Tales and Trails

  There is something truly magical about returning to a place where you left a piece of your heart. Tuesday marked my first day back at the dog shelter in Corfu . The incredible Marketa was there with me on the first day because the dogs have changed since last year, so I needed new instructions about the dogs I didn't know yet. Day one at the shelter was a big refresh. It’s a bittersweet reality of shelter life: dogs leave when they get adopted and go to their forever homes, and new ones come in. Marketa has to make sure she matches them so they don’t have conflicts. I learned new names, new personalities, and their routines. All of them are super cute. It was super nice to see the ones I already knew, although it made me feel sad that these beautiful souls haven’t found their forever homes yet. I got back into the routine pretty quickly, and with another volunteer, I had time to take the dogs out for a walk. Sunsets, Waterfalls, and Exploring Corfu When we weren't at the shel...

  This year marks a very special milestone: my third year returning to the beautiful island of Corfu to volunteer at the Tlapky z Korfu dog shelter, lovingly run by Marketa.  Because there is absolutely no way I’m leaving my two rescue girls behind, we decided to hit the road again. Yes, driving from Central Europe all the way to Greece is a massive journey, but having my furry best friends by my side makes every mile worth it. Here is a look at our 2026 adventure across borders, complete with travel tips, stunning views, and a very heartwarming reunion. The Preparation: What You Need to Drive to Greece If you are planning a cross-country European road trip, preparation is key—especially when traveling with pets! Here is what we had to get ready before hitting the gas: Passports:  Since we crossed through two non-EU countries (Serbia and North Macedonia), I needed my passport, and just as importantly, the girls’ pet passports. Car Documents: A green card (insurance), dri...

  I find myself drawn back to Corfu every year, not for the typical tourist attractions, but for a deeply personal mission: to help at a local dog shelter . For two weeks, my days are a rhythm of caring for rescue dogs, followed by afternoons spent with my own furry companions. This isn't a "fly and flop" holiday; I live like a local, largely staying within the charming villages, venturing to the beach only because my dogs adore playing in the sand. And frankly, if I were a typical tourist seeking a postcard-perfect getaway, I'd likely leave profoundly disappointed, and it would probably be my one and only visit. My unique annual immersion gives me a different lens through which to view this beautiful Greek island. While its charms are undeniable, some significant challenges truly weigh on the experience. The Unfortunate Realities: Corfu's Cons What bothers me most, and what would certainly deter many tourists, is the pervasive mess. Trash litters the streets and ...

  There’s a special kind of magic in the Austrian Alps, and this Easter (April 2026), the mountains were calling. So, we packed our bags, loaded up my two girls (of the four-legged, furry variety), and set off for another trip to our beloved Austria. This time, our compass pointed straight to the breathtaking region of Schladming-Dachstein . The Great Friday Eve Migration (and a Heartwarming Arrival) We headed to Austria on Thursday right after work. In my blissful, pre-trip innocence, I thought, "It’ll only take four hours." Oh boy, was I wrong. Apparently, half of Europe had the exact same Easter escape plan. The traffic was a modern tragedy. My GPS, bless its digital heart, tried to be helpful by rerouting us to "faster" paths. In reality, this meant I spent hours crawling through tiny, picturesque villages at a snail’s pace. We finally rolled up to our apartment at 10 P.M. instead of 8 P.M., exhausted, with rain turning into unseasonal snow. But then, the trave...