They say that the countryside of the Czech Republic is beautiful to drive through. I wouldn’t know. I fell asleep within five minutes of getting on the bus. We arrived at CEZ, and they told us about their plans for sustainable energy and carbon neutrality by 2030. I found it ironic, though, that they only talked about coal and only showed us the coal plant. My suspicion was confirmed when they said that Germany is in control of their establishment and places these expectations on them. I was more interested in their methods for reclaiming land after it is mined by planting trees, renting it for agriculture, or filling it with water.

We were told that pyrite, Fool’s Gold, was hidden among the coal we were walking on in the mine. Everyone started looking around and found little nuggets. I found a pretty big one. I’m excited to bring it home and give it to my geologist friend Grace, who loves rocks. I don’t like souvenir shopping–it’s easy to stumble on the perfect little treasures when you’re on a grand adventure.

When we got back, I went to the garden restaurant at the St. Agnes Monastery for dinner on my own. I’ve always dreamed of this happening, but never thought it would be in another country: the waiter remembered my order. I walked in, sat down, and he asked, “Glass of Malbec?” I think I peaked in that moment. I thought that all European countries would turn their nose up a bit at tourists. Czechs are known to be reserved. I felt special.

We just got back from a black light show. The actors and props were glowing as people and the back moved the props to make them appear animated and alive. My favorite part was when tiny pairs of pants danced on a clothesline. I actually cried because of how sweet and charming it was. I thought about all the thought that was out into it: how the objects were given personalities, how the choreography went perfectly with the simplistic music, how they interacted with the audience. I was moved. It was my golden nugget from the trip so far.