First Blog Post
May 29, 2018
This year I have the opportunity to study abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. It has been my dream to travel to Europe since I was little and it is hard to fathom that it's actually happening. But here I am! This blog is going to be my method of recording the cultural and individual discovery I will be taking part in throughout the process of this trip. My plans are to travel to other countries while on this trip, including but not limited to Germany and Austria. However, it is my top priority to explore Prague culture as much as I can as well. This trip is important to me because my family heritage is mostly Czech, German, Bohemian, and Jewish. I would like to focus this blog not only on the discovery of Czech culture, but also the discovery of my own cultural roots. I plan to do this by exploring Bohemian and Jewish Museums, learning more about the cultural wars in Germany and Czechoslovakia, and becoming more in tune with what my ancestors did here in Europe. Even just walking where they walked is a truly life changing experience.
May 29, 2018
This year I have the opportunity to study abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. It has been my dream to travel to Europe since I was little and it is hard to fathom that it's actually happening. But here I am! This blog is going to be my method of recording the cultural and individual discovery I will be taking part in throughout the process of this trip. My plans are to travel to other countries while on this trip, including but not limited to Germany and Austria. However, it is my top priority to explore Prague culture as much as I can as well. This trip is important to me because my family heritage is mostly Czech, German, Bohemian, and Jewish. I would like to focus this blog not only on the discovery of Czech culture, but also the discovery of my own cultural roots. I plan to do this by exploring Bohemian and Jewish Museums, learning more about the cultural wars in Germany and Czechoslovakia, and becoming more in tune with what my ancestors did here in Europe. Even just walking where they walked is a truly life changing experience.
Second Blog Post
June 5, 2018
How To: Pack Lightly
This is advice based on experience because while I thought I packed lightly for this trip, I actually packed heavy with all the wrong things. The first thing I would advise for anyone traveling somewhere is to check the weather. See what it is going to be like in the place you're going. I would recommend looking at the week long forecast to get a feel for what the highest temperature and lowest temperature can be. Also, pay attention to the humidity and precipitation levels. While 70 degrees can feel nice, it may feel more like 90 if there is a high level of humidity.
As I said, this is based on experience. When I was packing for Prague, I glanced at a daily forecast and that day it was a little chilly. So I brought four sweaters. Since we got here it has been humid and hot and I haven't worn one of those four sweaters that took up so much space.
Another thing I would recommend is only bringing the bare essentials. Things you know you can wear multiple times a week and shoes that can be versatile. If you are staying somewhere for an extended amount of time, bring only what you will need for the first day or two as far as toiletries. You can buy shampoo and the works when you get there.
Lastly, don't forget to bring medications you may need while you're gone. Sometimes other countries may not have the same things you need.
June 5, 2018
How To: Pack Lightly
This is advice based on experience because while I thought I packed lightly for this trip, I actually packed heavy with all the wrong things. The first thing I would advise for anyone traveling somewhere is to check the weather. See what it is going to be like in the place you're going. I would recommend looking at the week long forecast to get a feel for what the highest temperature and lowest temperature can be. Also, pay attention to the humidity and precipitation levels. While 70 degrees can feel nice, it may feel more like 90 if there is a high level of humidity.
As I said, this is based on experience. When I was packing for Prague, I glanced at a daily forecast and that day it was a little chilly. So I brought four sweaters. Since we got here it has been humid and hot and I haven't worn one of those four sweaters that took up so much space.
Another thing I would recommend is only bringing the bare essentials. Things you know you can wear multiple times a week and shoes that can be versatile. If you are staying somewhere for an extended amount of time, bring only what you will need for the first day or two as far as toiletries. You can buy shampoo and the works when you get there.
Lastly, don't forget to bring medications you may need while you're gone. Sometimes other countries may not have the same things you need.
Third Blog Post
June 12, 2018
I can't believe we're in week 4 already. My mind is still absorbing the fact that I'm here and now it's almost halfway over. What? I can't. This week has been one of reflection for me. With everything going on and so much to do it is easy to get lost in the commotion. I needed to take this time to process everything we've done on this trip so far.
The one excursion that has stuck with me was our day trip to Terezin concentration camp. When we were walking through the camp, I kept thinking about the people who lived there and the ones who died there. They literally went through hell and it made me so sad to see. I kept thinking what if that was me or someone I knew going through that? Would we have the strength to carry on?
However, our guides Ryan and Elizabeth helped me get some perspective. They each had different ways of coping with these horrible realities. One in anger and the other in sharing knowledge, but their overall message was that the people living in those camps kept their hope alive. They created cookbooks, art, and a sense of community that kept them going even through the worst.
