What is (enter new country) like?

It's been 54 days since I left Nebraska to avenge on this amazing journey to Europe. Looking back at these past 2 months I have nothing but great memories to share with everyone back home. I have 9 days left in Olomouc and 30+ days in Europe. I can't even imagine what life away from this town that I know call home will be like. I can't imagine what not living with Hannah will be like.

Hannah and me doing what we do best, having a good time.

What will life be in 35 days when they aren't by my side 24/7?

Throughout these past 2 months, I've visited a few different countries and got the chance to experience multiple cultures. The culture shock wasn't as bad as others said it would be. My hardest barrier was language however. I'm so use to know being able to communicate with everyone back home between English and Spanish. In Olomouc, I sometimes feel like people get frustrated with me because I can't speak Czech. I find it so hard to even use the little Czech that we've learned in class because they speak so fast! Or when we visit other countries and I can't even pick up on what language they are even speaking. I appreciate English a little more now. However, I visited Italy awhile back and was able to pick up a little of what they were saying. Italian and Spanish are very similar! I definitely see myself learning some Italian in my near future. The Italian culture is very outspoken. For once I was able to visit a city and not be the loudest one there. Hands down the best meals I've had in Europe was in Italy. Nothing however beats the Spanish. Maybe I have a bias opinion since I have a Spanish background and I love learning about my ancestors. The Spanish were so friendly. They appreciated the Americans and loved when we tried to speak Spanish with them. I am fluent in Spanish however the Spanish spoken in Spain had some Catalina with it. It was interesting to compare both Spanish's and learn new words. I never felt more at home then when I was in Barcelona. I felt like the cities traditions and culture were similar to those in America. The culture in Austria and Hungary was similar to that of the Czech Republic. Budapest was a little more laid back and was a bigger party city than anything I’ve seen. Well, Barcelona was right there with it. I have still yet to figure out how Europeans stay out so late. Back home I am use to being in bed by midnight. People here start going out at midnight!

We attempt to go out as late as the Europeans but I was in bed by 2 am like alwsys.

As my time in Olomouc slowly dwindles, my heart begins to hurt. I leave Olomouc soon but continue to travel afterwards. We are scheduled to visit Bohemia, Dublin, Chania, and Mykonos afterwards! I am so excited to further my knowledge about other cultures. I’ve found myself wanting to know more about other countries and how people live. It fascinates me how I managed to live 20 years without any knowledge about other cultures. I have 34 days left in Europe but I will return soon. In every city and country I visit I leave a part of me there.

While staying in the dorms in Olomouc, we've become good friends with our flat mates from Turkey.

Vacation within a vacation

So I know how everyone thinks I'm studying my butt off over seas and getting straight A's right? Well we decided to take a little get away from our hard working life here in Olomouc. ;)

Our trip began in the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria. If you have no idea what this city is, I would recommend making a Pinterest board because it is beautiful. It's probably one of the most cleanest and classiest cities I have or will ever step foot on. Between the countless shopping centers and a treasury based off the royal family that once ruled the Austria Hungary Empire. Vienna taught me what a good quality gelato cone should look and taste. It taught me how it is truly is possible to spend 200€ in a blink of an eye. The museums were hands down my favorite luxury of the city. The treasury was so beautiful! When you think about queens and kings, this treasury was exactly what we would see in our history books! I also visited a natural science museum that was very large. It us about 2 hours to tour it and we didn’t even see it all! However, we only spent two days in Vienna so all I accomplished was museums and shopping.

The king's crown and other treasure.

More treasures from treasury in Vienna.

A little from the natural science museum since I am obsessed with elephants.

