Homeward bound

Time's up! Unbelievable! I'll be making my way to Bratislava in a few hours. My flight leaves from there early tomorrow.

What a year! I am entirely satisfied with my experiences. I want to thank you again for your constant support. Every time you emailed, called, sent a letter, or prayed, you made my heart a little lighter. And nothing says "I love you" like an overseas visit! Twelve Americans visited central Slovakia this year. Twelve! I've been all smiles for the past few days. I have such a wonderful life to come home to. I can't wait.

Dovidenia!

"For travel to be delightful, one must have a good place to leave and return to."
Frederick B. Wilcox

Amen, Fred!

Countdown to contentment

It's been a good day already. I had my last lesson at Euromotor this morning, and I beat two car dealers at a game of Bull $#!%. They were natural liars, so I consider it a monumental victory.

In only three days, I'll be back where I belong! Most of my classes have finished, so I've had plenty of time to reflect on my time in Europe. What a year! I know that I'm ready to come home because I can laugh about the things that made me cry. I'm grateful that I had more opportunities to smile than pout.

I made a video of some of my favorite things. Of course, it's the people that made the trip worthwhile... that video is coming soon! The beauty in these pictures can't compare to what waits for me in the United States... hugs from my mom, seeing my smile reflected in Meg's, the tiny voices of my nieces and nephews, a proud look from my dad, Sarah's immense energy, and that look on Jen's face just before she laughs. I'm the luckiest girl on the planet.

Venetian escape

I met Aaron in Venice this weekend. It was the perfect place to spend my last weekend in Europe. Around every corner, a quaint bridge leaped over a canal. Shutters and flowers were smeared on every wall. It has to be the most beautiful city in the world. St. Mark's square was crowded with happy people and happier pigeons. We saw the Bridge of Sighs, the Rialto Bridge, Murano glass-makers, and the church of Santa Maria della Salute. We enjoyed scorching Italian sunshine and delicious Italian food. It was an unforgettable weekend that I will replay often in my mind.

I'll be home in four short days!

My funny friend

This summer, Simona will live in France to be a nanny for a very lucky little girl and to master another language! I had to say goodbye to my favorite Slovak on Thursday. Simona shared everything with me. We shared adventures and meals. We shared families and holidays. We shared laughter and tears. I will always be grateful to Simona for making me feel at home. Slovakia has definitely lost some of its luster since she left.

Tim, my new friend from London, came to visit this weekend. We spent Friday and Saturday in Bratislava. He enjoyed the traditional foods and the Slovak pubs. A group of us returned to the lake in Bratislava and enjoyed a floating picnic on a paddle boat. Yesterday, I showed Tim around my town. He came to Slovakia expecting to see gray everywhere; he was pleasantly surprised by the colorful Old Town in Bratislava and the SNP square in Banská Bystrica.

Heaven and hell

Last weekend, Aaron and I visited the castle in Čachtice. It's where Countess Elizabeth Báthory became the most successful serial killer in history. She murdered more than 600 young women. The (false) legend is that she bathed in the blood of virgins to remain looking young. I think the truth is brutal enough. She's in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most victims. The castle is in ruins... the best castles are. Wild flowers disguise the once bloody walls. It was so lovely that I accidentally forgot the horror in its history.

The next day, we trekked through Slovensky Raj (Slovak Paradise). The name is quite accurate. The trails include giant ladders and chains attached to the steep rocks to help you ascend next to waterfalls. It was a giant playground in nature... the most beautiful place I've seen in Slovakia. I was nervous and shaking on the ladders, but adrenaline carried me up.

Happy camper

I spent Thursday night with Simona and her mom in their family cottage. We took a bus for about an hour and walked 40 minutes farther to reach it. I was expecting a large tent made of bricks... I was amazed by the reality. It was a beautiful home, lacking only electricity and running water. Simona's grandfather spent ten years building it in his spare time. We played cards and relaxed in the sun. And, of course, we feasted. I slept like a rock. On the way home, we stopped at a koliba to have Kofola. It's a Slovak cola that tastes perfect on a hot day.

Today, there was a halušky competition in Turecká, a neighboring village. Teams of four made and ate huge quantities of bryndzové halušky as quickly as possible. It was hilarious. Simona and I cheered for this team.

Bryndzové halušky is the national dish of Slovakia. It consists of potato dumplings, sheep's cheese, and bacon.

Street of dreams

Thanks to Mom, Dad, Jen, Greg, Sarah, Jesse, Meg, Brent, and Jill, I am bringing a piece of Banská Bystrica home with me. They gave me a painting! When I am in Denver, I will look at it and remember my favorite part of my favorite Slovak town. I will imagine walking to the stand at the end of the road to buy dried strawberries or papaya. I will remember the sound of the clock tower, ringing seven minutes before the hour. I will think of the accordion player who set my steps to music during every season. I will remember the smiling people who climbed the little hill with ice cream cones and fancy strollers. Dolna Street is beyond charming and I am beyond grateful. My children (and yours) will grow very tired of hearing me talk about the town in the picture. Thank you.