we can think about is where we are going to eat. It's a little silly.

So the first place I decided to blog about was actually the first restaurant we went to in Prague. When I first arrived I was working like a fiend and barely saw my husband for 3 days. Once things calmed down he dragged me out of the hotel just down the street to a little French Restaurant he had noticed. Last night after attempting to go to Indian food and being thwarted by the lack of trams or replacement buses we listed a couple of places nearby we could go to and I'm so happy that Cafe de Paris had room for us. Apparently once the weather turns nice it's impossible to go to dinner anywhere on a Friday night. Who knew?

It's a small place that always seems to be busy but both times we have gone they have managed to squeeze us in somewhere. The menu is limited but when we're talking French Brasserie do you really go for anything but Steak Frites? Not in my family you don't. The best part of the these Steak Frites? The sauce. It's the 'Cafe de Paris' sauce and it is apparently a secret recipe. I can tell you there are shallots and garlic in it and that is enough for me to try to mop up every last tasty bit with my french fries. There were also some other yummy looking options on the menu last night including a Sea Bass and a Mushroom Risotto.

After a stressful week and a good 45 minutes of trying to make our way to another restaurant, Cafe de Paris with a glass of red wine was a welcome evening out. Pricing is about $15 per person with salad, french baguette and steak and french fries. Don't follow our lead and just show up. Reservations are recommended.

Cafe de Paris
Maltészké náměstí 4 | Praha 1 | +420603160718
open daily 12pm - 12am

Here Kitty Kitty

2010-04-18T21:55:00.000+02:00

Today was the 2nd day of actual Spring weather in Prague that I was able to enjoy. We went to the zoo. Prague's zoo, two thumbs up. But I'm exhausted. Who knew walking around looking at animals could make you so tired? So out of laziness I leave you with just this one picture. Pretty kitty.

Married Talk

2010-04-15T22:29:00.000+02:00

"You're feeling better" I say to Kept Man as he's smiling and joking with me.
"How can you tell?"
"Well you're not talking about your liquid poop anymore."

After that the conversation decended into a fit of giggles with incoherent exclamations about Kept Man's recent tummy troubles.

Apparently there are no boundaries in our relationship anymore

So Much to Say

2010-04-11T16:00:00.000+02:00

...except not really.

I'm still in Prague. Kept Man is back. Yeah. But I'm super busy at work. boo. Truth is I haven't been much fun. I'm working crazy late hours and am exhausted when the day is finally over. And to top off the crazy work week hours I worked a half day on Saturday.

So here I am on a Sunday, laying around in bed, catching up on tv and doing a token post so my mother knows I'm alive. There are many things I want to be doing in Prague. The Zoo. Wine Tasting. Castle Viewing. Paddle boating. I mean when will I ever have the chance again to possibly be semi-living here? Probably never. But with the work craziness thrown in getting motivated to get myself out of the hotel room is sometimes a huge task. Especially when Kept Man is not feeling so well.

So I leave you knowing that I am alive and well in Prague if lame and boring with non stop work. We did recently take a trip to Karlovy Vary. Spa town with lots of Russians. But I'll leave that for a more motivated post.

Gooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllll!

2010-03-16T20:10:00.002+01:00

I thought I would stay on top of one of my goals by bitching about the fact that I can't force myself to do another one of my goals.

I am supposed to go to an Irish Pub tonight to listen to an Irish band. Who are starting to play right about now. But it's cold out. And I'm tired. And I don't want to walk across the city by myself. And I don't want to go to a bar by myself. And I'm all comfy in my pajamas.

But my husband is giving me a hard time and I'm feeling guilty about setting a goal and not achieving it. I still have more nights to try to make it to listen to a band. I don't HAVE to go tonight.

And let's talk about the things I have done.

I've gone to the gym at least twice a week.
I've been blogging at least twice a week.
I went to brunch on Sunday which was part of the MeetInPrague group and met some people, had some food and got out of the hotel.
I'm contemplating going to see the opera Carmen on Friday.
I'm also going to try really hard to go to spin class on Thursday.

Some of these things are a bit easier for me to do while doing anything involving any social interactions and/or exercise is harder. Such as showing up at a Pub by myself, ordering a beer and then sitting alone, by my lonesome, hoping that no one comes up to talk to me while at the same time trying not to look anyone in the eye in order to avoid any potential social contact. Look at the baby! Look at the baby!.........

Does it show that the thought of this makes me uncomfortable? Sure listening to the music would be great, but my social awkwardness (read fear) is totally winning.

