The Joys of Change

Whenever it comes time to leaving for New York, I sink into a state of “depression” that is so embarrassing, juvenile, and dumb. But I can’t help it. I am just not in love with New York. Sometimes I’ll let it be known to the people around me, but only when I have the energy and am willing to deal with the subsequent “Oh my god, are you, like, kidding? How can you, like, not love New York?”

It’s quite possible, actually. Sorry, I just don’t happen to see New York as the pinnacle of my dreams. I often feel alienated, as my lack of enthusiasm puts me in a minority. But I’m the type of person to stick it out with the choices I have made and am lucky enough to have awesome friends (yes, I just complimented you guys, get over it) who are (or so I think) willing to listen to my bitching sessions, which I always try to make entertaining by injecting my rage with some humor.

This time around, I was able to stave years off of the impending deafness of my friends. Instead of infecting the air with gloom and doom, I was come over by a bout of uncharacteristic excitement. A smile was a permanent fixture on my face, which was a bit disconcerting to the people who know me best. It was different this time, because I wanted to go to Prague. It promised something new, something fresh, something different. I couldn’t wait.

And so my midnight flight finally arrived. I happen to love travelling alone, and was quick to put my “bitch face” on as I boarded the Shanghai-Frankfurt flight. I wasn’t looking to make small talk with anybody, not that I usually do, and wanted to get a few hours of sleep in so that I wouldn’t be overcome with fatigue on my first day in Prague. I didn’t even let my hatred of the maze that is the Frankfurt airport, the site of too many hours wasted while waiting for connecting flights, get in the way.

Before I knew it, I was in my room at Slezka, my home for the next few months to come. I took a much-needed shower and unpacked, staking out my area of the room. After everything was put away and I felt somewhat settled, I looked out my window at the picturesque sight that lay before me. I was finally in Prague.