Week 29 & 30 of 2024 (Year in Review)

It’s time to go on vacation!

I haven’t been on a vacation or holiday really since last summer in the USA so I am so looking forward to heading to Germany and Denmark for the next two weeks. Boy, would I benefit from a change of scenery, as nice as summer is in South Bohemia. It’s funny: when you tell a Czech, American or most anyone that you’re headed to Germany’s North Sea coast for your summer holiday, you’re met with shrugs or polite interest. When you tell a German that you’re headed there? Totally different – they are really excited for you! I think that’s how I know I may have possibly struck gold here. That and the reviews for our accommodation or completely in German. (or maybe an errant Dutch or Danish one) We had a great train travel warm-up on our trip to Karlovy Vary earlier this month so I think we’ll be really ready to go.

The past couple of weeks marked my return to working at summer camps! It’s funny because work at our English language immersion summer camp, the same one every year, has turned out to be the the longest-held job I’ve ever had! I started eleven years ago with two years of break when Mouse was newborn or small, and now I absolutely knew he was definitely ready to come with us. He often longingly looks (and hears) the children playing in the school yard of a nearby primary school and asks about it. He wants nothing more to just kick a ball around with other children. Nearly two weeks at summer (day) camp was all that and more for him! The children were so kind and interested, many wanting to talk to him or give him hugs or high-fives. He always had someone to play with, even though a lot of the indoor time was spent playing with trucks or at the play kitchen. A trip to the zoo was just the cherry on top.

I feel really lucky also to have a job where my child can come along. I was teaching just on a part-time basis this year to accommodate the unique daily routine of a toddler (and nap time) and it was so great for me to get back, meet the newest generation of campers and say goodbye to our oldest ones. It’s been a meaningful year not only for our child and us teachers but for the children at the camp.

Now? We’re ready for our train trek! Two adults, a toddler and a dachshund heading to the coast! Booking this trip was a small headache, admittedly. It’s hard enough finding accommodation offering cribs, let alone one that also allows dogs. Add on to that: In Germany. Oh also, we’re on a budget. But I think we found a way to make it work and I’ll tell you all about it when we return.

So far, travel all-stars are sticker books from Flying Tiger, our trusted Mushie-brand silicone snack cup (it’s more than worth it) and naps in the pram on the train – a light blanket is good to bring in case of strong air conditioning. Wish us Gute Reise and I hope you are all enjoying your summer too.