Posts

Gothic Towers and Dusk Pints: Recapturing Prague

-
Image
  Three years have passed since I last walked the streets of Prague, yet here I am—drawn back on an abrupt, unplanned journey before leaving Central Europe for my move west to Paris. Though my last departure was marred by poor company, the city itself remained blameless. I return now to make amends with the past: to weave old laughter and joy into new memories, bound together by a deep reverence for this magnificent metropolis. No matter how many times I visit Prague, that familiar rush of wonder takes hold of my soul. Walking its narrow, cobbled streets and climbing its winding hills reveals breathtaking views at every turn. Past and present live side by side; you can feel the presence of the countless musicians, writers, and thinkers who once walked these very same paths. I have spent time in my fair share of capital cities but Prague wins my heart over and over. Above all, it is Prague's Gothic architecture that truly spellbinds me. So dark and spectral, so sharply pointed, and ...
Read more

Echoes of Košice

-
Image
  Saying goodbye always stings. I’ve never met anyone who could bid farewell to a place or person they love without feeling a profound sense of loss. Because that’s what a farewell is, isn't it? Acknowledging that something is gone. This time, I’m saying goodbye to KoÅ¡ice—a town that has been my second home on the European continent for years. Returning this time feels different. A quiet sadness haunts me day and night, weighed down by the countdown to my departure and the lingering question of when—or if—I’ll ever return. Deep down, I know I will. But this trip is about closing a chapter that sat open in the back of my mind for the last couple of years. Seeing this place through fresh eyes and under different circumstances has given me a new perspective. The time has finally arrived to offer a temporary farewell to this charming town, which has truly become such a significant part of my life. In a previous post, I shared the story of my first encounter with KoÅ¡ice 👉  (y...
Read more

The Art of Living Between What Was and What's Next

-
Image
  Human beings differ from animals not only in physical and mental characteristics but also in our constant struggle to truly live in the present moment. We frequently dwell on the past or obsess over the future, finding it incredibly difficult to remain grounded in the "now." Consequently, we take so much for granted: the fleeting joys shared with loved ones, the quiet beauty in our daily surroundings, or the unbridled excitement of our pets anticipating a simple walk in the park. I often observe dogs, in particular. They don't fret about their next meal or where they'll sleep tomorrow. They don't lament missed opportunities from yesterday, even if a sunny day was spent indoors. While planning for the future is essential for our existence, we humans frequently crumble in despair when things don't go as expected. Animals, however, possess a natural gift for dwelling entirely in the now, savoring life as it unfolds. Man Proposes Imagine meticulously planning a ...
Read more

Coffee, Beer, and a Death Row Wine

-
Image
It All Begins with a Drink Most people around the world start and end their day with a beverage. We are deeply bound to these rituals—when we skip them, everything feels off, our mood plummets, and the people around us ultimately pay the price. These routines become hardwired through daily repetition, building deeply ingrained neural patterns that the brain relies on. This is exactly why quitting is so incredibly difficult. It doesn't even have to be a serious addiction; for most people, giving up everyday staples like coffee or chocolate feels nearly impossible. Morning till 12 PM In reality, your day truly begins before the cup of coffee is even poured. It starts with the sensory ritual of prepping the machine or grinding the roasted beans, driven by a craving for that fresh morning aroma. That scent alone kick-starts your brain, paving the way for the supreme reward: the blissful first sip and the quiet mental sigh that follows—ahhh! Our mornings are filled with these routines c...
Read more

England in the Rearview: Hello, Central Europe!

-
Image
 Every year, countless individuals journey across the Atlantic from the Americas. They seek new life opportunities, whether it's a better education, a rich cultural exchange, exciting adventures, language acquisition, visits to fairytale-like destinations, or simply love. For those of us who have made the transatlantic move, we continue to return to the place we now regard as our second home. We are all susceptible to judgments and stereotypes, whether they stem from media exposure or a brief encounter with an unfamiliar culture. These biases often result from adopting mindsets that were never truly our own. The first time I ever encountered the name "Slovakia"—back then, still part of "Czechoslovakia"—was in a National Geographic magazine that I still hold dear. It happened purely by accident. At the time, I was a teenager obsessed with sharks, a wannabe marine biologist, and the cover naturally featured a massive shark. I discovered that particular issue tucke...
Read more

The Murder-Free Mix

-
Image
  Take my heart and set it free Carried forward by the waves Nowhere left to run, navigator's son Chasing rainbows all my days Where I go? I do not know I only know the place I've been Dreams they come and go, ever shall be so Nothing's real until you feel I have sailed to many lands Now I make my final journey On the bow I stand, west is where I go Through the night I plough Still my heart, calculate and pray As the compass swings, my will is strong I will not be led astray… You might be surprised to learn that the poignant lines above weren't penned by a contemporary English poet, but by Iron Maiden! Specifically, they're from their powerful song, "Ghost of the Navigator." Their songs, often bearing Steve Harris's distinctive creative touch, frequently contain genuine poetry. The world today often feels like an overwhelming din. Everywhere we look, listen, or go, there’s a relentless barrage—everyone scrambling for money, recognition, and personal ga...
Read more

Part Two: Beyond The Rut I

-
Image
 There comes a moment when life's struggles become so intense, you find yourself utterly defeated. Despite pouring effort into every area—striving for perfection, meticulously planning the future, relentlessly pursuing goals, staying current, educating yourself, and forging new connections—you find yourself feeling like a hamster on a wheel. You're stuck, sinking into the seabed, where every attempt to move is thwarted, and life remains static and unbearably heavy. Does that resonate? It's the honest truth: everyone has felt this way. No matter how hard you try to hide or deny it, life has chipped away at you, broken you into tiny pieces. During these low periods, existence can feel incredibly bleak, leaving you with two options: continue pressing forward or find an escape. Sometimes, the best choice is to escape, particularly when trapped in a stagnant, mediocre situation. For me, that meant leaving the school where I worked. The head of our department was entirely incompe...
Read more