Tales and Trails

  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 ...

 This post recounts an epic 4,000-kilometer road trip from Prague to Corfu undertaken by me, the author and my two rescue dogs, Angie and Paula, in May 2025. The journey's purpose was to return to Corfu and volunteer at Marketa's dog shelter , a place dear to my heart. The narrative details the extensive planning involved, including documents, routes through six countries (two non-EU), and ferry travel. It describes various stops, from the serene Lake Balaton in Hungary to the bustling city of Belgrade, and the challenging yet scenic drive through North Macedonia. The highlight is the arrival in Greece, the ferry to Corfu, and the fulfilling daily routine of volunteering and exploring the island with my dogs. The return trip becomes an unexpected adventure when we transport a third dog, Elli, back to Czechia, turning a planned three-day journey into a non-stop 1,500 km drive filled with "vomit saga" challenges but ultimately successful. The post concludes ...

This blog post is a touching personal narrative about a lifelong love for animals. After losing my two beloved dogs, Bony and Mia, I volunteered at an animal shelter in Corfu, Greece. Initially intending only to help, but I "accidentally" adopted two new dogs, Angie and Paula, bringing them back home with me. The story details my emotional journey, the challenges and joys of volunteering, the rescue process, and the beginning of my new life with my canine companions, highlighting the importance of animal adoption.  I think I was born with a "Must Pet All Dogs" gene. As a child, I spent my summers at my grandparents’ house in the countryside, surrounded by rabbits, cats, and farm animals. While other kids were playing tag, I was probably trying to befriend a chicken. I’m not sure if the countryside shaped me or if I was just born this way, but animals have always been my safe space. They are pure, innocent souls, and frankly, they’re often better company than hum...