As everyone knows, getting homesick is guaranteed with any long-term travelling. Mine started to set in pretty early, as I thought about how long I was going to be in Prague. (I know, poor me, I have to live in Europe, whah whah). But really, I didn't get too sad till the first time I Skyped my mom and my dogs. My dogs were running around frantically trying to find where my voice was coming from and I totally cried (not afraid to admit it). But then I got myself up and went outside. I think the times that are the hardest are when I am laying around. Eventually I found that it's hard to feel sorry for yourself when you are buying coffee at a little cafe outside your apartment in Europe. SO, my advice- let yourself have the little victories. LET ME TELL YOU. Americans take it for granted how easy it is to just drive through somewhere and pick up half-decent meals when feeling too tired to cook, or when your fridge is empty. Well, I had both issues the other night and immediately felt the dread that is having to find, walk to, and order food in a foreign country. Luckily, I had a buddy who was willing to walk with me. We stumbled upon a market nearby and we went in so she could buy some food. And I look over and see a can of Arizona tea. I literally gasped and grabbed her arm and stopped to take a picture I was so excited. (She probably thinks I'm so lame, yayyyy new friends). This was the most connected I felt to home in days, even though in reality it was just a can of some imported, sugary drink that isn't even made in Arizona. Something so small really did give me so much encouragement. (For those who don't know, 49 crowns is about $2.50 USD. And FUN FACT- they have different flavors in Europe than they do in the US. Super strange!).
Next, we walked over to a nearby sub shop so I could buy a hot meal. I walked inside, praying that the menu had pictures so I could understand what I was ordering. But, then some kind of magic happened. I could understand the menu somehow. The lady behind the counter broke my focus and stated, "No hablo Ingles, no hablo Czech." And I realized-- she was speaking Spanish! The menu was written in Spanish! I could've kissed her! (I didn't, don't worry). I turned around and responded in Spanish, and she just lit up. This was the first person outside the University I could comfortably communicate with, and although the interaction was as small as ordering a meal, it was so comforting. Finally, a sign I could read and a person I could understand. It really is the little things. ~~~ On another note- I did start classes this last week, and it's a little too early to report but I think this is shaping up to be an amazing semester of learning inside and outside UNYP. For those who are curious- I am taking International Marketing Strategies, Intercultural Communication, Visual Culture, International Politics, and Mediation. Please enjoy this picture that I took of the front steps on my first day, like a nerd. Notice it's blurry because I took it before all the other students standing out front could realize what I was doing and realize I am said nerd.
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I cannot stress enough: CULTURE SHOCK AND JET LAG ARE REAL. Everyone warns you and you never listen, I know I know. But REALLY. You won't realize how much you should have paid attention to your friends, advisors, and family till you sleep a full 14 hours in one day, and only 2 in the next, and end up going through a roller coaster of emotions when you think about that Cane's by your house back home. It's RIDDIKILUS. But beyond that, OH MY GOD UNYP AND PRAGUE. I am posting this the night before my official first day of class, so as far as academics, I will only be able to touch on my orientation experience. UNYP has already been so helpful in making Prague feel like my new home. Their welcome day starts at the school, and gives you the opportunity to meet new students just like you. It was like freshman year all over again- everyone was excited, nervous, and really desperate to make friends. And I did! (Thank God). The best part is that the people here come from so many different backgrounds, but are here to do and see the same things as you, so it's easy to bond! After meeting other students, they give you a tour of the campus. It's really small and easy to navigate, so no stress there! (Unlike having to make it across NAU campus in 20 minutes in the snow, uphill both ways BS). After this, they give you a break for lunch, then reconvene to do a walking tour of some of Prague. On my tour we walked to the river (1), went into some beautiful old churches (2), saw some amazing views of Prague castle(3,4), and ended up in a square close to old town, just past the theater (5) where we had some to-die-for hot chocolate (6). Huge thank you to our tour guides and UNYP for setting up this amazing day. DAY TWO. Well, as I said before I slept for 14 hours and that was no joke. So, most of the day was spent grocery shopping. However, after shopping me and my friend went to Prague Beer Museum. It's really close to campus/Belgicka and has really reasonable prices for amazing beer. This particular night they also had live music, too. And if you're like me, beer and a band are all you need to have a good night. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. DAY THREE. I started my day with a cappuccino from a cafe just downstairs from my apartment (1). IF Cafe has lots of great coffees as well as some really beautiful pastries. Cheap and convenient! Later, a group of friends and I decided to check off Old Town Square from our bucket lists. And let me tell you, it paid off. Old Town Square is a short tram ride away from Belgicka. From the tram, we wandered the streets and found some very interesting shops! We stopped at the Lego Museum (2), a market square (3), and at a trdelnik stand (4,5). After this, we headed into the square where we saw some amazing street performances (you'll have to check my Facebook for these) and the famous buildings and architecture (unfortunately the Astronomical Clock is closed for repair). (Images 6-10) We later wandered (11) to a restaurant called Lokal and had lunch that featured some authentic Czech cuisine. I opted for the beef goulash and potato dumplings, paired with a local pilsner (12-14). The whole meal was fairly cheap, really filling, delicious, and served by friendly staff. Another place I recommend. I don't expect I'll be able to detail all my travels like this (you're like PHEW, thank God). But, I wanted to highlight how much you can see and do in such a short period of time! This city is amazing, and I cannot wait to see what else it has in store for me!
PACKING IS SO STRESSFUL. SEND HELP.
I know it will pay off, but how much of my wardrobe am I ACTUALLY going to have to leave behind? The answer is all. All of it, apparently. BUT SERIOUSLY: You're here for some info, so here you go: I chose to study abroad because I have always had the traveler's itch: I need to see the world, and why not do it while I can use my time for a dual purpose. I chose UNYP and Prague for many reasons. I knew I needed a program that would utilize my scholarships and would help me complete my International Communications minor. After narrowing down my options based on this, Prague stood out because of its rich history, safe location, and affordability. The Czech Republic was untouched by WWII, is home to the largest castle in the world, and has lots of BEER (sorry mom). So, I was sold on location. UNYP stood out because of its small class sizes, American-style teaching, and great student resources. They have a really high rate of graduation to career success rates, and are focused on making their students "reflective, responsible, tolerant, and resourceful individuals equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of an interconnected world." I can't wait to see the connections I make at this school that will help me build my future career. I know that this school will challenge my viewpoint, and I am thrilled. In all seriousness- I am most nervous about adjusting to the culture, and being somewhere where I know no one. I was born and raised in Arizona, and have never lived anywhere else, so living in Europe without family moments away will be a huge change. However, I am also excited to see where this change will take me. What will I do without my safety net and normal routine? Will I get "Taken"? (Probably not, but you can never be too careful.) Will I be perfectly fine? (Probably... right?) We will see! |
AuthorAmber Lamb, a college student and first-time traveler. ArchivesCategories |