Things That Happened

I saw a fortress built into a cliff; the wall scaling back into the hills and the castle overlooking red roofed cottages.

I overcame my fear of European outlets.

I made a list of things to do in Dresden; but met a bartender named Joanie and wandered with her friends instead.

I saw a house covered in vines save the window panes.

I talked with an old Hungarian sculptor and we both agreed – the only man who looked good in a dress was David Bowie.

I found that people respond better to how you say something rather than what you say. Especially when you’re not quite sure of what you’re saying.

I saw the sun rise over the Danube.

I drank hot red wine with cloves in it the evening it rained all day.

I saw lightening light up the Vltava River and the houses in the hills at night.

I learned that drinking three shots of espresso is not the same as drinking three cups of coffee. This is actually a very bad idea.

I went rafting in the Vltava River and laid down in the current while the water pulled my legs.

I thanked Mark Davidov for translating food labels at the grocery store for me.

I saw the prison cell of Gavrilo Princip and the dark drip stains on the wall.

I compared languages with a group of travelers; and was humbled from their disappointment when they couldn’t fully express something in my language.

I forgot the sound of my cell phone and welcomed that relief.

I learned how to use things sparingly and saw the benefits.

I saw a shopkeeper thank a garbage collector with two cans of beer.

I stopped to listen to a group of Korean tourists circle around a guitar player while singing in an outdoor terrace overlooking the Elbe.

I can live without Cliff Bars!

I saw a Cathedral in Dresden with the roof torn off from the World War II bombing.

I learned that Budapest drivers do not take stop signs, pedestrians, or speed limits seriously.

I saw a prison’s brick wall with small holes pierced through it and large chunks missing from a firing squad.

I found that I am terrible at pantomiming head aches to Czech drug store cashiers.

I found that as tired as I was, I could not close my eyes during road trips.

I toasted champagne with two Hungarian newlyweds.

I wrote more in 5 weeks than I have in 5 months.

I found, on several occasions, that the weather here is perfect. And the breeze smells like lake water and wheat.

I found that last minute traveling is not for the uptight.

I got lost in a park and found a zoo.

I met an older woman in Budapest who apologized for the death of Michael Jackson. I said that it was alright; and no, I don’t think his doctor did it.

I found that “a little spicy” in Thai restaurants here translates into “tear evoking” for Americans.

I saw the buildings and palaces of Budapest and thought of my father.

I learned the different accents of British territories from two English girls in a bathroom line.

I smelled campfires in a park nearby and thought of Northern Michigan.

I found that when I thought about home; I never thought of a place.