Paris is Amazeballs

I am sitting in my hostel in London, and I am surprised to find that I actually like London. I can't describe how good it feels (a relief) to be in a country where my native language is assumed instead of exceptional. After a month of being completely foreign and feeling the stress and insecurity each and every time I spoke (unless I was with a friend), it has been amazing to finally reach a place of comparative ease.

I hate that I had to leave Paris, because I fell in love with it. Even though I speak very little French, I loved hearing the language more than any other. Also, the people I met were fantastic (possibly because they were selected and introduced via an excellent person), and I loved the weather - it rained only a little, I saw the sun some, and most of the rest of the time it was just grey skies.  I love grey skies and rain, so the city had immediate appeal. 

I probably need to start at Raclette, and work my way through the story. Raclette is kind of like fondu - a social and communal rare eating experience which includes cheese that gets melted on little teflon trays individually, meat (in every case it was pork-related meats), and potatoes. Bread and other vegetables make an appearance, but it is usually potatoes, cheese and meat. It is a heavyish meal, and upon arrival, my host Elvis had a small raclette party at his house that evening. I helped him set up as best I could, after a day of travel. I love hostessing/entertaining, and was staying with him, so it was a natural fit. He had two couples come over, and one such couple had two kids too - one was 7 and an amazing performer (she danced several times after dinner to "Moves Like Jagger") with the strobe party lights on, as her little sister, at the ripe age of less than 1, roamed around looking exactly like a miniature version of Bernie Mac in a pink onesie. It was indeed a unique evening, and meeting Elvis again along with his friends was a blast! 

The following day we slept in, which felt fantastic. Elvis told me that we had been invited to  lunch with another group of his friends, so I quickly got ready. On the way to lunch, he told me that I was in for a surprise during lunch. I guessed it - raclette. Raclette is a bit of  a production, so it is really a rare occurrence in actuality. However, there we were, heading over to another raclette party. This time, mushrooms were a variation on the theme. The company, again, was fabulous. The daughter of the host family had made a cake for dessert called a "Conversation Cake" and we talked almost until the sun went down.. We met up later with another friend, and in every case up until that point, the conversations were a bit scandalous. I learned a lot of new French words, and learned how to effectively swear as well. This is important to me, of course.

The following night...... we had Raclette! Yes. Three days in a row. When you eat it you can't really eat anything else for the rest of the day. I liken this to a Thanksgiiving meal. Of course, fresh from surgery, I had to watch my intake, and successfully navigated this after the first evening. The third raclette evening was fantastically fun, as one friend I had already met came over and brought his girlfriend, and then another guy came over to join. We all probably drank a little too much, and laughed a ton. In every case, Elvis' friends were not native English speakers, so they were accommodating and hilarious as the evening progressed.

Elvis has like 18 jobs right now, so he also had to go to work, and I was able to walk around, see sights, take pictures, and further individually bond with his incredible cat, Bombay. Bombay is a new addition to the household, and in fact, Elvis has never had a pet, but his cat is a great one. Bombay slept near me or on me every night after the first night. Purring. Constantly. Made me miss Blue and Mac so much, but Bombay was a great surrogate (surrocat?).

Paris is an incredible city. I was able to laugh and cry in its midst. I was able to have some personal beliefs challenged and even changed while there, and I LOVED hearing the people speak. The men, again, were gorgeous. Really, most everyone was, and they dress way better than Americans, by and large. I felt like a bit of a shlep, but whatever. I dress better at home...... no. No I don't. My damn foot problem has limited that. Speaking of, I can't WAIT to burn these shoes that I have been walking in. They have no support left, reek like the devil, and make my feet HURT. Ugh. I wanted to replace them several countries ago, but due to my financials (read The Berlincident), it wasn't feasible. My feet can't WAIT to get home! The rest of me was upset to leave the "City of Lights" and my gracious host and host cat. I am sure he needed/wanted his house back, but I miss them already. I can't wait to come back and have a more "in depth" Paris experience. I was able to do a bus tour of the city, and some fantastic pictures were captured, not only of Paris, but also of Bombay (the cat).

Per Facebook:

"There are some rare songs that so completely move me that I wish I had written them. Today while walking through Paris, my chosen soundtrack was Coldplay, and "Fix You" came on. I had to sit and listen three times (actually four) and just cry. As fabulous as my trip has been, I am still healing my heart, my stomach, my feet and my soul. Have to give my emotions their moments. Authentic living......"

