Croatia-

First night in Split

I’ve been so blessed to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard, the program is officially over and we are off to Croatia. After 11 hours of traveling Kass and me had the sun in our hair and sand between our toes at last.

Krka National Park

It was only a five-minute walk from our hostel to the closest beach and we took full advantage. After, we had our fair share of the wind blowing sand around we headed back to the hostel and got ready to explore old town for dinner. From the historic Roman monuments to the dramatic turquoise water of the Adriatic Sea I fell in love immediately. After finishing a shrimp burger and sharing two different desserts over engaging conversation we realized that we had been there for over two hours. That’s one of my favorite things. Not having anywhere to be and going completely with whatever my heart says. On the way home we found cute bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops that were still all thriving throughout the night. Sometimes they were tucked away in little corners and alleys so we made sure to keep an eye out and go off the beaten path to see more of what Split had to offer.

Blue Cave

Our first full day in Croatia, we went on a tour to the Krka waterfalls with a boat ride and a tour of Sibenik. The tour group we went with was small, but so much fun. When our tour guide came to pick Kass and me up he told us to crawl over the drivers seat and sit in shotgun (we knew it was going to be a fun day)! The drive was kind of long, but we got to know the other tourists and learned many things about Croatia! It rained on and off all day, but we didn’t let that stop us from having a good time! The tour of Sibenik was short, but the city was beautiful with all the hidden staircases that never ended and they were all decorated with brightly colored flowers. The waterfalls were next and they were breathtaking. We walked all the paths and I enjoyed every minute taking in all the fresh air that I could! We thought the day ended at the waterfalls with a boat tour to a little village 30 minutes down stream, but to our surprise we were taken to a wine tasting. We had great conversation with our new friends from all over the world tasting special wines that you can only buy there. Right before we left I thanked the owner and bought my favorite red wine for my mom to surprise her with!

Swam with the fish!

No better time for a boat ride then 8:00am in the morning, right?! Our second day in Split we took an all day boat tour to see the gems of Croatia. After two hours we reached the Blue Cave. This was discovered in the 1880’s and was only accessible by diving because the entrance was below sea level. It seemed so unreal with the way the water lite up and it was so clear you could see the bottom of the sea floor. We learned that this phenomenon happens as a result of the reflection of sunlight off the cave. It was truly awe-inspiring and all I wanted was to jump in! Next, we went to the green cave, a couple coves, and then our tour guide put the anchor down so we really could jump in. Again, this was a smaller tour group so we were cheering each other on to jump in. At first it was so cold, but my body got use to it and it was so much fun! One of the girls that I had made friends with let me barrow her goggles so I could see what was under me. Normally I am terrified of fish, but there in the middle of the Adriatic Sea I dove down and swam next to the fish! We had lunch all together shortly after in what is now my favorite city, Hvar! Just when we thought that the day was over, our boat ran out of gas and we had a little adventure. We got to explore another village and saw a beautiful sunset over the sea on our way home. Again we got another good laugh cause our boat ran out of gas a second time, but we cruised to the shoreline and made it just in time.

Just having fun

That night we explored the shops and came across a square that had raised steps all around where people were sitting and listening to live music. Soon we found a place to eat outside in the square and I tried some more seafood. Two hours later we went by the same square and enjoyed the music by dancing and laughing in the warm summer air.

The trip was short, but sweet and someday I will make my way back. From the locals to the food I never had one bad experience. Croatia has been my favorite so far and Hvar has my heart.

Week 10 (Reflection)-

Current Update: Barefoot with feet up and taking three seats while flying to Scotland! (Finally have window seat!!)

I still remember the days that I prayed for the things that I have now. God has blessed me with the perfect timing of this study abroad experience. Not only have I been able to reconnect with old friends, but I have created new friendships too. That may be one of my favorite aspects about this trip. Many of us came as strangers, but we have left as great friends. The people I have spent the last few months with have made me laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, and live just a little bit better. Each of them has impacted me for the better and because of them my heart has grown. So thank you for:

-Proving to me that I am beautiful & pushing me to be more free spirited

-Opening my heart again

-Giving me confidence & dancing with me from night #1

-Teaching me to be proud of who I am

-Always including me & sharing a few “firsts”

-Knowing how to make me smile

-Proving intelligence is sexy

- Being my long lost sister who shared anything I needed

-Showing me kindness

-Giving me an example

-Showing me a good time

-Always being so sweet & easy to talk to

-Showing me independence

-“Bed nugs” & laughter

-Always bringing positivity into every conversation

-Staying humble and kind through everything

-Barrowing anything and being so giving

-Being great company

-Reconnecting & late night talks like we never lost touch

-Letting me know that everything will be okay when it’s chaos

-Showing me home is where my roots are

-Always looking out for me & our balcony talks

-Showing me that beauty is not only what’s on the outside

-Showing me being single can be powerful  

Along with the blessing of having such amazing friends, I have learned a lot about myself. The young woman that left home has grown into a woman who has more confidence to follow her dreams believing in herself and independence to seek more possibilities. I have learned to be okay with not knowing for sure what might happen next, but at the same time knowing that whatever does happen it will be okay.

            The past three months have been full discovery and memories I would do over and over. One of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced is feeling tiny, humble, and yet inspired all at the same time. This overcame me time and time again giving me butterflies as I explored new countries. I’ve been blessed to check off nine more countries off my bucket list and soon to be number ten!

            It feels as though I have been living in a world without reality and where only magic exists. My childlike sense of wonder has taken over me and with every breath it seems as though I could breathe fire as I speak of my dreams. It’s been one grand adventure remembering what it feels like to be alive, and I’m holding onto that tight.

