You guys, we have a problem. Almost every time we leave a place, practically as soon as we’re out of the city limits, we sigh and exclaim that we must return someday and find a way to live as locals for a while. At this point, we’re starting to rack up quite a long list of potential future homes. Sometimes, it’s because we didn’t get to see everything there is to see. Sometimes, it’s because we didn’t get to eat all the…
A visit to Auschwitz, Part 2: Behind the barbed wire fence
While in Poland, I did a bit of unusual reading. Meeting D’s Polish side of the family inspired me to learn more about his family history, and we dug up an memoir written by his grandfather (only a few years ago). In it, he documented the war years while fighting in Warsaw Rising (against the German occupation) and then his experience as a prisoner of war in the German camp (though it wasn’t a death camp). What struck me the…
A visit to Auschwitz, Part 1: An introduction
Things are about to get a little somber here on Slightly Astray. Originally, I wasn’t sure how I was going to write about Auschwitz or if I was going to at all. But I believe Auschwitz needs proper coverage here so that the world forever knows and remembers this crime against humanity. On the way to Auschwitz, we drive past tranquil green pastures spotted with cute red farmhouses, and acres of lush forest. The scenery outside is peaceful. However, the mood…
On wealth: a week in a mansion
I am aware and fully appreciative of the fact that we have set off on this journey with more room in our budget than the typical backpacker. This means we can stay in nicer apartment rentals instead of shared hostels. We don’t need to constantly cook at home (getting groceries is a lot of work!) and miss out on local eats. And we can splurge on fancy cups of drinking chocolate (my current weakness). But still, no matter how roomy…
Travel Reflections: 7 lessons for my younger self
One year ago, I was in the most depressive funk of my life. Those who have been reading this blog will know that travel was never my dream, but rather D’s. A little over a year ago, about 6 months into our dating career, he said “let’s sell all our stuff and see the world!”…. Or something like that. And….. my life fell apart. (Okay, being dramatic, but it felt like that at the time.) I stopped talking to my family…
[Wroclaw] Pierogarnia: a love story
The minute we arrived in Wroclaw, we checked in with our host, dropped our luggage on the floor, turned to each other and said “It’s time for some pierogis!” We excitedly jaunted across Market Square, to the restaurant that we had seen earlier as we walked into town: Pierogarnia. We (correctly) guessed that it’s a restaurant entirely devoted to pierogis! “Isn’t it weird that we can fly across the world and still eat similar food as back home?” D observed. And that’s precisely why…
Of pastel buildings and pierogies: 4 Days in Wroclaw
I believe there will always come a time during the course of long-term travel when new sights start to lose their sparkle, when you want to stop playing tourist, when you don’t give a crap about seeing another cathedral. When that time (inevitably) comes, it is perfectly acceptable to just watch the world go by from your apartment, read books (or blogs), and eat at the same restaurant everyday, twice a day. And yet you will still have the most lovely…
How not to get fat while traveling
It was in a Berlin H&M when I realized that the only dress that fit me was a whole 2 sizes larger than what I usually wore. It was in Prague when I took one look in the full length mirror (though it was totally a fat mirror) and swore off food for the rest of the trip. When did I become so unhealthy?? Before I set off on my journey, I honestly never thought staying healthy would be a problem….
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