I Traveled Across Europe — Then Something Unexpected Happened in Prague

Travelling through Europe had always been a dream for me – not as part of a typical group tour with strict itineraries, but as a slow, meandering journey where I experience different countries getting a feel for the life in this continent.  

This was my third trip… and towards the end of the trip I felt something very unexpected.

It was something that I’d never seen in travel vlogs or read in blogs that walk you through the adventures and experiences of Europe.

I was in Prague – it was my last day of the trip. I was walking over the beautiful bridge that connected old town with the extravagant Prague castle. The atmosphere was very lively, people walking around joyfully with live music being played at every corner. The weather was pleasant too and I was surrounded by the best landscape of river, mountain, and the beautiful Prague castle.

And yet – I wasn’t mind-blown.

I hate to admit it – but it all felt… normal. Not because the city was dull or unimpressive. On the contrary, Prague is one of the most beautiful places I have seen.

It was an amazing vibe, so much so that it made me feel guilty for not being surprised or mind blown by the ambience. An ambience that anyone would die to experience.

I realized this was happening to me because I had seen so many beautiful cities, wonderful architecture, and gorgeous landscapes that my brain had subconsciously normalized it.

My brain had adjusted itself to this new reality, and all the beautiful places had unknowingly become my new normal.

It was like eating your favorite ice cream every day only to find out that it doesn’t excite you anymore.

I learned something new that evening in Prague – even the best things or the best places we see or experience in life cease to excite you or offer a surprise spark after a point.

It stops being special.

I had always dreamed of seeing the Swiss Alps, climbing the Florence cathedral dome, watching the sunset from the Prague castle – and all those things were truly amazing – but now that I was on the right side of all those experiences – everything else felt just normal.

In fact, when I look back at all achievements or special moments of my life – they all had eventually subsided and became mundane. When I got my first job, or started living in my dream city, or when I first started dating – all the feelings that excited me beyond imagination at first started to feel ordinary when they became reality.

Perhaps, the moment you accomplish your goals – your brain normalizes it. Sparks begin to fade; you aren’t surprised or mind blown anymore and it feels just routine.

Think for yourself – the life that you are living now, in this exact moment, was a life that your younger self would’ve dreamt of… and yet it feels just another day today.

Having said that – know that just because your brain normalizes something doesn’t mean it isn’t an achievement that you should stop being proud of. It simply means life has used that achievement as a conduit to move upward and you have outgrown yourself.

You now have bigger ambitions and bigger desires that excite you.

So – don’t dismiss your efforts or take your achievements for granted just because it feels normal now. The younger version of me – the one who dreamt of travelling, doing everything from solo adventures to group outings – would be in awe of everything I’ve experienced today.