After filling my passport of stamps I have fire in my heart and wonder in my eyes. And with that I am going to continue to escape the ordinary and give myself a lifetime of adventures.  

Here are a few of my favorite captured memories that I will easy knock the wind out of me someday when I'm looking back. 

Week 9–

 

We came as strangers, but left as great friends

            Already had to start saying our goodbyes to the people that have impacted my life for the better and who have become my family. We are driving back to home sweet Olomouc for the last time. This last field trip to Bohemia has been a whirlwind of adventure.

We started off our trip going to Litomysl. We only had one day there, but it was packed with great memories. We stayed at a neat hostel that was also attached to the castle there. We went to a presentation and then got to tour the church and after see the gardens. For the evening we grabbed a few boxes of pizza and hung out before celebrating Jessica’s birthday.

 Next, we ventured to Kutna Hora. Along the way we saw Lezaky, which was once a village before the Nazis came in and had the entire village murdered. We walked along what was once these peoples home, but was now a beautiful memorial.

Once arriving in Kutna Hora we first stopped at the bone church. They said it is estimated to have the bones of about 6,000 people. It was so interesting to see and yet I had a strange feeling walking around looking at these bones because they are real.

On the third day, we packed up and went to the silver mines in the morning. We were given hard hats, white coats, and also told that some of the spaces were going to be very narrow. Throughout the tour we were bending down to crawl through tight spaces, going sideways, and always seeming to have to duck. This mine is the oldest mine in Europe and has definitely been one of my favorite tours we’ve had. After, we got back onto the bus and drove to our last destination, Cesky Krumlov.

Rafting adventure with the crew

 This was a place that looked as though it had been taken right out of a fairy tale. There was a river that ran through the village helping add to that feeling too. After arriving we got our rooms in the hostel and then had the rest of the evening to get a good feel of where we were. We dropped our

Couldn't have asked for a better roomie

stuff off and headed straight out. They have so many cute little shops that line the streets and I can’t forget about the cafes where you can sit right next to the river. For dinner the first evening we hiked all the way up to the castle gardens and had ate at a medieval restaurant. It took us awhile to find it and then when we did it didn’t look like it was open because they didn’t have any lights on. Turns out they wanted to enhance your medieval experience by having you eat by candle light. The eight of us enjoyed each of our meals and walking back down to the hostel was breathtaking because the village was light up and the lights reflected off the water.

 Day two in Cesky Krumlov we went and saw a theater and then had the opportunity to tour the castle. After splitting up for lunch we met back up and then went rafting. There were three boats of six and we all had an absolute blast! Even though it was kind of rainy the sun would come out from behind the clouds. Laughing and enjoying our time floating down the river made for some great memories. The day flew by with all the fun we were having and for the evening we headed dinner with our whole group plus our two professors and even the bus driver.

Current Status:

With bags packed and plans set we are off to make more memories all over the world for the next 3 weeks!

Week 8-

  Pierogi heaven in Krakow Poland!

 The entire class ventured over to Poland for a weekend field trip. It not only became one of my favorite cities, but one of the best weekends!

"Krawling through Krakow"

            Friday morning we got on the bus and drove four hours to Krakow. When we arrived we headed straight for the salt mines. I had never been to something like this before, but it was so neat to see how they chiseled out to rock salt and learned about the process. We took the tourist route, which consisted of 800 steps down and 20 different chambers. Our tour guide told us to imagine the Eiffel tour, only turned upside down. By the end of the tour we had seen underground saline lakes, statues made of rock salt, and even got to lick the walls! After exploring the excavated salt mines we barely saw 1% of the whole mine.

            After the tour we all loaded back onto the bus and headed to our hostel. Once settled in we grabbed our stuff and headed back out to explore Krakow. We stayed very close to the Jewish Square and decided to try Pierogies. This is a dough dumping that may be filled with potatoes, cheese, cabbage, or a variety of meats. The restaurant we decided to eat at had an entrée that consisted 24 pierogies, but it was a variety so I got to try many different kinds. Pierogies, pierogies, and more pierogies!

            The evening was filled with great memories and even better company. We went on the “Krawl Through Krakow” Pub Crawl and thoroughly enjoyed the night going from pub to pub with almost our entire group. This is definitely a must do activity while staying here.

            Our second day there we had the opportunity to see Wawel Castle in the morning and then had the rest of the day to explore Krakow. We visited the town square, ate some delicious polish sausage, and then shopped at the markets there too. By the end of the day I had purchased a beautiful hand carved and painted wooden box for my friend, bought polish ceramic dishes for my family, and met some very nice locals. We made our way back to the hostel for the evening while still exploring what Krakow had to offer. The evening came and we headed out for dinner then unexpectedly danced the night away.

            All too soon it was our last day in Krakow and we went to visit Schindler’s Factory before another four-hour bus ride home. At the museum our guide told us the story of Oskar Schindler and how he helped give jobs and protect the Jewish individuals who were in trouble. The museum was interactive and our guide was so passionate about everything he said that it made the tour even better.

            Krakow has been one of my favorite weekends in Europe so far. I had no idea what to expect, and that’s kind of why I love it! Daily life being a foreigner I’m not really sure what I'm doing. Frankly, I want to live life as unexpectedly and with as many surprises as it has to offer. I have decided to stop figuring out precisely how to feel and stop deciding what I want, and to simply see just what happens next. If I did otherwise I feel I would be not living at all.

Here's to one great weekend!