"Leaving Paris - train to a train to a plane to a train - I am a little bit devastated to leave the city. But London awaits - my last stop on Clarity Road. .I have learned so much - about the world, about myself..... It has been epic.  A very big shout out to my amazing host, Elvis. What an incredible person! Much love to you and Bombay!"

Music

My readers have asked for links to my music. Lordy.

OK, here is my most recent stuff:
www.reverbnation.com/jillcourtney

My most recent album was a Blues album, and I am in the process of finishing up an original album  called Fiasco - the copyright protected tracks are uploaded already.

Also:
*Live Classical concert recordings - Too Legit To Quit, from 2010
*Commercial music samplings to show  vocal versatility, to varying degrees of success.
*Eyelash Wishes, my freshman original album, made exclusively for my MM program's thesis at NYU.
*Other various tracks along the way. My original recordings that were collaborations are generally not on there.

You will see the first five tracks pop up, and if they aren't what you are looking for,  you can view all tracks and browse.

Enjoy?

I love Paris in the winter, when it drizzles.....

Per Facebook:
"Paris..... it is already grey, and I have already been yelled at by one old man. But I just witnessed a group of six other older men in suits (awww yeah!) who proceeded to do shots of espresso and then hit on me in French (and then translate for me to English when they realized I had no idea what they were saying), so I think I will like this place after all. :)"

I am not certain if it is the city that makes me feel this way, or my host Elvis, or both, but I am truly mesmerized by Paris. The city somehow gets a bad rap as far as the people being rude or cold, etc., but my experience is the exact opposite. Plus, NYC has that same reputation in America, and it too is false. Or perhaps I am one of the assholes, because I fit in quite well and in every case, people have been accommodating and sweet and hilarious. In addition, nearly every conversation has taken a bit of an inappropriate turn, which is completely appropriate to me. There is something funny about how some things translate, and in almost every case I have been able to speak English the entire time. Some are more self-conscious than others about their English, but I am not the judgmental type, they soon find out, and we all proceed to enjoy conversation and lots of ridiculous laughter.

Per Facebook:

"It is cloudy/foggy in Paris. I love it."
"Funny. I find my little destination place in Paris, and "Walking in Memphis" is playing on the stereo. Hilarious. Like I am not far from home at all. Also - turns out, I look French. I fit in here. Well, kinda..... :)"

"Get to see Elvis Buckwalter and Richie Bush (both from Manitou) today/tonight. Blast from the past, in Paris!"
"Having the best time in Paris. Uploading pics at some point tomorrow. This place is nothing short of magical and everyone is fantastically nice. I am so lucky that I am currently surrounded by people who are actually interested in practicing their English, so therefore I don't have to 'practice' my French.. I know a total of 20 words, if that. Sad, but true. Tomorrow I venture out on my own without amazing Elvis."
"Really don't ever want to leave Paris. Felt the same way about Prague. Something about these two places cling to me like a deep longing; an ache. So odd, because I can't speak the language in either place. Essentially, I am an outsider, but still this feeling persists. More blogging on the way....."

Seeing Richie Bush (Richard, as he now is called), was a definite highlight of the trip. He hasn't really changed a bit since seeing him last. Sure we have all gotten a bit older, but our rapport is identical to where we left off. Catching up with him and hearing about his amazing job and life was fantastic! He really has a great thing going, and is living in Cognac, France. His job allows him to travel a great deal, and he happened to be returning home through Paris the same day that I got into town! So we ended up going to an art gallery opening (lots of really cool, processed photo prints of nude people - awwww yeah!), and got to meet the artist. And then, we went to Elvis' house for a party later that evening.

Elvis, my host, is perhaps one of the kindest men. We randomly have both high school (Manitou Springs, CO) and college (Northfield, MN) in common, though we never really knew each other that well. In high school, I had no idea who he was, as a senior dealing with my own issues and attempts to escape CO for good. In college, also a senior, I was student teaching or just generally freaking out about what was next in life after the stupid madness of being a music major at St. Olaf College. I remember he contacted me once he was on campus. I vaguely remember a lunch or coffee or something along those lines back in the day. But I never brought him into my crazy senior world because he was still so young that I didn't want to corrupt (I am sensing a bit of a theme - read Barcelona).

Now he is an adult with way more education than I (2 BAs, 2 MAs and a PhD), which makes him and his brain immediately sexy as hell to me, but I will restrain myself from making a pass at him (haha!) because he is my host and I am supposed to be on this journey for M-E, not M-E-N. And yet, Paris has also cast its spell.

