THE BIG 3-OH

So, I turned thirty. I am sure if it was supposed to be a momentous occasion where friends and family surround me, and there is some sort of celebration. Is it some sort of milestone? I really can’t answer that question. And no, I did not have some sort of huge celebration nor did friends or family surround me. To explain, I wrote these last few lines not to suggest a “pity party” for on my behalf nor anything even close to the like. I wrote them to explain just the opposite. Although, I did not take part in anything like what may be consider the traditional celebration of a “milestone” in ones life, if you would like to call it so, I was completely content and thankful for where I was. For all my loved ones please do not take my statement in the wrong way, of course, it would have been lovely to have had a party or some type of get together for my 30th, but reading an amazing book, working on my book, and falling asleep by 10 was absolutely a great birthday.
I have found in my time over here in the Czech Republic that I thoroughly enjoy my alone time; I must say I do not enjoy it more than the moments I spend with Andrea. However, the many moments of solitude when I have had time to think and work and read without distraction have been wonderful. I could not have asked for more out of this trip. Andrea, along with many others saw this opportunity of coming to Europe as a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a continent from a vantage point, which is not given to most. I saw this opportunity as not only that, but more important to me was the opportunity to come, work on my book, read classic authors, and spend time with Andrea without the distractions of modern day technology.
It is kind of funny I write that on my laptop, but it is oh so much more than that. I do not have a television in my apartment nor do I have the Internet. I would say my apartment is completely free of most modern day distractions. I look at this laptop, in most cases, as simply no more than a typewriter, I use it for very little else. Living in the conditions I am, in a small town, where ten at night closes every establishment and there are very few open even that late.
I guess the whole point of this rambling is to share how happy I am I have come to the Czech Republic. I have and will continue to be given the opportunity to see Europe, but what really brings me joy is the ability to live technology free for a time. I almost, I know I am not even close, feel like Emerson going off into the woods to find tranquility to write his masterpieces. I am no Emerson, but I am finding those peaceful moments where my mind is clear of all outside distractions and I can actually here my thoughts.
It is not at all like it was for me in the US where I could easily set down my writing or my book and turn on a television, turn on a video game, or simply get lost in anything easy, anything, which did not force me to think. I admit to the fact I am an easily distracted person and fall prey to simplest divergence of my attention, I forever thankful to all those through my entire 30 years who have made it possible for me to sit here the day after I turned 30 in a café where I do not understand a word of what anyone is saying, which allows me to focus with a strength I never thought possible.
I know my last two posts have not given you much details as to what me and Andrea have been up to lately, but really there is not too much to tell as far as the last two weeks have been concerned. We have been trying to take it easy and save our money the best we can because we have a trip planned for Budapest at the end of this month. I am sure I will have plenty of stories about our adventure when it happens, but in the meantime we have been most simply enjoying each others company, cooking dinners at home, Andrea makes an unbelievable soup, and been keeping busy with school. Thank you all for sending your Birthday wishes, they were much appreciated.