Prague

I’m curious to know about other travelers first experience in Prague. To be completely honest, I’m not entirely sure I’d go back. All the sites were absolutely beautiful. And there were moments where I was truly in awe of its rich history. I can understand why so many people love exploring the city. I guess maybe I didn’t spend enough time there to fully realize it’s charm?

To be fair, we were there less than 24 hours. And two things happened that left a sour taste in my mouth. We were fined on the metro system without a good explanation, and my Fitbit was lost or stolen. Either way, it wasn’t fun. I think I was more upset that all my steps weren’t accounted for because we did a TON of walking. But enough ranting, let me tell you about the parts I did like.

We took an evening train from Berlin and arrived around 10-ish, enough time to check in to our hotel and grab a beer. I haven’t explored why, but beer is really cheap in Prague. Also, shout out to the train systems in Europe. As Sheldon Cooper would say, “Ooh, I love trains!”

The next morning we wandered a few hours taking in the city. Because we were there such a short time, we booked a tour through Discover Prague Tours. We were given so much information by our guide, and by the end I could have done with a little less. However, the tour had a ton of value for its low price and was definitely worth it. Highlights included exploring the monasteries, a brewery stop, stunning views of the Castle District and St. Vitus Cathedral.

We finished at the castle gate facing the city, and had enough time to grab a snack and catch the train home. So maybe I didn’t give Prague its do justice, or maybe it just wasn’t for me. I’m glad I visited there, and who knows, if enough time fades I might give it a second chance.

Whirlwind summer

So much has happened these last few months, I’m not even sure where to begin. I’m currently writing from our flat in London. That’s right folks, I’m officially an expat, officially married and officially loving this crazy, new life. Let’s go back to May, and you’ll see why this summer was an absolute whirlwind.

• May 16 – Sebastian moves to London to start his new job at an airline in the UK. It’s such an exciting opportunity, and I’m so proud of my husband for landing this gig.
• May 28 – I travel to Colorado Springs with my whole family to celebrate my brother’s graduation from the United States Air Force Academy. It was an awesome week, and we are incredibly proud of my little brother.
• June 10 – I left my job at Smucker’s in order to join Sebastian in London. It was bittersweet to leave, but I’m looking forward to finding work here – let me know if you hear of anything, friends!
• June 13 – I pack my life onto a pallet (10 boxes, if you’re curious) and moved out of my apartment in Wadsworth. I should probably do a post on the whole international moving experience.
• June 18 – I unofficially move to London to settle in before all the wedding madness.
• July 9 – I meet my sister in Berlin to kick off the Germany wedding week.
• July 11 – Travel to Prague for a quick overnight trip with my parents, Grandma and sister. I’ll update with a blog post soon.
• July 15 – Sebastian and I are legally married at a Standesamt in Berlin, a requirement of all couples who are married in Germany.
• July 16 – We’re married! It was an absolute perfect day, and I promise to share more from all our weddings soon.
• July 17 – Sebastian heads back to London, and I kick off a familymoon with my parents, Grandma, sister, brother and his girlfriend. We traveled to Salzburg and Munich. Posts coming soon!
• July 24 – Sebastian and I fly to Detroit. The next day he flew to LA for work, and I drove back to Ohio to finish wedding plans and begin my UK visa application.
• August 10 – All the visa paperwork, including my biometrics appointment data, are submitted for processing.
• August 16 – We’re married (again)! This time we celebrated with family and friends in Ohio, and again, it was an absolutely perfect day.
• August 18 – My visa is approved and arrives… but with the wrong dates, so I send it back.
• August 25 – My visa is approved and arrives with the correct dates… but I’m not allowed to enter the country until September 10. I should probably also post about the visa application experience.
• August 26-September 9 – I patiently wait until I can see my husband again. The days are filled with lunch dates, dinner plans, trips to county fairs, bonfires, and enjoying the extra time with family and friends.
• September 10 – I land at Heathrow Airport with two suitcases and a heart full of pure joy. My visa is stamped, and I excitedly join my husband in our new country.

As you can see, it’s been a little insane around here. But I’m starting to settle in, look for jobs and explore with Sebastian. I can’t wait to share this adventure.

Epic news

Prior to this little post, I haven’t thought about blogging for months. Oops. Between wedding planning, life planning and trying to getting rockin’ arms at the gym, blogging dropped pretty low on the priority list.

But I’m back, and I have some seriously exciting news to share. Drumroll please… WE’RE MOVING TO LONDON!!!

Wait, you’re moving? Yes, Sebastian accepted a new job, and we’ll be starting our life together in the UK. Woah! When? I officially move in June, eek! Aren’t you also planning two weddings this summer? We sure are! Our Germany wedding is in July and our Ohio wedding is in August. Are you freaking out? Only a little.

