little fallen leaves

Fallen leaves on the ground

Like hundreds of little stars.

shades of brown

Photos taken at St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague

*******

After work today I went to an event with my Czech co-worker and through her I met two guys from the Republic of the Congo (French Congo). I was very enhanted to meet them and I was happy that they were quite open to me and that we had some interesting conversations together about Africa. As the two Congolese guys spoke mainly French and Czech (and not much English), and my Czech friend spoke only Czech and English (no French), and and I spoke English and French (but no Czech), you can imagine the kind of multilingual conversations we had with each other!!

Wien!

A fun weekend in Vienna with Xue! 

Not too far from where I got off the bus, there was a giant ferris wheel!

Walking towards the centre. I was very amazed by all the massive historical monuments all around!

This is my friend Xue, who is currently living in Vienna!

A taste of Austrian beer with some Austrian people.

At Schonbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg family. 

Walking in one of the many lovely gardens...

I love just sitting outside with a friend, chat, eat, and watch people go by!

Interesting modern art on the streets.

Xue and a big fountain!

A treble clef and Mozart's statue in the back.

My dinner - turkey steak with veggies and rice! It was a delicious meal!!

At Kunsthistorisches Museum, where Xue is interning!

Inside the art museum... I feel tiny! 
(photo take by Xue)

Very happy that I got to see the original paintings of the Infanta Margarita Teresa of Spain.

A cool "aerial view" of the museum café.

A piece of the yummy Viennese chocolate cake, aka Sachertorte!

Enjoying the sunshine outside on this big purple plastic chair called "enzi".

****

For many reasons, this trip really reminded me of how rootless I have become over the past few years...

Where is "home"?  

It's been a while since I no longer know.

distortions

Found a new way on Photoshop to make "bubbly" photos without using my fisheye lens! 

****

I will be in Vienna for the weekend to visit the city and hang-out with my friend! Looking forward to it!!
Need to sleep now, pack in the morning, and catch my bus at noon time. =)

St. Vitus Cathedral

This is largest and most important church in Prague. It is situated within the Prague Castle complex, on a hill. Its construction began under the reign of King Charles IV in 1344, but it took a while before it was finally completed! Apparently the remains of some sovereigns, saints and archbishops are still interred here today. 

I really like its Gothic-style architecture!

pre-departure thoughts

I am leaving for Czech Republic tomorrow to do my summer internship in Prague! Unfortunately I didn't secure a place to live yet, so I will be staying in a hostel until I find my new home. This will be the first time in a long time that I live in a place where I do not speak the local language. It will be an interesting experience and I'm excited about it!

I love the prospect of living temporarily in a new city and having the opportunity to experience the local culture, or at least some aspect of it! I believe that things will fall into place like they always do and that I will have an enjoyable time like I always do!

I know I will feel lonely at times too, especially when a random thought/occurrence/thing reminds me of those I miss. Certain moments will make me wish they could be there, sharing the same present with me. Nostalgia will surge in me... I still feel like I left a chunk of my heart in Vancouver with someone...

But I am looking ahead, feeling generally quite optimistic. I am excited to discover/try new things (within limits, of course!), to meet other expats and the local Czechs, and to make some friends. I look forward to live, to learn, and to enjoy! It will be a good adventure!

Pictures taken at Monterey Bay, CA. 

magenta

So many little blooming magenta flowers at Monterey Bay, CA! They look like patches of carpets.

A late night spent listening to music, editing photos, and thinking. 

I am sleepless once again.

fire sparkles

Thursday night - how I amuse myself with a tripod, a camera and a sparkler.

Right outside my house.

SF via fisheye!

Good times with Yu and Su in San Francisco on New Year's Eve!

Location: Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Bridge