Yeah. I'm totally not going. There is always tomorrow. It is St. Patrick's Day after all and maybe I'll be able to blend in the background and just enjoy the music. Yeah. Tomorrow sounds like a much better plan. If I can't make it to an Irish Pub to listen to some music on St. Patrick's Day then I don't deserve to call myself half Irish anymore.

Hold me to it people! I obviously did not cave to my husband's peer pressure, but maybe your peer pressure will make all the difference!

I would totally be going if my husband was here. Where is my social crutch when I need it? I miss you honey!

Je suis un ananas

2010-03-11T21:40:00.001+01:00

Kept Man and I were having our nightly skype call (gotta keep the romance alive!) and he was mentioning that he's been trying to watch movies in French to get more exposure to the language. Only problem is that even the Disney movies talk really fast and use big and/or slang words making it hard for a beginner to really keep up.

Trying to think of something easy for him to watch I remembered these silly videos in Middle School French classes that involved a pineapple. The word for pineapple in french, ananas, is one of my favorite words in French to this day because of this video.

Once I mentioned a talking pineapple be both immediately googled (like the bay area nerds we are) and low and behold Ananas is on You Tube. God bless the internet.

And I had forgotten about the song! And Ananas is pretty freaky looking. He looks like one of those strange dolls with the moving beaks and the eyes that move back and forth. I forget what they're called.

Anyways now Kept Man has at least 13 episodes of Ananas and beginner French to enjoy. Or be slightly disturbed by. Whatever.

I smell

2010-03-09T22:17:00.000+01:00

like an ashtray.

I don't know if it's just Europeans or Eastern Europeans in particular but people in Prague smoke. A LOT. Apparently the anti-smoking campaign has not hit here yet.

It's no wonder Philip Morris has a big presence here.

Gross.

Alone Time

2010-03-07T23:08:00.001+01:00

As many of you know I'm back in Prague. Alone. Kept Man is back in Marrakech taking care of the apartment, cooking, running, biking and hanging out with some friends.

I'm working, catching up on TV that Kept Man hates and holing up in my hotel room. A bigger hotel room than last time I might add. Same category but just a little more space. And larger windows. Kept Man is going to smack me now.

Many of you may be wondering why I didn't just stay in Marrakech. Why go back to Prague. Why separate myself from Kept Man and our life in Marrakech. There were a couple of reasons.

I'm doing interesting and brain challenging things at work which is so much better than the current situation in Marrakech where I'm left with practically nothing but busy work to fill my time.
I'm raising my profile in the company. I hope. Which at this point in time is pretty important.

Things aren't looking so great in Marrakech. No opening date, lots of people leaving, lots of tension. Anything I can do that results in positive impressions of me and keeping me working in the company are a priority numero uno at this point.

Unfortunately the novelty of staying in a hotel and being in another city has worn off. Basically I'm bored an lonely. And while I tell myself about all the career pluses to being here, the opportunity to have a little alone time and pleasure of watching some tv shows without groaning in the background I miss Kept Man horribly. I miss the silly faces, and the hugs and the nightly cuddles. I also miss his not so subtle pushings to make me get out of the hotel on the weekends.

I am a creature of habit and I hate to do new things. I like familiar things. I like knowing where I'm going, who will be there, what the place looks like, what's expected of me and how to act. New places and experiences have none of these things and I therefore do not like to deal with them unless pushed, prodded, or accompanied by someone familiar.

I'm sure many of you are now thinking, "how did this girl end up in Morocco?!" The answer is I pushed myself to make the move to Morocco. And I didn't think. I leapt with out looking. And I knew I would regret not having taken the opportunity and adventure when I had the chance. And I had Kept Man who gave up his job to go traipsing around Europe and North Africa with me. I had a human security blanket.

But funny thing about taking a leap it can sometimes lead you to somewhere unexpected. And the leap to Morocco has now lead me temporarily to Prague. With no familiar people, places or things. With no Kept Man and a lot of time to think. And be lonely and feel sorry for myself and lay around in bed like a bed potato. And I've decided I need some goals. To push me. To keep me active. To keep me from hiding under the blankets all weekend with only a computer as a companion. And I hope that you my very few readers will help keep me accountable for these goals. Some of them are of course more long term but I'm hoping that on the way to reaching the bigger goals to tell you all about the short term ones when I accomplish them or more amusingly when they might blow up in my face.

