The Scenic Route

I’m horrible at asking questions. Absolutely terrible. Upon some self-reflection, I have come to realize that the reason I’m terrible at asking questions is because I would rather not know the answer. I would rather jump into any given thing and figure out as I go rather than over-think the situation by knowing details. 

I’m well aware this makes no sense. It also doesn’t apply to Czech field trips. 

Once I had seen the map and fully understood the situation I was in — oh, and once the initial Angry Face started to fade, I realized it had in fact become a gorgeous Czech day. It was warm — unlike Potsdam. It was sunny — unlike Potsdam. It wasn’t raining — unlike Potsdam. And finally — the death field of kopřiva was far, far behind us. 

We found a grassy patch for lunch, relaxing in the shade. I enjoyed the other Americans’ horror at having to duck into the woods to use the bathroom. We strolled through the fields, leisurely working our way back down to Křížový vrch. 

It was along this path that Bethany started creating flower wreaths. It was along this path that I learned: in order to make a flower wreath, you should start by weaving the thick grain stalks together and then weave the thinner flower stalks into those. Who. Knew?!

We arrive at the bottom of Křížový vrch where we have two options: stay at the bottom of the hill and relax, or climb to the top of the hill where there is a church. 

Well you had better believe that after walking KILOMETERS out of my way, I am going to be climbing to the top of the hill that was the secondary point of this field trip. 

Grateful it wasn’t that high of a mountain. Or made of stairs like Chinese mountains with tourist attractions atop them. 

We stroll back up the original green path that we missed leaving Chotěšov, walking along fields of sunflowers and stopping for popsicles before heading to the train station. Back at where we started the day, it’s no longer threatening to rain and for the first time in a year, I’m actually concerned about getting sunburned. Mmmm. Warmth. 

If only a) we hadn’t gone through that stupid kopřiva field, or b) I had been sherpa-ed through that stupid kopřiva field, it really would have been the perfect day. But the stings along my shins and ankles will one day subside and the heels of my Toms will be good as newly repaired with yet another round of rubber air mattress patches. Really must learn to not bring my Toms to the Czech Republic. I don’t think Blake Mycoskie understood the Czech field trip when he created them.