Paris is magical. You would think the lack of color used in buildings would make it seem cold, and it does. But I, too, subscribe to being colorless with my white skin and black clothing every day. To me, I find this to be a clean palate. In my case, I have a very colorful personality which needs the toning down of clothing. Over the years, I realized that wanting it or no, I pulled attention to myself. When I was younger (high school, college) I would probably subconsciously want this attention. It was perhaps a cry for help; for something I was missing - love, nurturing, support, and yes, attention. But still I preferred to hide under black clothing because it expressed me the best. My friends often laugh when they look in my closet - a series of black clothes with an occasional pop of color.

Well Paris' color palate is largely grey, and the people also wear a lot of black (like NYC), which gives it a platform that doesn't compete with its personality. It makes the colors that exist "pop." The art in this city is one such color, the nature, another, and the architecture still another. And then, there are the people, who prefer to blend until...... until they are sitting around a table for raclette (which apparently they have nearly every day here!), or for wine or coffee or tea. That is when the color begins to flow. 

In this way, I find life infinitely more interesting. I am no longer one to find the outrageous and obvious colors that life can offer as interesting as the ones you can discover along the way. When framed by normalcy and clean lines in the background, the colors begin to really shine in all their glory.

This is the closest way for me to describe Paris. Aside from the pictures...... :)

Barcelona..... Que Bueno!

Well, I am  back to where I started, financially. I was unable to withdraw my own money. Why did this happen? I think it was divine intervention. Not only did The Great Berlincident make me more fierce, if I CAN manage to get through both Paris and London with the minimal cash that I have, I will have gone in way less debt than I planned for.  This will ultimately be a very good thing, although it is quite painful right now. I need new shoes and a facial like pronto. But, I won't get them and that is fine. #FirstWorldProblems?

I have arrived at my destination in Paris, and as I sit waiting for Elvis (no, not Presley, or I would be waiting for a very long time!), I am trying to not only stay awake, but also reflect with some introspection on Barcelona. It was a fantastic city, and thankfully I remained safe and didn't get pickpocketed, like many warned. It might have helped that there wasn't a lot to pickpocket. :)

Per Facebook:

"My God, am I blessed. I have such an amazing support system of people that care about me - which I really didn't even fully know about. Being so fiercely independent has many downfalls. One of which is being so self-reliant that I tend to also feel alone a lot. 

I am so touched that so many people have reached out to me. It is an honor to share my journey with y'all. I hope my path helps yours!"

Barcelona is a place I MUST come back to. There is something very incredible about the vibe of this city. There is an energy here, yet Monica points out that it is we tourists! Ha! 

It just seems to be a very livable city, and then there are the men......hotdamn!"

Three  miracles occurred while there, that I know of:

Miracle #1: My friend from AMDA, Monica, took me in - despite having two roommates with very little extra space, being in school full time, working, and then having a cold the entire time (pobrecita!), she STILL allowed me to crash there, and was hospitable and a total blast to hang out with - and I finally realized WHY we didn't hang out much  back in AMDA days. For those of you who don't know what the HELL I am talking about, AMDA stands for The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. It is a professional school that trains  students in musical theatre performance, and accepts some straight from high school, and some straight from college. Now, it is a bonafide undergraduate program or a professional degree, but then it only offered a two-year professional training. Monica was one of such students that attended straight out of high school (meaning she was 18 when I met her in NYC), and I got in with a scholarship right after I graduated from St. Olaf College. I literally had one month off of school post-Olaf, and then I began the NYC program at AMDA. I was 23. It seems so very long ago now, but many memories remain fresh, and Monica and I had a blast recounting the crazy days with our mutual friends and teachers. Specifically the last night, between yawns and hiccups (mine, due to laughing), we drank a bit of wine over tapas, and I realized that we would have been fast friends back then, had we been of a similar age. But back then, she was one of the "innocents" that weren't old enough to drink yet, and boy, back then I was anything  but innocent. I would have corrupted her and her friends had we mixed more, so I am glad that we didn't. Those students  straight out of high school, plopped in the middle of NYC, had enough struggles with staying in school and getting through the program.. There were just too many distractions, and I would have been another one.

I am impressed by how far wee both have come, but to be honest, she looks pretty much the SAME! Sure, maybe a bit more adult looking, but not much - the girl could STILL pass for 18! I forgot to ask her what her secret is. So glad she is no longer as innocent, and I am no longer quite as rebellious. We managed to meet in the middle and have a fantastic time. I hope she comes to visit sometime in Nashville, because randomly, her father has always dreamed of visiting Nashvegas. Maybe I can return the housing favor sometime soon.