Some days all the moving plans, wedding plans and life in general can feel overwhelming, but most of the time I’m just super excited to start this new adventure with Sebastian. And how brilliant will it be to live in London?! I can’t wait to explore my future home and kick off this next stage of our life.

And with that, all I can say is… cheers! Look, I’m sounding British already.

image via

What I’ve been doing other than blogging

Oh, hey there friends! It’s been a long time. I don’t have any excuses other than life got in the way. If you follow me on Instagram (@MJSpletzer), you might have noticed my biggest news: I’m engaged! Sebastian popped the question exactly one month ago today, and we’re as happy as clams.

So what else have I been up to these past four months? In August, my parents treated me to a US Women’s soccer game for my birthday, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Then at the end of the month, I traveled to Massachusetts to celebrate my cousin Alli’s wedding. We had a blast, and I died laughing when the shuttle to the reception turned out to be a school bus.

In September, I jetted off to Colorado for the US Air Force Academy family weekend. We spent four glorious days laughing, eating and just being together. I also traveled to Westfield, NY, for a little hiking and relaxation.

In October, the BF (now fiancé) was in town with his friend Maik. We took him to my beloved West Side Market and a freezing, cold Indians game. Later in the month, Sebastian and I spent a week of vacation hiking in Hocking Hills and then exploring and eating our way through Boston. We loved the city so much we’re heading back there for NYE.

November found me in Germany where I was asked the most important question of my life (I said yes!). We spent the week visiting Christmas markets, preparing a Thanksgiving feast and enjoying being engaged.

And now it’s the end of December – hard to believe another year is almost over. I want to slow down time and soak in all the little moments these next few days: snuggling on the couch with my siblings, being in the kitchen with my Mom and cracking jokes with my Dad. There is nothing better than the holidays and being together with my family.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a fantastic start to the New Year! 2016 is sure to be another wild ride. Cheers! xoxo

On a beach down in Mexico

After four years of blogging, one thing I’ve learned is how quickly time gets away from you. I’m so behind in posts that I wonder if it’s worth continuing, but then I remember how awesome it is to look back and see all my memories in one place. So today I’m sharing photos from our Mexico vacation earlier this year.

After months of research we settled on an all-inclusive resort, The Finest at Playa Mujeres. We were a little nervous because the resort was brand new, and who knew if all the kinks would be worked out by our trip. But we quickly learned there was nothing to worry about. The hours spent on TripAdvisor reading reviews were for nothing. The place was fantastic.

From the modern, luxurious rooms to the beautiful grounds, it was the perfect setting for a relaxing vacation.

Some favorite memories:

-Mojitos and tequila shots with our amazing bartender Ivan.

-Meeting new friends – Kevin and Erin from New York and Trent and Melissa from Canada.

-Pool trivia every afternoon at 3pm.

-Kayaking in the clear blue waters.

-Watching the sunrise with my love.

Sebastian and I often take active vacations where we’re exploring new cities together, but it was beyond nice to just sit by a pool without a care in the world.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort, we highly recommend The Finest Playa Mujeres. We’re already talking about a return trip next year, it’s that good.

Travel plans

Happy Friday! How was everyone’s first week of spring? It’s still a bit cold here, but the snow has melted and it has certainly lifted my spirits. Today I have travel on the brain, and I’m looking forward all the trips I have planned.

There’s nothing better than counting down the days to my next trip. Here’s where I’m heading this year if you’re interested…

I’m taking my annual trip to visit my best friend Lindsay in Chapel Thrill. I leave a week from today! We’re planning a full weekend, and I see hiking, trampolining, camp songs and so much laughter in my future.

This is the trip I’ve been dreaming about for months. Sebastian and I will be spending five glorious days at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico.

Beach. Mojitos. Sunshine. I’ll say no more.

During a random conversation, a group of us decided to go to the Kentucky Derby this year. I’m so excited for this weekend! Picture this: giant hats, mint juleps and a spectacular race. What’s not to love?

Is there anything better than a girls’ weekend? How about a girls’ weekend in NYC?! I’m going with some girlfriends who have never been before over Memorial Day weekend, and their excitement for the trip is contagious.

Don’t underestimate what’s in your own backyard! I plan to use some of my holiday time around the fourth of July to spend a day at Cedar Point. I love that we have amazing roller coasters so close to home.

My cousin Alli is getting married near Boston, and I wouldn’t miss the wedding (or an opportunity to visit the city again). I’m looking forward to celebrating the happy couple and eating lots of seafood. If everything works out, Sebastian and I will stay a few extra days to check out Cape Cod, too.

I wasn’t going to make the trek to Colorado this year, but I didn’t want to miss an opportunity for my family to be together. With both my siblings living out West these moments are rare. It should be a fun Labor Day weekend with my favorite people.

