A Solitary Run

It can be hard getting alone time around here. With so many people around, and constant travel trips planned, escaping for some peace and quiet can be a challenge. Luckily, I love being around people however, every once in a while I need some “me time.” Somehow, there was a small window of time in which I could have the afternoon to myself, and so I snatched it and took advantage of it!

When I have alone time at home, I will often be out on a run. In the States, running is a normal everyday enjoyment. For me, running offers a safe getaway for reflecting, praying, or simple listening to some good tunes. It’s refreshing and I just love it! Here in Prague, it is a RARE occurrence to find someone out of a jog. I’m not sure why, but unless someone is running to catch a tram, no one runs. Walk? yes. Run? No. I have been doing my fair share of walking, but today I needed to RUN!

To prepare for my run, I put on the most “American” outfit I could find. My outfit included running shorts, a Colorado hoodie, and bright white tennis shoes with neon laces. I turned my iPod on and hit the streets running. I cannot tell you how many odd looks I received while running. Looks that screamed, “What the heck are you wearing?” and, “Why are you running? No one is chasing you.” I didn’t care though. I didn’t care because this was MY afternoon, and I was being 100% me! I was no longer trying to blend in which the crowd, or look like a natural. I didn’t have to satisfy the wants and needs of multiple group members. For a couple of hours, I could be completely selfish and do what I wanted!

As I ran, I was reminded over and over of home. Running is something that is so normal at home, yet so foreign here. I cling to the little moments like this that remind me of home,  because it is moments like this that remind me of who I am and where I come from. I am an American that loves to run, and no European city can ever strip me of this. As I was pondering all of this, I started to make a short list of the differences between home life and life abroad. So here is a little list of some differences, quirks, and interesting facts about Prague…

• Plastic grocery bags cost money, so I always bring a book bag to go shopping.

• In restaurants, putting a coaster out on the table is a definite sign that you want beer. They won’t even ask you about it.

• Beer and soda is often much cheaper than water.

• In many restaurants, it costs extra to use the ketchup.

• Finger counting starts with the thumb.

• Smoking is allowed in most buildings. Though I originally choked in a room full of smoke, I now don’t even notice it.

• About 18.5 Korunas equal one dollar.

• Oreos in Prague are not “America’s Favorite Cookie” but instead are “Chocolate Flavoured Sandwich Biscuits.” Hmmm…

• There are 14 million people in NC, 10 million in The Czech Republic, and of that 10 million 7 million live in Prague.

• Most of the water bottles here come in 1.5 liter containers. The “normal” size bottles are starting to look silly small!

• Apparently you cannot use a 220 volt hair dryer here. Somehow I missed out on this memo, and stared in horror as my hair dryer became a ball of fire shortly after turning it on!

I will continue to add to this list as I think about more of the many differences between here and home! Maybe they will come to me on my next run!

To completely change the subject, I am officially on Spring Break!! Early tomorrow morning marks the beginning of a crazy week of traveling! Kimberly and I will be going to VENICE, PARIS, and will then meet up with several friends in BARCELONA! Let the good times continue!!