When we entered the prayer room in the Jewish ghetto, I could feel the hope those people felt. Even through what seemed like hell, they persevered by keeping their eyes pointed toward something better. This meant a lot to me.
Of course I cannot compare anything I've gone through in my life to the lives of those who lived through Terezin. But their hope gives me hope that those lives will never be forgotten. That hatred of that magnitude will never win. Hope that it will never happen again.
The one excursion that has stuck with me was our day trip to Terezin concentration camp. When we were walking through the camp, I kept thinking about the people who lived there and the ones who died there. They literally went through hell and it made me so sad to see. I kept thinking what if that was me or someone I knew going through that? Would we have the strength to carry on?
However, our guides Ryan and Elizabeth helped me get some perspective. They each had different ways of coping with these horrible realities. One in anger and the other in sharing knowledge, but their overall message was that the people living in those camps kept their hope alive. They created cookbooks, art, and a sense of community that kept them going even through the worst.
When we entered the prayer room in the Jewish ghetto, I could feel the hope those people felt. Even through what seemed like hell, they persevered by keeping their eyes pointed toward something better. This meant a lot to me.
Of course I cannot compare anything I've gone through in my life to the lives of those who lived through Terezin. But their hope gives me hope that those lives will never be forgotten. That hatred of that magnitude will never win. Hope that it will never happen again.
Fourth Blog Post
June 25, 2018
All of a sudden we have only two weeks left. When people said time would fly by while I was here I knew they weren't lying, but I did not realize it would go by this quickly. I still feel like I'm just settling in. But at the same time I feel like I'm home. Whenever I go to another country for a weekend trip I'm always thinking of Prague as going home. Now I have to prepare myself to actually go home to the states. Wild.
For this blog I wanted to do something a little different. I wanted to create a menu- which created some minor challenges because I'm not a great cook and I also am not creative at all in the kitchen. So I went a different route and created a menu of emotions for a study abroad student coming to Prague for the first time. It's pretty cheesy, but I am from Wisconsin.
MENU
Appetizers*
Pre Departure Nerves
Tossed emotions drenched in anxiety served with a side of excitement.
Packing Your Suitcase Over and Over Again
A lovely dish of second guessing, checking the weather, and grabbing that last-second pair of shoes.
*Plane ticket prices not included.
Lunch
Honeymoon Feast
A deceptive plate of feeling like you could stay here forever and what was everyone saying about culture shock?
Culture Shock
Questioning every decision in the process to come here with a side of homesickness.
Dinner
Adapting
A lovely mix of routine, adjusting to norms, and relaxing into your new home.
Dessert*
Time to Leave
Chocolate covered sadness because you just got used to this place and now have to leave it.
*Plane ticket prices also not included.
June 25, 2018
All of a sudden we have only two weeks left. When people said time would fly by while I was here I knew they weren't lying, but I did not realize it would go by this quickly. I still feel like I'm just settling in. But at the same time I feel like I'm home. Whenever I go to another country for a weekend trip I'm always thinking of Prague as going home. Now I have to prepare myself to actually go home to the states. Wild.
For this blog I wanted to do something a little different. I wanted to create a menu- which created some minor challenges because I'm not a great cook and I also am not creative at all in the kitchen. So I went a different route and created a menu of emotions for a study abroad student coming to Prague for the first time. It's pretty cheesy, but I am from Wisconsin.
MENU
Appetizers*
Pre Departure Nerves
Tossed emotions drenched in anxiety served with a side of excitement.
Packing Your Suitcase Over and Over Again
A lovely dish of second guessing, checking the weather, and grabbing that last-second pair of shoes.
*Plane ticket prices not included.
Lunch
Honeymoon Feast
A deceptive plate of feeling like you could stay here forever and what was everyone saying about culture shock?
Culture Shock
Questioning every decision in the process to come here with a side of homesickness.
Dinner
Adapting
A lovely mix of routine, adjusting to norms, and relaxing into your new home.
Dessert*
Time to Leave
Chocolate covered sadness because you just got used to this place and now have to leave it.
*Plane ticket prices also not included.
Final Blog Post
Wow! It's almost over. I fly out in five days. These past 7 weeks have gone by so fast it makes me nostalgic. I got to do so many amazing things while I've been in Europe, but a part of me still wants to stay and do more. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss home. But in a way, Prague feels like home now. I walk to work in the morning and feel so comfortable. The same dogs walk past me every morning. The barista at the coffee shop near my work knows my order. My friends and I have traveled across Europe together. And now I'm leaving it all behind. Being an online student makes this more difficult for me. I feel as though I may never see these people again because I live so far away from Arizona. However, even if I don't, I know I won't forget the bonds I made here. Thanks for the memories, ASU, Prague, EUSA, and everyone I met on this program! You will stay with me forever.