From Phuket to Prague

I have no idea where to start this post. Time came to (TEMPORARILY) leave Thailand to go to Europe for 3 months.
I left Phuket and Thailand very reluctantly, with a heavy heart. I knew I liked it in Thailand... but I never thought I liked it this much.
14 hour bus ride from Phuket to Bangkok, taxi ride to airport, 10 hour flight to Kiev, Ukraine (got a bargain deal on flying through Kiev). Shocking, to put it mildly. Kiev was cold, drab and depressing.... I cannot imagine why people would stay there. And then from Kiev 2 hour flight to Prague. And once in Prague, I ignored the over-priced taxis and found my own way with public transport (a story in itself :)). I would say door to door, about 30 hour travel time.

Being in Prague after 22 years is surreal! It is familiar here, people are so nice (I had about 5 or 6 very friendly encounters today just chatting with people... amazed at their level of politeness and pleasantness, not something I experienced in many other places), GREAT food (had an amazing classical Eastern European meal today for less than $5... monster portions... photo to come in the next few days). Close to the hotel is a large park / wood area. It is quiet here. Took a long walk in nature. Did NOT feel like a megacity at all. Also found a supermarket close by (surprised by how inexpensive food is here, less than most Thailand... Is this really Europe???) and a library (the nerd in me can't wait to go tomorrow).

First impressions... are very, very positive. Shockingly so, in fact. I did not expect this. Prague is not good; it is amazing.