Miracle #2: On day #2 I was sitting down after walking to the port of Barcelona. I was obsessing about taking the perfect picture of the Columbus Statue, mainly because it held a fantastic use of lions. We all know I have a real cat connection...... 

It was sunny and I was by the water and enjoying my newly found freedom from the fear of boat bottoms (see "The Vasa" if you have no idea what I am talking about), aka Hullaphobia. I was sitting in a place that wasn't necessarily made for sitting, but I had started a bit of a trend, as others started to join me. Maybe they had bad feet/shitty shoes too? Barcelona is amazing to see on foot, and I wore my feet out every day due to my sense of adventure and health variables and shoe variables. Even with custom orthotics.  Sheesh!  

But I digress...... there I sat, enjoying sitting, the sun, photography (my hobby anyway!), and a couple approached me. In English (most people come up to me and speak English, I have noticed - like my shitty shoes SCREAM American. They probably do!), and started referring to the hop-on hop-off tourist bus. I had seen it a couple of times while sitting, so  I told them where it picks up, and that it should be by again soon. But instead of asking for help, they were asking if I wanted their tickets! This was amazing. I almost said no, and then I was like (SLAP! Jill, WTF!), and then thanked them and said YES!

A few minutes later, I was on the bus, happily taking pictures of parts of Barcelona  I would NEVER have been able to walk to. Sadly, my iPad AND my phone camera both died along the way, so I was forced to ENJOY the ride for the last half, listening to the story of Barcelona and each site that the bus visited. The next day, I got on the bus again, with a fully charged battery on both, and was able to take many of the pictures I missed the day before! Fantastic!

Per Facebook: "A massive stroke of luck: I am sitting at the port of Barcelona, soaking in the rare sun and amazing views, and a couple comes up asking about the hop-on, hop-off bus. I pointed them to where I saw it stop, and they said, "No, no. We are done. Do you want our tickets?" Yayayaya!!! Now I get to see the city for free today, which means more pictures than I can manage on my poor feet. Thanks, guardian angels. ;)"

Miracle #3: I found money! Actually, it was mine already, but it turns out I had spent about 300 Euro less than I thought I had! This is fantastic, and allowed me to relax a little. I also was able to book a reservation for a hostel in London using my old, defunct credit card number, and I now know exactly how much it will cost, so I can put that cash aside. This helps. A ton.

In addition, so many people have come forward to offer me money if I need it - I should have done a kickstarter! HA!  But I am happy to be self-contained, and if I can make it through the next ten days on the cheap, I am HOME! I am so lucky to have such a support system of people that can help me in desperate times. I am not as alone in this world as I often think I am. Even within the context of my former marriage, I felt so alone so often - much of this is self-imposed, and much of it is that I have taught everyone around me to NOT worry about me, that I am fine, strong, resilient, etc. and sometimes it just isn't true. However, surviving all I have, and learning more about myself and the people in my life has served a much higher purpose that I could have anticipated. Plus, I got my ferocity back and feel pretty damned fearless at this point. But I get by with a little help from my friends.......

Per Facebook:

"Last day/night in Barcelona. Tomorrow I leave for Paris to meet up with Elvis (from Manitou/Olaf) and Richie (from Manitou)!"

"I managed to convince my cab driver (yeah, too early for public transport, to my dismay...) that I speak fluent Spanish. Well, until the end, once at the airport, when I said, "Hay un buen dia," instead of "Buenos Dias." Such a tired psuedo-Latina with white-assed skin, I am......"

"Made it to the airport. Tired, but on my way to Paris! So I need to buck up. There are things to see and do before I meet Elvis. :)"

Barcelona - Hello!

Barcelona

November 27,  2012

Today I arrive in Barcelona. I met a very nice man named Miguel on the plane, and also had a chance to finally catch up on my travel blog. Not only have I been neglecting my writing duties, I have also been busy experiencing things instead of internalizing, processing and writing. Conversing instead of thinking. My body is pretty worn out from so much walking in Prague and Athens, but I was able to minimize it somewhat. I have three more countries, all reliant on my feet working and my body not giving out on me. I know I now need new shoes, but these are going to have to be the ones that carry me through this journey because I seriously cannot afford to buy new shoes! Life without a credit or debit or income......  ha! Oh well. I have my ibuprofen that I thankfully brought with me, and I will rest when I need to. I was able to mend  5 articles of clothing in Athens, thanks to Marina's  sewing kit, and only my coat and shoes remain in need of repair. I was planning on replacing them, but that would take my remaining Euros, and I still don't have a place to stay in London, so I need to really conserve everything I can.

