To travel is to have your childlike sense of wonder and adventure again. Once you step off that plane, you are suddenly five years old again! Not being able to read anything, you have the most rudimentary sense of how things work, and you can’t even reliably cross a street. Everything you do, your existence becomes a series of interesting “best guesses”! 
Welcome and here is an array of my “best guesses”!

Charles Bridge Hostel

Day 1:  After 3 flights, Kassidy and me landed in Prague! Our driver was waiting for us with a sign that had our names on it and 25 euros later we arrived at our hostel! The hostel was very accommodating and helped us with anything we needed. After checking in, we headed out to explore! We stayed at the Charles Bridge Hostel, which was a 15 second walk to the Charles Bridge. We shared our room with 5 other girls from all over the world and the room itself was beautiful! The city was full of beautiful buildings and history.

Day 2: We starting exploring at 9:00am and found our way back at 9:00pm! Only getting lost a few times and finding some cute coffee shops along the way. We still needed more adventure so we hopped on a random tram and realized that it takes you to point A to point B (does not take you around in a circle)! We found our way back and enjoyed a late dinner on the way.

Day 3: We meet the rest group at the airport, took a four-hour bus ride, and arrived to Olomouc about 8:00pm. After getting our keys we headed up to our flats and unpacked! My roommate is Kassidy McConville (stunning photographer and such a sweet gal)!  There are 8 of us girls sharing 2 bathrooms in our flat. So excited to see what the next 3 months have to offer!

Week One: Cultural Comparisons

Trying a Trdelnik from the Easter Market Sunday morning!
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

Dobrý den! It’s now been one week since we have arrived and I’ve experienced so much! I’ve definitely learned that there is no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this! Nebraska to Olomouc, from dirt roads to a concrete jungle the daily life couldn’t be more unique from each other! Food and drink in Olomouc is a complete 360 turn, especially when it comes to Nebraska beef! When you go out to eat, remember that water is not free (and usually costs more then beer). Ketchup is very “American,” they have their own sauce they put on foods and will cost you if you ask for ketchup. Also, be aware that when a restaurant is having live music, you may have a charge added onto your bill for the entertainment. Don’t be afraid to try new things or go to a different restaurant each time!

We were told that the people here do not smile as you pass them and overall that they will pretend to be “grumpy”. Where as in America, everyone pretends to be happy all the time. (Don’t get me wrong though, there are very nice Czech people and some do smile!) Make friends with the ISHA group that helps plan events for you because they can definitely help you out with just about anything. Also, don’t be afraid to try to talk to the locals!

Holy Hill
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

What is around you is so unique and beautiful. The buildings are timeless and there is so much history surrounding the city. Pay attention and soak up as much as you can on the tours about the history aspects of the city. It plays a major role in who the local people are and why they do what they do. Olomouc has multiple cathedrals that all take your breath away. My favorite one was a monumental church on Olomouc’s Holy Hill. Not only was the inside of the church alluring but the building and layout made a cross. Here the builds have so much detail and craftsmen ship put into them. It’s easy to fall in love with this city!

Keep an eye out for all the historical landmarks throughout the city too! Just like back home we have a few monuments, but they have so many more here. With such a rich history, it feels like each corner you turn there is something there! Travel is the best way to learn and for me has been most fun! You accumulate experiences and learn from exploring. My advice: let go and have fun with it!

Light-hearted pleasure exploring the city
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

When they say pack good walking shoes they aren’t kidding! Back home we have the freedom to easily take our vehicle wherever we need to go and whenever we need to go, but here most people use public transportation and especially walk! It’s something different, but it’s a good different!

Holy Hill
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

Overall, the people, food, language, buildings, and history has been a lot to take in. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, it’s time to escape the ordinary. Recognize the cultural differences and embrace the detours. One of the best parts about this experience is trying new things and making memories with new friends.

                                                              

                                                            

            Here’s to the adventure I’ve had, the journeys I’ll make, and the friends I’ve made. Until next week, Na shledanou!! (goodbye in Czech)

To new friends

Courtesy of Kassidy McConville