So in no particular order, the goals, ahem:

run or bike for a least 30 minutes 2 times a week
make it to a spin class once a week while in Prague
go to a Meetin Prague event
go to the Irish Music Festival the week of St. Patrick's Day in Prague
go to the opera once more in Prague
finish all the books I have with me in Prague
take a trip to the Sahara Desert with friends
take a trip to Essouria with Kept Man
try out Surf Berbere or something like it
become better at French
save for a down payment for a home
find a hobby I enjoy. The following are ideas to try

Knitting
Quilting
Biking with Kept Man
Photography
Gardening
Ballroom Dancing
Home craft projects

go back to school and/or take classes to help better my skills for my career
start a family
blog at least two times a week
take a trip to the greek islands with Kept Man
go see a leg of the tour de france with Kept Man

Hold me to it people! Or tomorrow being a bed potato is going to sound even more appealing than it did today.

*Suggestions for the goal list are welcome
**Obviously not all of these goals (even the shorter term ones) will be possible in Prague or Marrakech. They're to remember later
***Amendments can and will be made to this list
****Berating is allowed in order to get me to accomplish any short term goal.

It's not a Wishing Well

2010-02-14T19:29:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago Kept Man and I took a day trip out to Kutna Hora. Mostly we went because I had heard years and years ago about a bone church (otherwise known as Sedlec Ossuary) with a chandelier made out of every bone in the human body and I wanted to take a look.

So what did I think of said bone church? Artistic displays of human remains? Pretty creepy. And dirty. No one dusts the bones. Ever. I mean they're on display shouldn't they be cleaned. Wouldn't that be a nice gesture towards those whose remains have been used? Another nice gesture might have been to not make them look like party streamers. But maybe that's just me.

Maybe I'm just being harsh. Maybe I just don't like being confronted with my own mortality. Maybe I'm just creeped out.

Despite my reaction to this church I still have to confess that it is fascinating to see in person. So if you're every in Czech Republic it's worth a look and the graveyard I found to be particularly interesting and pretty even in the winter. There is a also a beautiful church (St. Barbara) and a castle in the town that is worth taking a look at if you happen to be in that neck of the woods.

But I do recommend Spring...or Summer...or even Autumn....or really just not the dead of winter. The town was pretty much D-E-D as my Granda would say when we were there and it happened to be a particularly cold day. By the time we made it back to the train station we were like two human popsicles. But still we got out of Prague for the day! Yeah us.

So on that note, Happy Valentine's Day. And for those of you wondering, Kept Man surprised me with a watercolor of the Charles Bridge as a present this morning. It's to match my watercolor of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice which after 10 years I have yet to get framed. I'm hoping with a matching watercolor from another city I might make a better attempt. Kept Man does ok when we wants to. He just likes to set the expectations particularly low.

Kept Man and Me at St. Barbara's Church in Kutna Hora. See how cold it is?

Alive in Prague

2010-02-09T19:54:00.000+01:00

Kept Man took me to the Opera last night. There was lots of pageantry, women with big boobs and obviously singing of the opera variety with subtitles for those of us who don't know what the hell they're singing about. All and all a good time.

No elephant, just tusks but some people shouldn't provide unrealistic expectations. I'm looking at you girls.

My favorite part of the evening was during the overture. We were up in the first gallery right over the pit and could see all the musicians. Watching them begin to play was like watching a wave. First a few on the right start, then some on the left join in then the brass section all pick up their instruments at the same time. It's mesmerizing. Or I'm just easily amused.

It's Still Not Here

2010-01-25T18:58:00.000+01:00

No sign of my package. And no freaking update on UPS.com. It has "left the seller facility and is in transit". How non descriptive. Where the hell is it?!

Annoying. Sigh.

It only took me 2 months (according to Garren)

2010-01-20T21:35:00.001+01:00

to convince myself to buy a kindle.

At first I thought it might be an option for an xmas present, but then we nixed getting presents for each other as we were traveling over the holidays. Then I thought, I don't need one, I'll just get the books I'm dying to read when we go to London. Then the books I wanted to read had not yet been released in the UK.

Then. Then I just got depressed. I mean I have books. Books that have been sitting on my shelf for months. And I bought one or two in London (which I already finished) but there is not a big selection of new choices in Marrakech and I won't have too many trips to London. And frankly with all the weight limitations these days on flights it makes bringing them or buying them kind of a pain.

And then Jade got one for xmas. And I asked her to tell me that she hated it. She didn't. She told me it was fabulous. And then I had to tell myself it was too expensive and remember I had a lot of books on my shelf at home that I could read. And then I remembered all the books I wanted to read and how they are oh so inaccessible. And then I started obsessively reading the reviews on amazon and comparing the kindle to the sony e-reader and trying to decide which one I would get, if I could convince myself to spend the money on it.