I try to go to Europe at least once a year. It’s only fair since Sebastian comes here so often. We’ve talked about traveling to Scotland since neither of us have been, but lately I have Italy on the brain. Part of me wants to spend time in Rome again. I have daydreams of a late fall trip filled with great wine, amazing food and a beautiful city.

Add in all the work trips I have this summer, a few Ohio wedding weekends, plus somewhere for NYE and I think I’m set for the year.

What are your travel plans?

Café am Neuen See

Guten Tag! Hope you had a lovely Christmas! As you’re reading this, I’m currently making my way to Germany for a week of exploring, restaurant hopping and relaxation. If all goes as planned I’ll be on the ground Saturday morning, giving the BF a big hug.

Today I wanted to share my favorite spot in Berlin, Café am Neuen See.

Café am Neuen See is a restaurant and biergarten located within the Tiergarten Park. I love the biergarten, especially on a warm day. You can sit by the lake, enjoy a beer and some pizza, and take comfort in the shade.

I’ve actually never eaten at the restaurant, but we made reservations there for New Year’s Eve or Silvester. There’s an awesome menu planned with champagne and fireworks. I have a hunch I’m going to like it.

Café am Neuen See
Lichtensteinallee 2, 10787 Berlin
+49 030 2544930

Vacation rentals

Although we enjoy staying at hotels, Sebastian and I really like renting apartments on vacation. We love feeling like locals, plus rentals typically have more space and are less expensive.

If you’re new to the rental scene, some of the well-known sites are Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway. We prefer Airbnb and have stayed at some pretty awesome places.

This duplex near Avignon, France, was so lovely. The owners, Emma and Herve, were beyond great, and we loved cooking meals at night and relaxing in the garden.

The apartment we stayed at in Rome was perfect – just a few blocks from the Vatican and not far from a Metro stop. Our host, Cory, was so sweet. He even provided us with a map of the city with restaurant suggestions.

Airbnb has some awesome roundups if you’re looking for a truly unique vacation. Here are some of the places I’d love to stay:

Treehouse in Hawaii

Converted train caboose in Malibu, CA

Houseboat in Amsterdam

Clock tower suite in London

If you could stay anywhere, where would you choose?

P.S. All photos are from Airbnb, except the one with Sebastian.

Fleesensee

Just an hour north of Berlin is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sebastian and I spent a night there near Fleesensee, one of the lakes in the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte district. Don’t you just love German words?

We stayed at the Radisson Blu Resort – also known as Schloss Fleesenesee. Schloss means castle in German, and the Radisson is literally a nineteenth-century castle converted into a hotel. I thought it was super cool and kept trying to envision what each room used to be.

Unfortunately when we visited, the weather wasn’t cooperating and it was quite cold for May. We wanted to spend more time walking the grounds, and visiting a national park nearby. But we opted for an afternoon of lounging by the indoor pool instead. I know, spare me.

We finished the evening with cocktails in one of the old parlors and a fantastic dinner in what probably used to be the grand ballroom. I would go back every single day to eat their tomato soup again, so unbelievably good.

The following morning we tried to spend some time outside, walking around the lake and exploring. It was still pretty cold so we’ll definitely need to go back when it’s warmer. There are tons of little cottages along the lake, and I bet a week there in the summer would be awesome.

All in all, it was my kind of stay, one where I had plenty of time to read and relax. It’s always nice to get away, especially when you spend the night in a castle.

Radisson Blu Resort Schloss Fleesensee
Schloßstrasse 1
Fleesensee DE-17213
Phone: +49 39932 80100

Biking in Berlin

Every time I visit Europe, I always get this urge to ride a bike. We don’t have many cities in the states where biking is convenient, but over there it feels more accessible. So on my latest trip to Germany, I talked Sebastian into renting bikes one morning.

It couldn’t have been a more perfect day to ride around Berlin. The sun was shining, there was a cool breeze and the tourists were scarce. We started with a ride through Tiergarten park and then made our way through the city. It was such a fun way to check out the sites and explore different areas. Eventually we started making our way to Tempelhofer Park.

I adore Tempelhof, and I don’t think I’m in the minority here. It is one of the coolest places in Berlin. What was once an airport has now become a public space for cycling, kite flying and picnics. We kicked off our shoes, lounged on the grass and spent the afternoon people-watching.

We stopped for coffee with Sebastian’s dear friend Maik on our way home and finished the trip with ice cream at a new shop that had just opened nearby. We chatted with the owners for a few minutes, and they found it hysterical that nussbaum is called walnut in English. Who knew walnut was such a funny word?

It was one of those spectacular days that you want to bottle up and keep forever. Can’t wait to go back and do it again. Have you ever biked around a city? What was your experience?