Many, many people have asked me over the past several months (and continue to ask) why I chose Prague as my study abroad destination. I honestly have a myriad of reasons why I came here. I am part Czech (not very much, though), and for some reason, that part of my ethnicity has always interested me the most. I had always dreamed of coming to this part of Europe, and when it came time to choose a study abroad destination, I chose Prague because:
1. Here was my chance to visit some of the places I have always wanted to see.
2. I can learn another language!
3. It's ridiculously cheap in comparison to studying elsewhere in Europe.
4. Just because. I wanted to go somewhere a little less traditional than London, Paris, Madrid, etc., yet I still wanted to come to Europe.
I couldn't possibly be happier with the place I chose to study :-)
Today was a very fun day, and, for once, sunny! I met two friends, Madison and Silva, for lunch, and we discussed some of the places we want to see while we're here in Europe. We've decided to head to Italy for spring break, flying into Venice probably, and then visiting Venice, Florence, Rome, and Naples. It'll probably be packed for Easter, but that's alright. What better time to visit the Vatican than Holy Week? It should be absolutely amazing. Madison and I are also planning a trip in March to go skiing in the Swiss Alps, which is proving to be a difficult trip to plan, but it's definitely a priority for both of us to do while we're here in Europe. As for the rest of my trips, I'd love to see Budapest and Krakow (and Auschwitz), and then when Brian comes here at the end of May, we'll be traveling all over Germany and Austria for two weeks. I can't wait! Some of my classmates are traveling almost every weekend, but not only is that a bit much expense-wise for me, but I also need to fulfill the required hours for my internship this semester. If I make it to all of the places I just listed though, I will be more than happy!
It's funny, because I view Prague as my "home" while I'm here in Europe, although I've only been here 2 weeks. I bring this up because I felt very defensive and indignant when I read a traveler's blog that completely blasted Prague as being filled with rude people and there not being much to see here. The person admitted to only spending a day here, which immediately made me question how they could condemn the city so strongly after only one day's visit! Anyways, I've met countless people on the street who have helped me with my questions, the city's beauty has awed me, and there is such a small-town charm for being such a huge city. And it's so cheap for being a popular European destination! I can't wait to explore more.
I'm off to see another film at The Globe and drink some more of their delicious tea (I tried the beer here, I really did, but there's something about the aftertaste that's very different...I have been drinking lots of tea while here though!).
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Oh I totally understand getting the "why?" question - I think you'd get there no matter where you went. It's great that you feel a sense of home already! And, as far as the ski trip - Nick & I didn't have any idea either... we just went to a resort & figured it out once we were there. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha yeah I've heard 'bad things' about Prague but the truth is, to each his own. I'm glad to hear you love the place and lucky you - you are going to be all over europe! Take lots of pictures and be sure to post some PLEASE :D
ReplyDelete@ Dianne: Prague is pretty new to the "tourist thing". By saying that, I mean that even 5 years ago, Prague had wayyy fewer tourists, and it was even cheaper than now ($2 to go out for a fancy sit-down meal, etc). Part of the draw for tourists was the price, and it was almost like it was the "hidden gem", because here was a city completely untouched by WWII (so they have the largest number of old buildings of the big European cities) and yet it was dirt cheap. Then people started pouring in to catch the cheap prices and now the city is packed with tourists and students like me lol It does supposedly have major pickpocketing issues, but I've yet to have any problems, and Eastern Europe is notorious for being a sex-trafficking capital. Again, I feel very safe here, and my Czech roommates laughed when I asked if it was unsafe here. They said Prague was one of the safest places to live. Soooo, everyone has their own opinion, as you said! =)
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