After the Berlincident, my situation became a bit more desperate, and while I really wanted to see my friend Monica (from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy - my post-college, pre-Master's professional degree), I wasn't planning on staying with her. I always really liked  her, but we weren't that close back in acting school due to classes not synching up together. Also, we ran in different circles a bit, but it wasn't a huge school, so  I was able to kind of get to know her during the 2-year program. She is talented and gorgeous, I do know that.

I had already booked all my flights and places through Barcelona, and I am locked in, so I ended up pretty much begging to stay at her place with her and her roommates. She is graciously taking me in. Like a stray cat. :) 

I have to find a way to repay them - maybe I will do a photo shoot of them or something to earn my keep. I am so grateful.

Per Facebook:

"Hotdamn! Feels good to be in a country where I can read!!! Helllloooo Barcelona!"

"Raining gently in Barcelona. So beautiful"

"OMGawd the men here are gorgeous!"

"The game: Hoarding Euros. The challenge: With 3 countries to go, The Great Berlincident behind her, and no access to additional funds, will Jill make it to London with enough Euros to not only find a place to stay for four nights, but also have some left for bread, water and coffee? Stay tuned...."

"Seeing people from Olaf, AMDA, NYU, NYC and Manitou - such a blast from the past. Reminds me of how I have BARELY matured. ;)"

Athens

Athens

My fascination with Athens was threefold. 

1. My friend Nathan is there.

2. Athens is Nashville's "sister city," and more I researched it, the more I wanted to see it.

3. Greek yogurt - possibly my favorite food.

My fascination has now grown, and I look forward to visiting it again one day.

Here is a brief recount of my time there:

Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012

It took a tram, a train, a bus, two planes, another bus, a trolley and about 13 hours to get to my destination (destiNathan) in Athens. By the time I got there, it was nightfall, I was tired and smelled of airplane, and didn't even really recognize my friend Nathan. He had a mustache and goatee that I had never seen on him, but he came right up to me, thank God. He found me.

We went to his house after catching up over coffee, and I was able to see his place, meet his wife, Marina, his dog, Brownie, and two cats (well, one is a kitten).  This is the first time being around animals during this journey, and they soothed my soul. Nathan is an old college friend from St. Olaf, who enjoyed wearing the St. Olaf sweatshirt over the time we were there. That was fantastic. He has been married for two years, and has been enjoying living in Athens for even longer. As intelligent as he is, living in a place like Athens is quite possibly the perfect fit for him. The city, mired in history and producing many literary giants, artists and thinkers....... well, you just have to know Nathan to fully grasp the location's perfection for his ways.

His wife displayed an enormous, generous spirit, and her hospitality is unmatched. She was working for most of the time that I was there, but I still managed to get to know her a bit. I really enjoyed her company, she made the most delicious native Greek dish, and I had intense and yummy Greek coffee every morning. She even showed me how to make it!

Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, St. Catherine's Name Day (my sister's name!)

12:23pm

"Today I got my church on. Today's flavor: Greek Orthodox. It was pompy and circumstancey, and gorgeous and incredible, and I didn't understand a word of it. That said, Jesus and high fives are universal, I now know. Also, candles. 

Then we went and saw the Parthenon and some other old and cool shit. Plus, Greek food. They also make Greek Yogurt here, I am happy to report.... Unlike some Swedes and Swedish Fish...." 

And continued.... "I am referring to the red, gummy, fish-shaped candy that is sold around the USA under the name "Swedish Fish," yet have no authentic Swedish origin, according to preliminary research. Wikipedia references a nod to Swedish culture, but I blame said candy on distorted US marketing techniques. Essentially, when it comes to Swedish Fish, we have been sold a lie. Surprise, surprise....... :)"

Nathan is an intense man. When I am with him, my brain feels fully alive and challenged, and I love that. He has other amazing qualities too, but his brain is magnificent. It always was, really, but the years have been kind, and he is just as quick-witted as ever. He speaks both English and Greek (and has studied many others), occupationally freelances currently, and didn't mind taking me around Athens a bit, so I was completely blessed with a bilingual tour guide the entire time! I wasn't in Athens for very long, but while there, we saw some amazing sights. The first touristy day, we saw the Parthenon, not only from his backyard porch view,  but also up close and personal-ish. I didn't want to hike up to the top of the Parthenon due to the amount of walking we already had done, but we climbed to the top of a rock where the Apostle Paul made some speeches or something in the year 1 A.D. or whatever. I made Nathan get up on the rock and make a speech too, as I took pictures, and then we stayed up on top of the rock, looking down at Athens in all its splendor and squalor. Surrounded by mountains and near the water, the city is simply stunning. The view from there was pretty life-changing, and the company was superb.

