In the last few months, things have been going exceedingly well, better than I ever anticipated.
Life here in Hluboka has improved so much that I decided to stay longer. It seems I will be staying until the beginning of December.
Life is not without tension and circumstances I really dislike, but overall, I have finally become accustomed to the way things are. I still think it's ridiculous how Fina can be the most disrespectful, hateful, rude six-year-old child ever, but now, she is starting to apologize for her behavior, which to me, regardless of how small, shows improvement. Small Zdenicka still can throw a hissy fit like no other, kicking, screaming, and the works, yet at the core she is so tender hearted. I have really grown to enjoy these little bundles of chaos.
The most interesting thing about working with kids is how quickly they change. I am still amazed to see how far Zdenicka has come with her English level in the past 8 months. Fina has also improved, and that is rewarding, even if I am not the only person to thank. I can see them changing for the better in many ways. Seemingly immaterial things but really things that make a world of difference, and I really feel like I have tried my hardest to be a good example even in moments where I want nothing more than to backhand them, and I think I am making a positive influence in who they are becoming.
The mother and father are still extremely thoughtful and sensitive to my needs, both in different ways, which collectively is perfect. They have also presented me with some great experiences and opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise. Furthermore, they were kind enough to give me a week off for my favorite people on Earth to come for a visit. I know them as Mom and Dad, but you might call them something more formal like Richard and Karen.
They arrived in Prague on a dreary Monday morning. I had elaborate plans of arriving before them getting checked-in to the apartment we were renting, having some delightful goodies to
welcome them, and other small preparations for our lovely week ahead.
This was the idea at least, but my bus was 28 minutes late, and then, I couldn't find the apartment through convoluted streets of Old Town Prague. Eventually, with some help, I reached the flat and after a grueling set of stairs, we were all reunited after 7,5 long months.
Amazingly though, once I saw their faces it was like we had never been apart. It was so fantastic seeing them and hugging them! I am so thankful for inventions like Skype because it has enabled me to stay in constant contact with them, and they really helps me keep from missing them too badly. Yet seeing their faces and be able to embrace them was so much better than just hearing their voices.
The next three days were spent catching up, enjoying one another's company whilst touring the lovely city of Prague. I think they were much more impressed with Prague than Budapest, and definitely found Czech food more savory. We saw many of the main sites including Old Town Square, Astronomical clock, Castle Complex including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, Muzeum, Charles' Bridge and the many stunning streets of Prague.
After the first three days, we boarded a bus and headed back to Hluboka to meet the family and my friends, and spend the last four days enjoying southern Bohemia. The girls were obnoxiously excited to meet them, and the girls really liked them both, but especially "Mister" Richard, which is no surprise considering he's just a big kid.
We had some amazing days relaxing, visiting Cesky Krumlov, Hluboka Castle, and spending time with a few friends in Ceske Budejovice. For me this visit was light-years better than the time in Budapest. I think because in Budapest it had only been 2,5 months and I was enjoying myself sooooo much there, and although I was thrilled to see them, I was a bit anxious (and selfish) about the experiences I was missing with my friends. And because of this I think at time I wasn't as patient or pleasant to be around, and I guess that shows what a jerk I can be. However, this trip was amazing, and the Grills even told me I could join my parents in Germany if I wanted.
I chose not to join them for several reasons, and so we parted after 7 brilliant days together, and nervously (like watching your kids go to their first sleepover or something), I watched them go alone to Salzburg and then on to Berchtesgaden. Once again, I have to say I have developed the utmost respect and gratitude for my parents. They are such amazing, quality people who I love and adore, and anyone who knows them would agree. I am so thankful that they came to visit, and what's more, that they feel good about this choice I made and where I am living. Regardless of age, it still feels good to have your parents' approval.
The few weeks after they left were not so eventful. It took a few days to fall back into the routine of daily life, but then life was back to normal. I have continued to enjoy utilizing the public transportation system and escaping into Budejovice in the evenings to enjoy the tea house with my friends, Indian food, or having a coffee on a side cafe of the main square.
It seemed I was in for a mundane ride to summer with nothing too invigorating to break-up the routine. BUT I WAS WRONG! As some of you may know, the spectacular competition of European football talent known as UEFA Euro Cup 2008 is being held this June in Austria-Switzerland. This is where the top 16 European qualifiers compete in a 3 week tournament and it happens every four years. This is something I have been looking forward to for the last two years!
So, imagine my surprise when I got a text message from Joseph asking if I want to go to Switzerland to see one of the game!? Uhhh YES YES YES! Initially, there was still some doubt whether we would actually get tickets inside the stadium, but I didn't care. Friday morning we drove the long 7 hours to Zurich and stayed in a posh hotel, where I got to enjoy my own private room. Saturday morning, the day of the game, it was still undetermined if I would be able to get a ticket.
To my great fortune, after many strings were pulled, I received a ticket to the Czech Republic-Switzerland game in Basel. Not only that but I was lucky enough to go with the VIP Continental group (German tire company a major Euro Cup sponsor). I wasn't even deterred by the fact I had to sit alone in the second class seats. It was an incredible experience! I had tears and goosebumps! To be with 37,000+ fans was breathtaking! I am the luckiest girl to have this experience! The actual game was dull and boring, and Czech squeaked by with a 1-0 victory, but the overall experience was unforgettable. As if that weren't enough, Josef and his brother snuck me into the VIP after party where I got to eat delicious food and pretend to be rich and important for an evening.
I am still smiling and immensely grateful for this amazing opportunity I got to experience! Until the next exciting thing, I will be chilling in Hluboka, and more specifically, for the next three weeks, every night I will be posed in front of the TV watching every game I can of the Euro cup!
I hope everyone is doing well back in the States! Love and miss you all, and I will try to write more frequently!