And I'm still not sure I should have spent the money on the thing. Garren finally decided for me and told me to shut up about it and buy the damn thing and soon so he didn't have to hear about it anymore. And secretly (Garren says, "Really?! Secretly? Really!?") I'm really excited to get it.

So it's arriving. In 2-6 days. Make it 2! Probably won't be until 6. sigh. And hopefully it's as fantastic as I hope. And I won't curse it for broken non instant access to books I want to read. Hopefully it will be magic instant access to books I want to read.

I'll let you know.

This was built

2010-01-17T21:27:00.000+01:00

....in 2000 BC, says Kept Man as we walk towards the St. Vitus Cathedral.

I take a second to contemplate this and then look at him funny.

In defense he says, "Well that's what I remember from the book (Rick Steve's Guide to Prague) so it must be true."

Uh-huh. It's amazing that I ever believe anything that comes out of his mouth.

It's Like walking on Mashed Potatoes

2010-01-10T17:59:00.000+01:00

I never knew snow could be so fluffy. Any snow I have ever walked through before has always been very icy (read rock hard) or slushy (read watery coldness the invades your boots). Neither of which are very pleasant. Walking around in Prague in this light airy snow has been cold but fun and it's no surprise that I compared its consistency to some type of food. Obsessed.

Besides mashed potatoes the snow here can also be compared to chocolate chip ice cream. Fluffy snow + grit = chocolate chip ice cream to me. Now if I could just find a spoon.....

Whew!

2010-01-10T10:25:00.000+01:00

From a slow paced work environment to the holidays to intense no time to stop 12 hour work days. I'm exhausted. This is the first chance I've had to really sit in front of a computer and not be on go go go mode let alone have slept in and had a leisurely breakfast with the Kept Man.

To tell the truth I can't complain. I love being busy and after five months of barely doing anything in a work day it is satisfying to be needed, feel overwhelmed and know that I am being productive. Weird I know but to me hell would be having to go to work and pretend to be busy all the time. Without internet to distract me. I can barely stand going to work where I don't have to pretend that I'm not busy. And where I have internet to distract me.

Getting to Prague was another adventure. I arrived early for my flight from Marrakech to London. Got checked in, went through security and was quietly waiting to know what gate I would be leaving from while reading my book when I heard via announcement in both Arabic, French and English that my flight was delayed by 2 hours. Now I had a tight turn around in London where I had to collect my bag, go through customs, change terminals and check in for another flight within a 3 hour period. Being delayed two hours meant I was never going to make it.

Also I have a phone that does not call internationally, so I had to call my boss in Marrakech to call my boss at Corporate so that everyone could be aware that I was delayed. However I was not able to contact Kept Man as he was already on his way to Prague and had an international number that I couldn't call at the moment from Morocco. Curses!

After 3.5 hour delay in Marrakech within an insane amount of children on the flight. Get off my armrest! I made it to London, collected my bag, made it over to another terminal, got in line with EasyJet and managed to get a ticket on the next flight to Prague at 6am the next day. With my handy English SIM card I was able to call my Corporate boss get a room for the night at an airport hotel and call Kept Man to catch up. He made it to Prague just fine and was enjoying our hotel room without me.

I made it into Prague on Tuesday just before another huge winter storm hit the UK. After I arrived at the hotel it was go go go. I checked in, ran upstairs, gave the man a kiss and ran back down to start work. I didn't even manage to step outside the hotel until Thursday when Kept Man and I went to a restaurant around the corner for dinner. Steak and French Fries with insanely yummy mustardy garlic sauce how I love you.

Now with a weekend almost under my belt I've managed to sleep in, relax, see a movie and take a little walk into town. Work is back tomorrow but with all the immediate things taken care of I think it will at least no longer be 12 hour days nor so intense.

So that's it. I've made it Prague. I'm alive. Sorry to all of you who have emailed and I have not responded to. I barely managed a "I'm alive email" to my mom. Be happy I'm awake and coherent.

Sometimes....

2009-12-31T17:41:00.000+01:00

I am an idiot. I bought some apples from a street vendor. He totally cheated me. It was the first time I'd done this. I was walking home from running an errand. I needed to get some apples. I didn't want to go to the grocery store with the hundreds of people and enormous lines. I had happened to walk by this guy and the fruits and veggies looked good. No one else was there. A quick stop and I could be on my way.