Per Facebook:

"Athens is EPIC, and I have pictures to prove it! Uploading those and my other ones from Prague soon....... :)"

Monday, November 26

Today we walked through parts of Greece, seeing fancy things and not-at-all fancy things.  I got to take pictures, absorb culture and cuisine, and continue to catch up with my friend  Nathan. We saw each other briefly at our 10-year college reunion, but really didn't get to have a lot of one-on-one time catching up with him, and that was 5 years ago. Essentially, we had about 15 years of catching up to do, like most people I am seeing on this journey. 

The nicest part for me was being able to discuss certain subjects with him and having him question me in such a way that made me really think about things. For instance, when discussing my family of origin or my marriage, instead of just listening, he would ask an analysis-requiring question, and it would make me further dissect certain elements that I haven't spent time thinking about. Like a diamond - taking time to see each facet.

Per Facebook:

10:50pm

"Constantly reminded.... Life is full of endless possibilities. Athens was a link to the past and to my former self. Life in 4D. Maybe 5D. Tomorrow I mosey over to Barcelona. Destination #6. Excited!"

11:05pm

"To all who have expressed that my ways inspire you, I thank you greatly. I am just trying to follow my bliss, live honestly, gently and authentically, and seek personal clarity and direction, which is admittedly currently so very self-serving. Yet to hear that the reach is more vast than just myself, well, THAT is the definition of awesome. I would encourage anyone and everyone to seize the day in a healthy way. :)"

Tuesday, Nov. 27- Travel Day from Prague to Barcelona

1:30pm

"Cab to a train to a bus to a plane to a bus, and then, today I will find my old friend Monica Castillo somewhere in the middle of Barcelona. Thus far, I have almost completed the journey to the Athens plane that will take me there. 

P.S. Thank you for all the love notes. I have some sweet sweet friends and associates!"

2:00pm

"A very special shout out to Nathan Kuhlman, my intelligent and gracious host in Athens. Not only did he make Athens 100 percent accessible and manageable, but my brain was awakened via cerebral and philosophical conversations. My vocabulary, literally, historically and globally, was expanded in a very short and intense amount of time. I hope good things rain down upon him. I have no doubt they will."

Prague Recap

With Prague in the rearview mirror, I am able to fully reflect on my time there, which was not nearly enough. I was so busy "doing" that I failed to write about the rest of my time there. I am now playing catch up.

Upon arrival, I immediately saw the social aspect take over in Prague, which was fantastic. Between my roommate Amanda, Dr. Sorrells time, Emil time, and Jill time, I was pretty booked. I spent very little time in the hostel, and seeing Prague was my first priority.  I couldn't  leave without doing  some of the basic touristy things. While I enjoyed walking, I am still dealing with being gentle on my feet after recovering from 2 years of immobility due to my foot, and  carrying my pack as an additional 50lbs hasn't been easy. By picking and choosing what I was able to see, I successfully navigated my experience in Prahamised Land. The hop-on hop-off bus was a fantastic way of seeing what I wanted to without   wasting my foot power actually getting to said places. In this way, I minimized the wear and tear on my body, got epic pictures as I saw fit, and experienced what I needed to.

On traveling alone: I have loved it. Also, by sharing my experience with others via picture, blog and Facebook, I haven't really felt entirely alone at all. Having my own unique experiences has been very soul healing, as I make myself a priority for the first time ever, really. I am so happy in giving this gift to myself. I am sure it won't turn into a self-centered way of life, but rather a self-aware and self-prioritizing way. It is healthy. And seeing the castle, taking myself out on a date, was really fantastic. I have the opportunity to be alone with my thoughts and feelings, and it gives  me space to just be me. I will absolutely travel again, and I must also return to Prague. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

Per Facebook:

Nov. 21, 12:25am

"I have a whole social life to squeeze in now in Prague. Can't wait to see you, Emil Viklicky, David J Sorrells, and my new roommate, Amanda Barker. I seriously love Prague. Gut instinct - wanna move here. Will know more tomorrow after the tourzy!"

