What I Wore: Trench Coat (ASOS), Tank Top and Shoes (Old Navy), Shirt (Target), Pants (59th Street via Yesstyle.com; similar here)
A few years ago, I earned my certification to Teach English as a Foreign Language* in Prague in the Czech Republic. One of the things I loved about teaching English in other countries was that you got to know the people in a way you don't when simply visiting. One of the things I and other teachers noticed was that the Czech people (or at least those we taught) seemed BIG on nature. When asked where they most like to go, what they are doing this weekend or... oh, any number of things, it was not unusual for this sort of a response:
"We go into the Nature"
"I like the Green"
"We have a place, you know, out of city."
Just to be clear- we taught mostly beginner language learners, taking classes for leisure as opposed to getting ready for any testing. And if I was asked to say where I wanted to go that weekend and had to respond in Czech, I would not be nearly so articulate. I could maybe communicate that I would take the train, or I could say "Castle" very emphatically till my point was made that I was going to a castle. Anything else and- no dice. But I loved the way they said that- Into the Nature. Into the Green. It seemed like a whole concept made succinct. So-
This is me, going into nature, into the green.
True, just a ramble, nothing more (good since this is clearly not a Camping Gear outfit), but into nature nonetheless. Are there places near you that you can escape into nature, however briefly?
oh I love that look!
Reply DeleteThat's so cool you taught English in Prague - sounds like a wonderful experience. Nature is such a great escape, especially when you live in a big city like me. Luckily, there are a lot of nice, big parks nearby that I can escape to or I go spend a weekend at my parents' house near the ocean. Love your trench coat by the way. I've been wanting one for so long but haven't come across the perfect one yet.
Reply DeleteI looked forever for a trench coat I really liked. This one is pretty good, but is a lighter color- more peach than Khaki- than I'd anticipated. Good luck on your search!
DeleteWe go camping a few times very summer and each time it takes about a day to really disconnect from work/obligations/technology/"to dos" - and then you reconnect with nature and doing nothing. Not feeling like you have to be doing something every minute, except soaking it all in. I totally get it. :)
Reply DeleteOh, such a lovely description of camping :)
DeleteLove these pictures! Nature makes a beautiful backdrop! Alex
Reply Deletetobebeautifulingodseyes.blogspot.com
Oh look, your dog is photobombin! So cute, haha! ^^ And I love these pictures Kristian. Especially the last one ^^ I've been on a small road trip through the Czech Republic once with visits to Prague, Karlstein and Pilzn. There were sunflower fields EVERYWHERE. xo
Reply DeleteHaha- she is at that!
DeleteOh, you got to see a lot of the country!
That's so neat you got to teach in Prague! For how long were you there? Marc was supposed to teach in South Korea but then he met me and decided to stay haha (oops). And this is such a cute nature outfit- I especially like the trench. Whenever I go into nature with a dress on or anything stylish I always get glances from other hikers- it's not like I'm rock climbing here, haha!
Reply Deletexo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
I was not in Prague that long, all told. About 5-6 weeks, I think? I was there just to get the certificate; at the time I did not want a full time English teaching job, but something for the summers. I later taught one summer doing English Language camps in Italy and did look at several teaching abroad positions. I even accepted one in Kuwait, but then the Arab Spring happened literally the next day and I decided not to take the position. Ironically, the Arab Spring movements did not really reach Kuwait in the same way it did many other countries. The person who interviewed me had said (before any of the movement had started) she did not think the Kuwaiti would protest because they were all very well off thanks to every Kuwaiti getting an "oil allowance" from the government. I dunno if that is the real reason why though!
DeleteSeveral of my friends did end up teaching English in South Korea. One loved it; the other not so much. I think Mac made a good choice though :) and hey- blogging is a very mobile job. He still could go and you too ;)
This is so cool. When I went to London, My dad & I stayed with an older couple. One day the lady told me that the skirt I was wearing "looked very swish." People in other countries sure have a way of putting things, don't they?! I liked (and still do, sometimes) to use that expression "looking very swish" in America. Though I can't help but think "Stop trying to make fetch happen!!" (Mean girls, anyone?)
Reply DeleteI'm convinced that a red plaidish button-up is one of those fall staples that every girl needs in her wardrobe! Cute pictures Kristian!
perfectly priya
I like the phrase "very swish."
DeleteAn English man was also in the class and for some reason we all picked up a lot of his slang- mainly calling things "posh" and "massively ridiculous" lol.
I like that :) "Into the green" awesome way to put it! Love the plaid and camel coat together and it's always great to see outside photos!
Reply DeleteJessi
http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com
Beautiful coat!
Reply DeleteThat's incredibly cool that you taught English in Prague!! What a great place to spend some time and a great way to really get to know the people/place you're in. I love that saying too, it's lovely.
Reply DeleteHeck yes plaid season is upon us!!!
xJennaD
Yes, I liked Prague very much. I think it is a bit underrated as far as European travel goes, thanks to the long time it was behind the Iron Curtain but it is an amazing city!
DeleteYay for Plaid Season!
Perfect trench coat <3 Love that mixture of tan and plaid!
Reply Delete- Anna
www.melodicthriftychic.com
** ModCloth Glasses Giveaway on my blog! U.S. & Canada Only! **
I love your trench! That is so cool that you had the opportunity to teach English. I love traveling but have always wanted the opportunity to spend more time in a place and really get to know it. Prague has been on my list for awhile and never seems to make the cut on overseas trips. I really need to change that!
Reply DeleteI don't know if this would help in any future decision making, but the Czech Republic, while costing about the same to get to as any European city from America, is very affordable once you get there and an amazing history and is so pretty- both Prague and the countryside!
DeleteSuper cute trench and I'm really loving your shorter hair :)
Reply Deletexo
Ashley
Southern (California) Belle
So lovely! :) I'm really liking the shirt!
Reply DeleteOur new place is surrounded by lots of nature, which makes for lovely walks and escapes. Great pictures and really digging the trench.
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