I so hate packing...

So, despite the fact that I am still itching to get on the plane, I'm now starting to face down the ugly task of packing for this ding dang idiot trip. Honestly, what's the point of all this crap I have to take? I know I'm going to forget something absolutely critical, like a plug for my computer or the charger for my ipod.

I think I'm getting hyperactive about the packing because I'm secretly hyperactive about going to such a fancy theatre conference. I mean, these are the big boys. Not the people who want to be the big wigs of theater. These are the real thing. I mean, one of the guys I'm taking a workshop from is someone who quite literally wrote the book (Jean Guy Lecat...I'm so not worthy) on how to design for theatre. What the devil am I doing in a place like that? I just teach in a little high school that didn't even have the good sense to build a second catwalk (why on earth would you spend money on something like that?). I have no business being there. I just want to be there so badly, you know? I want to be one of those big boys, the ones that make great theater all the time.

The really insane thing that I've learned about life as I look back is that life always feels like an out of control rollercoaster that isn't going anywhere. Then, suddenly, you look back and realize that you've been to a thousand places, met a thousand people, and done a thousand fabulous things. Gosh, I hope that what Prague's going to be...a fabulous stop on the rollercoaster. One that will propel me to the next great place.

Meantime, have to find my European power converters...

Gettin' Started

Crazy. There were a few days when I thought I wasn't going to make it to Prague. I mean, who wants to haul around a new city limping along like a dog that needs to be put down? Fortunately, dancing around my basement to Popular has not completely destroyed my theatre future. My ankle is feeling better every day.

So...the travel agents in Prague aren't the best. They were pushing the Hotel Splendid on me, and from the reviews on the net, it appears that it's really just a flea-bitten, rundown shack. Broken beds, smells eminating from every corner, really tiny toilets (I'm not making that up...several reviews mentioned it). They do serve goulash and curry for breakfast, though. I'll miss trying that. How often do you get a chance to have curry for breakfast?

Anyway, ended up at the Tulip Hotel. WiFi, good location, decent price. Apparently, gypsy bands live down the street. Undesirables, I'm sure, but doesn't it sound deliciously exciting? Gypsies!

The stupid thing about travel is the anticipation. I just want to go. I don't want to wait. Maybe heading to Barnes and Noble for a book on learning Czech might help.,,