In addition to my time by myself touring the Prague territory, and my time with David Sorrells (The Dr.!), I also had more than a brush with fame. Emil Viklicky is a Prague-based musician who I met through my mentor, Steve Barta, and Emil immediately took my under his wing.  After seeing an incredible band at the famous Reduta Jazz Club, I was also able to meet the musicians and some other incredible contacts. Emil shared the following links to his work (please note, the first one  is of him playing for the president of Czech Republic):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWFFxBFVAhk&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJWrdj-Gemk

After seeing a fantastic band at The Reduta Jazz Club, "Emil The Famous" drove me back to my hostel. On the way, he pointed out some amazing and distinct Prague structures. Two of my favorite things that he said were (and I am paraphrasing),

On the subject of The Reduta Jazz Club, he casually stated, "Not bad for a place from the 13th Century." 

On the massive, beautiful, legendary opera/symphony space we passed on the way home, I asked if he had ever performed there. He said something like, "Yes, several times. Well, not many. Just like 5 or 6 times, but they don't really let jazz musicians play there often."  

Humble and accomplished guy. The next night (Thanksgiving evening) I had the pleasure of seeing him in action. To say he is a badass is simply an understatement. He is incredible; one of those musicians that make his craft look so easy and natural and effortless.  The way he managed the piano..... it was like others walk. Intrinsic. Intuitive. Inspired.  I was so honored to meet him, and aware of how ridiculous it is that I was the one treated like a celebrity there!  Ha! I get that in some places and some circles in my life, I seem accomplished and esteemed, but in my mind it is funny because I am just goofy me, you know?

I spent my Thanksgiving Day alone touring my Promised Land, sweet Prague, feeling grateful for every single moment.

Per Facebook:

"Happy Turkey Day!

I am thankful for my health, which has been hard-fought.

I am thankful for my friends and family, who keep me laughing through the tough times.

I am thankful for my baby kitties and their sweet fuzzy ways.

I am thankful for my single-ticket status.

I am thankful to be able to travel.

I am thankful for the crossroads at which I find myself: possibilities.

I am thankful for my happiness and sanity."

I missed the last Metro train (Amanda was also with me that last night at The Reduta, and we learned how to take the after hours tram to the hostel. I believe we got home around 3am, or maybe that is just when I got to bed.

11.22.12

Per Facebook:  Some of you will get this: visited several cathedrals and a monastery today. Immediately began humming "Beautiful Savior.". Dude. Its like a disease....... You can take the girl out of Olaf, but you can't take the Olaf outta the girl......

Nov. 23, 2012

My last full day in Prague was amazing.  I got up, showered and got ready for another day of sightseeing, but by the time I was out of the hostel and  about to head to the 2nd day of my hop-on hop-off experience, David had written to me via Facebook that he was out of school 3 hours earlier than expected. I promptly got on the Metro to his area, we met up, and I took him along with me to see the remaining sights that I wanted to see. He and I proceeded to picture hunt and basically have awe-filled experiences the entire day and evening. We had a fantastic meal, I got video footage of the clock striking 3pm, (video to be posted soon), and we even squeezed in a horses-and-buggy ride - which I don't think I have ever experienced as an adult. It was a fantastic day spent with a very fun person. 

On Facebook,  David sweetly wrote: "Just back from a fantastic day of sight-seeing, drinks, food, and lots of laughs with Jill Courtney. So much fun! How I love Prague when I'm not inside a classroom!!!" 

Incidentally, I am also very thankful to not be inside a classroom too. Right now, Europe and its surrounding experiences are my classroom. And I am learning a lot.

I have also realized a lot about what I now refer to as "The Berlincident" - coming out of that experience, I gained my power in a way that I have been missing for a long time. Surviving that, being able to be proactive, and boldly dealing with the situation and STILL making it to Prague on the night that I intended (albeit crazy late!) served as a supreme power catalyst for me. I felt empowered, unafraid, and my fire was re-lit. I was no longer a victim of circumstance, had utilized resources that I had to at the time, and came out of it with a new appreciation for all that I usually have on a day-to-day basis. I used my brain, creativity, and utter shadiness to get through one of the worst travel scenarios, and now I survived it. I still don't know how far this money will stretch, or if I will have any left by the time I reach London, but I know I will be ok one way or the other. I am a strong survivor, and I needed to lose everything and become penniless in a foreign land in order to gain my power back. Right now, I view it as one of the best things that could have happened to me. It gave me my fire for life back!  

When John Gardner, (famous drummer, extraordinaire) asked how I survived my Berlincident on Facebook,  I replied:

"I am a strong-assed mofo, that's how. It's dem rugged years in the music business. Prepared me for everything..... Hahaa!"

