#1: Welcome to the Czech Republic

View of Prague from Vrtba Gardens

It’s been a week since I landed in this beautiful country, and, as usual, I’ve already made a lot friends, had a lot of laughs, and gone on a lot of adventures.

I could write fifty pages of everything that’s happened so far, but that would be a lot to read. So, here are my main learnings and realizations from this week:

  • American students are mainly from Denver, CO..
  • My roommate Sharada (Shawr-thuh) is incredible. She, myself, and our new friend Ryan have mainly been exploring and traveling together. We’ve all had a wonderful time.
  • My favorite city in Czech Republic so far is Kutna Hora. It is GORGEOUS. It’s basically the beauty of Prague combined with a lush, cottage feel. I could honestly have a vacation home there.
  • Most Europeans don’t know American states or cities. Instead of introducing myself as from Portland, Oregon, I just say I’m a Northwest American.
  • Europeans do understand European countries very well. They converse about each other’s cities and countries like Americans do about their different cities and states.
  • Most American students studying abroad in Prague are here to drink and party since the legal age is lower. Even so, each American student is genuinely kind and very nice to be around.
  • Sharada, Ryan, and I are really bad with directions. Like, just terrible. We’ve been very lucky these past few days. We’ve gotten lost and almost missed our train three times. Thankfully, since I’m not afraid to ask people questions, we’ve gotten on the right train just in time.
  • Czech Republic is the sixth safest city in the world.
  • There are more KFC’s in Czech Republic than there are McDonald’s.
  • Since the country is so cheap, there are a lot of films shot in the area. The most recent one being Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Here is also what I’ve learned about Czech culture:

  • The Czech are very shy and soft speakers.
  • Their native language is very monotone. No voice inflections and no gestures.
  • Czech are very environmentally-friendly.
  • They drink a lot, but not too much.
  • They are very punctual and always keep their promises. If you say you’ll do something and you don’t, it is considered very rude.
  • They’re favorite sports are tennis and ice hockey.
  • They don’t smile. (It’s actually my goal to make a Czech smile, and when I do, it makes me very happy.)
  • They always keep the door closed.
  • They LOVE their dogs.
  • They wear inside shoes when they come home.
  • They have terrible customer service. It’s very to the point. No smiles, mainly grunts or head nods.
  • They don’t dip anything into coffee or a drink. I once suggested it and was surprised at the outrage of the thought.

Overall, I love being here and meeting all of the different Americans and Europeans. It’s been awesome, and I can’t wait to start school this Monday. And, since I only have three days of school each week, it leaves lots of room for traveling!

Please enjoy these wonderful pictures of God’s beauty. This area is immaculate and its history is incredible.

  • Leaving the Portland Airport!
  • In front of the Astronomical Clock Tower
  • Sharada and I in front of the Charles Bridge and Old Town
  • On the Charles Bridge with Sharada!
  • Ryan and Sharada playing some games in the unique Joystick Bar
  • Sharada, Iris (our Austrian friend) and Ryan playing more games!
  • Entrance to the Vrtba Gardens
  • Myself in front of the Lennon Wall
  • View from the top of the Vrtba Gardens
  • Myself on the stairs to the top of the Vrtba Gardens
  • Myself on top of the roof on the Charles Bridge
  • View of Prague from Charles Bridge
  • View of Prague from Charles Bridge
  • View of Prague from Charles Bridge
  • View from the Dancing House
  • Us on the top of the Dancing House
  • Tower of Books at the Municipal Library of Prague
  • Inside Tower of Books
  • Us in the Tower of Books (If you look closely, you can see our reflection in the background. There’s actually a mirror on the bottom so it appears bigger than it really is)
  • The Prague Castle!
  • Me in front of the Prague Castle!
  • Inside the Prague Castle!
  • View of Prague near the Prague Castle!
  • Pilsen, another city in Czech Republic. It’s about one and a half hour train ride from Prague
  • Myself in front of Pilsen’s Plague Column. Used as an expression of gratitude for a less severe plague epidemic in 1681
  • Inside the Great Synagogue. Very peaceful
  • About to head down into Pilsen’s Historical Underground
  • Inside Pilsen’s Historical Underground. Very cool, but very claustrophobic
  • About to go inside Kutna Hora’s “Bone Church” ( Sedlec Ossuary)
  • Inside the Bone Church! It’s made with over 60,000 skeletons, some from the 14th century
  • Inside the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist
  • Going up the stairs of Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist for a great view
  • View from the top of the stairs at the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist
  • The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist outside
  • On our way to the gorgeous St. Barbara’s Cathedral
  • St. Barbara’s Cathedral!
  • The beautiful Kutna Hora. Man, that sight never gets old.

Me, Myself, and I

I wasn’t sure I would go through with this.

For one, I can be extremely motion sick. I get queasy at the thought of road trips, loop-de-loop roller coasters, and even somersaults.

Second, I’ve never traveled alone. Traveling itself isn’t the most fun, and doing it alone makes me nervous. I’m also not the greatest navigator, which means there’ll probably be unintentional side trips along the journey.

Third, I’ve never been in Europe. I love adventuring and trying new things, but I’ve never visited another continent before. What if something bad happens and I can’t communicate for help?

However, I’m still going to get on that plane and travel to Prague. My passion for learning is too great for these concerns. I can’t wait to meet new friends, gain new insights, learn another culture, and understand myself a little better.

I have no idea what to expect, and I want to keep it that way. This extreme extrovert, music fanatic, idea ninja, and marketing buff can’t wait to find out what God has in store.

Thank you for joining me on my journey. I’m excited to share with you my Europe explorations and discoveries.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started