I forgot where I was and that in Marrakech they try to steal you blind and that you need to haggle. He told me the price and I was shocked by it, 42 dhirams which is about $5 and about 4 times what it should be. (I know Garren, I'm a moron) I can only justify my stupidity in paying this price with the explanation that I usually go to the grocery store where the prices are fixed and I just came back in London where I have no need to haggle. I stupidly paid him while still puzzling over the price and not realizing I needed to dispute it. As I walked away I immediately became angry at myself as I realized I'd played the role of the stupid foreigner perfectly.

In the scheme of things it's only $5 which if I was going to be robbed blind $5 is not the end of the world, but I just hate that I have to haggle (read argue/have a confrontation) with people. I hate that they just can't give me a fair price and let me be on my way. Maybe I'm just a naive Westerner (or really an avoid confrontation at all costs type of person) but I hate that buying a few apples can turn into a whole ordeal. Next time I'll let it turn into a whole ordeal. Next time I will be prepared for them to try to treat me like a dumb foreigner. Next time they had better watch out.

Next time I will go to the grocery store even with its immense lines to avoid having to deal with this.

ugh. idiot.

High Maintenance

2009-12-15T21:53:00.001+01:00

Since moving to Marrakech, my beauty regime has not been kept up to previous standards. (Who knew I was so high maintenance?) Back in California I used to get my hair cut every 8 weeks, my eyebrows waxed every 3 weeks and have a pedicure around every 1-2 months depending on the weather.

I’ve managed to get my haircut since moving here, having found a French salon around the corner, but I still miss my hair time with Ashley back at Oxen Rose and with no curlers or flat iron here (the voltage can’t convert with those devices so I left them behind) my hair is pretty frizzy most of the time.

As for the eyebrows, I don’t know how much I trust anyone here with hot wax near my eyes. Actually I do know how much I trust them. Not at all. So I’ve been attempting to pluck my own eyebrows, which I hate.

I’ve already looked up an Aveda salon in London to rectify the situation.

And then there is the pedicure. I’ve actually been given recommendations for a place to go here in Marrakech, but I’ve been too lazy to go and now that the weather has turned cold, well nobody sees my feet anymore but me and Kept Man. And now you lucky people.

I know you're probably disgusted by looking at my feet, but look when we were Christmas shopping in the souks I bought myself some leather babouches in a pretty purple color which hides my un-pedicured feet from sight.

Kept Man thinks my slippers smell from the leather making process which he had the opportunity to visit on his guided tour of the Medina. He frequently throws them into the other room when I’m not looking. Poor pretty babouches.

In other news with all our Christmas shopping we've gotten better at haggling in the souks. Or rather Kept Man has gotten better. I've gotten better at keeping my mouth shut in the background and pretending to be a simpering well mannered wife.

Best Husband Ever

2009-12-08T11:53:00.001+01:00

I came home last night to a sparkling home, BBQ chicken pizza, fresh, not frozen, raspberries (my favorite) and the next book in the Twilight Series (Eclipse) under my pillow.

I'm spolied rotten. Kept Man then started watching Pineapple Express and left me to crawl into bed and begin reading the stupidness that is Eclipse. I have to know what happens! Even if the series does drive me crazy. It's a sickness. I promptly feel asleep within a half hour in all my clothes. It was 9:00pm. I'm an old lady.

To those who care I'm also slowly watching a bad quality pirated version of New Moon. Although I'd like to I can't blame all the bad acting on the my bad copy. And yet, I'm still torturing myself. With Kept Man shaking his head in shame in the background.

And this little piggy

2009-12-03T21:52:00.000+01:00

So living in what amounts to a pork free society, I've come to realize how many pork products I like. Used to be when I heard the word pork I made a face. I'm not a fan of pork chops (except for Kept Man's which is a recreation of a dish at Wood Tavern and perhaps Erik's but I haven't tried those yet) but I never really realized how many other parts of the pig I enjoy. (man that sounds dirty)

It's amazing to me how prevalent these products are at home back in the states and how DIFFICULT they are to find here. Anytime a recipe calls for bacon or procuitto or something along those lines, we inwardly groan both in longing and frustration as we're either going to have to supplement it with something else or pass over the recipe entirely. We are constantly scouring the grocery store for any pig products (to stock up whenever we get lucky and find some) and cursing any various Moroccan authority figures when we cannot. Yesterday I went to the Moroccan equivalent of Costco and in the dairy section found salami, serano ham and bacon (yep, pig products mixed in with dairy). I immediately texted Kept Man with "found pig products" and received a "woo-hoo" in return. We are so easily pleased here.