One thing prepared me for another. Another prepared me for now. And now is preparing me for tomorrow. Come what may. I am fucking STRONG. This is good because I will need that fire and strength as I make my next move career-wise, whatever that may be.

Per Facenook: 11.24.12

"The journey continues.... Prague was AMAZING. And now...... Athens. Just a tram to a train to a bus to a plane to another plane to a bus to a walk. Easy peasy. 12 hours+ of a good old time.... Can't WAIT to check the backpack!"

More Praha Moments

The second  full day in Prague, I also slept in a bit too much, but was able to see more of the city, and was also able to meet up with Dr. Sorrells. From here on out, I will call him David, but it isn't to discount his title at all. David is here to take a class, which actually prompted me to come here to Prague, because I, too, originally wanted to get into the class. It is a class to get certified to be an ESL teacher, and while he doesn't even need  this certification, having a PhD in English and all, he wanted to find something to catapult him  to see Europe. Funny, he inspired me, and when the class feel through, I still had to see Prague, and then other places while I was here.  However, I inspired him to do this! He told me that when I made my spontaneous Thailand trip earlier this past summer (right after filing for divorce from Greg and staring at a three month+ living situation where we were going to live together while separated), it was an inspiration for him to book his  trip! Amazing. What goes around comes around! 

Thailand was my first trip off my own continent (some of you might remember than I went to Montreal for my 5-year anniversary, and was a missionary in Mexico for several summers, back when I was in high school and super churched up by my Colorado Springs surroundings and general upbringing). Katy, my sister, who is now 29(!), and her then-flight attendant friend, Kendall, were heading to Asia, and called me from the JFK airport  after a  couple of drinks. They invited me to join them, and given that it takes a couple of days to get there, I could only sync up with them when they got to Thailand. So I booked it, and a couple of days later I was there, in a grass-covered, gecko-laden hut, sweating up a storm (it was super summer there!), and waiting for the arrival of Katy and Kendall. 

I am so glad that my trip, and in general my writings and random boldness in life has inspired others. During this Europe trip, I have had many a "love note" where folks are telling me how I inspired them to write, to travel, to follow their heart...... man, that is what I am ALL about. Probably the best compliment I could ever get. As a natural teacher, my wish is always to inspire, and to help people grow. So the fact that my crazy post-separation Thailand trip could inspire a prestigious man like David, and then his trip would become the final Prague straw that tempted me to clear my schedule of everything and go, well, just wow! The motion of that, the give and take, really appeals to my Libra nature. ;)

David and I had a fantastic evening when we first had dinner together - I sadly couldn't stay long, as I was to meet up with Emil that evening and go to The Reduta Jazz Club with him, but we spent a great time catching up a bit (it has been almost two years since I have seen David), and being on the other side of our respective Texas jobs has been good to us. To get into more detail would be highly inappropriate, and while I am one to love me some inappropriate, this just isn't what my blog is about. Time flew by as we discussed our lives and our furry babies back home. And then I realized the time and had to bolt in order to meet up with Emil. thankfully, I would see David again during our stay.

Emil was waiting for me at the metro stop, and when I arrived a few minutes late (sheesh!), he was there and had a car to whisk us to The Reduta, where he not only plays, but seems to know everybody in the place. I was treated like royalty there, and I couldn't really understand why they all thought I was there (lost in translation), but everyone was so kind and respectful, and Emil was SUCH a personable man. We were watching another incredible band play for a while, all of whom I got to meet before they went on stage, and I even met a cool guitar player who hangs with them all, yet lived in Nashville for a while and is heading back soon. Small musical world!

We left after watching the band and some socializing, and I managed to take some cool pictures of the band. Emil told me I could do the same the next night, when he was playing. :)  I love my iPad and the pictures it takes. Later, Emil drove me back to my crazy little hostel. It was one fantastic evening, where I again managed to meet some incredible people thanks to some other incredible people I know. I am one lukcy gal, I tell ya!

Per Facebook:
11.22.12
"Great day/evening. Saw some of AMAZING Prague, bought a new purse to replace the one I lost, and in the process got asked out on a date by a gorgeous man (said no), met David for a superb dinner and my first Czech beer(!!!), and then had 1st class service at the Reduta Jazz Club (thanks to Emil and Steve).
Met some amazing musicians, and get to go back tomorrow night to see Emil play! Fantastic!!! I LOVE PRAHA!"