Another situation which rams home my pork dependancy was during an attempt to torture myself earlier today by looking at the autumn menu at Wood Tavern back in Berkeley. Kept Man was making lamb sugo for dinner (which might I mention was excellent, I am spoiled) which was always a favorite of mine when we used to go there too often for dinner and I decided I just had to see what was on their current menu. As I was reading through the menu there were two new items that caught my eye, "Pig and Fig" and "Swine and Bovine". Both items immediately jumped off the page to me only because at this point they are such exotic items. Pork Belly! I might die from shock to see it here.

Thankfully we will soon be in the land of the Czechs where we can gorge ourselves on pig products and beer and be sedated for a while upon our return to Morocco. (but not too long)

Side Trip

2009-11-27T21:57:00.006+01:00

We're going to Prague!

Seriously! And for a month or so. Not just a visit. That's right this Marrakech based couple is packing up and moving!

As some of you may be aware things with the hotel here in Marrakech are a little delayed and frankly I'm bored. I can only do so much without a property management system. So my fabulous boss at corporate level asked if I'd be willing to help at another hotel property where the Revenue Manager had just left and fill in until they found someone. I said YES! And at the same time she made sure that it would be alright for my husband to be there with me. He'll only take up a small corner of the hotel room and I promised he'd be as quiet as a mouse.

So after our London adventure we fly straight to Prague. When we come back I do not know yet.

Who wants to come visit?

This is kinda cool.....

2009-11-18T18:22:00.001+01:00

and squishy and kinda gross.

So says my husband with his hand inside of a squid. I don't know how I feel about seeing my calamari before it becomes calamari. I've tried to avoid the kitchen as much as possible so as not to destroy the veil around deep fried breaded calamari goodness.

If anyone wants to know step by step instructions about cleaning a squid you can find it here. (You'll need to click on "play full" video and then "how to clean a squid"). Does anyone know what people did before the internet to learn this sort of stuff? Joy of Cooking I guess.

In the meantime, for your actual viewing pleasure.

Little Tabby

2009-11-14T20:46:00.000+01:00

There is a kitten in our apartment. We were just starting dinner. Watching some TV and a little tabby kitten walked in from our balcony. Our fourth floor balcony. WTF?! He's currently behind the TV playing with some plastic and he's ignored all attempts to feed him milk or some burger. I don't know what to do. I don't want to put him back on the balcony or even kick him outside the door. It's like abandoning him to the wolves. But I can't keep him either. Maybe he belongs to a neighbor. I hope so.

I can't have a cat here. 1. Garren would kill me 2. I would have to bring him home 3. Willoughby and Maggie would kill me.

What do I do?!

Spanish Reflections

2009-11-12T10:45:00.000+01:00

Upon our arrival in Spain it was hard not to compare it to Marrakech, where we have been for 3 months now and where we are seriously missing some westernized standards.

For example at some point Garren and I both noted how quiet the streets of Sevilla are. That's not say that they are silent and devoid of traffic, but they are devoid of constant honking, beeping and a million scooters, bikes, donkeys, carts and god knows what else screaming by as you try to cross the street. Even their light rail is quiet. And with that observation we immediately noticed how CLEAN Sevilla was. No fumes from passing trucks, scooters or cars (The idea of "green" or even smog control has not reached Morocco yet). No trash or construction debris in the street. No cats and dogs wandering around. No people sitting on sidewalks looking for handouts. It is a stark contrast and it was a strange feeling to consider it a luxury for the weekend.

Alternate observations included the number of strollers out and about. Now I know there are a few people who may be thinking, "Her biological clock is going like this!" (insert an image of Marisa Tomei from My Cousin Vinny), but seriously I don't think I've seen so many strollers in all my life. The number of children, babies and pregnant women observed on a typical day was insane. Maybe it's the Catholic culture prevelant in Spain, maybe it's just a city where it is good to raise a family or maybe we're just not used to seeing strollers here in Marrakech, but there were children EVERYWHERE (dressed alike I may add - and I wondered where my mom got that from) and if I knew what was good for me I would invent the new "IT" stroller and sell it in Spain because I would make a fortune. Below was my attempt to show how many strollers there were, however everytime I attempted to take a picture with multiple strollers in it someone got in my way. So I've circled them. They're there I swear. I didn't make it up. And I've got several more pictures of other strollers taken within a 10 minute period to prove it.