When you ask people what cities they wish to visit in Europe. Majority of them would say Venice and everyone should say Venice! The beauty behind this city is not like any other place. Within minutes of our train getting to the mainland my jaw dropped. Venice was beyond words. However, with a beautiful city comes an expensive lifestyle. The city was filled with tourist. I don’t think I actually met an Italian in the city because everyone was from somewhere else! The city was one big maze; honestly the way to find your way was to get lost. Somehow we always ended up in the same area near the Saint Mark Basilica where we would sit by the water admiring the beauty of the sea. Most importantly, I ate the best pasta in the face of this planet in Venice. Dal Moro’s changed the meaning of pasta. This pasta to go shop had all different kinds of noodles and sauces to chose from. Oh, and most importantly it was cheap. Cheap food was hard to come by in Venice or cheap anything was hard to find. Besides the pasta I think my other favorite was the gondola ride. Nothing better than experiencing the beauty of Venice on water since that is what majority of the city is! During my stay at Venice, I was the happiest I’ve ever been! All I can say is Venice was breath taking. If I have one advice for people that want to travel it is to visit Venice.

 

A little beauty from Venice.

On the magnificent gandola ride.

Pretty much sums up our spring break.

Italy part II takes place in Rome. Now I am not going to lie that the first day I was a little disappointed with the city but by the end of my three days I was also sad to leave. I think what made Rome a little less enjoyable for me was the entire tourist. The city was packed full of tourist and random people selling things on the streets. The amount of people that were selling stuff on the streets was probably the same amount of tourist on the streets. Even though the city was packed full I am glad I got to see this ancient city. The history behind Rome is mind blowing. My favorite part was hands down the Coliseum. I had goose bumps as I toured this ancient phenomenon.

 

The Colosseum

Everyone has the one city they fall in love with. I can’t even describe or put into words my love for the city of Barcelona. I love the Spanish culture, so relaxed and friendly. Everyone was so grateful that Americans were shopping at their shops or eating at their café. The city was modern but like nothing I’ve seen before. I loved being able to speak Spanish or English. Everyone knew both! I had no language barrier. The beach was a bit chilly but that did not stop us from taking on the rays. Barcelona gave me the best of both worlds. I was able to relax on the beach or take a hike. I think we averaged 15 miles a day from sightseeing. All the sights were about a 30-minute walk from each other. I had one thing on my must do for Barcelona and that was visit park guell. Why? Well I am obsessed with the cheetah girls and when they shot their movie my favorite seen was at that park. So I had to drop 8 euros to reenact their pictures. I see myself in Spain however. I love the Spanish language, the culture, and the enviroment. Everything about the city drew me in. I’ve been an emotional roller coaster since leaving the city. I’ve never questioned my career path or future as much as I am right now. I just want to move to Spain.

The beautiful oceanside view of Barcelona.

The cheetah girls 2.0

We took a skyline over the city of Barcelona.

The nightmare behind Auschwitz

Auschwitz II also known as Birkenau where about 90% of victims were murdered.

History has never been my favorite subject, in fact every time someone would bring it up my mind spaced off. I’ve never been interested in learning anything about the past to be honest. However, as I made my way into Auschwitz I’ve never been struck with so much knowledge that kept me wanting to know more. I remember watching boy in the striped pajamas in high school and still not wrapping my head around the fact that millions of people were killed in the 1940s for either being a Jew, Polish, or simply going against Hilter's viewpoint of the perfect race.

Thousands of pan that were collected by the Nazis when they took the Jew's luggage.

More items taken from the victims.

Just a little glimpse of the room that was filled with shoes.

I however was not prepared for what I witnessed at Auschwitz. I was walking the halls as Nazi soldiers, I was in gas chambers where a million Jews were murdered. I saw piles of shoes that were left behind. Let me tell you when I saw pile of shoes it is an understatement. A room filled from top to bottom of shoes. In the same block we saw a room filled with hair of women that were murdered. My heart dropped, tears starting coming down. The soldiers would shave the women's heads before sending them off to the gas chambers. We weren't allowed to take pictures in this room and quite frankly I understand why. This block also had children's clothes displayed. In this room we saw piles of everything possible that could've been left behind. In a room there were suitcases, the suitcases had names because the Nazi soldiers told the Jews to label their suitcases. I could read actual names of victims. As I left that block I've never felt more disgusted about the evil behind the Nazis. We walked through the prisons where they kept the Jews or polish before they would execute them.

Baby clothes and shoes that were displayed.

 When the Jews would arrive to the camps they were selected, those that would go to work at the camp and those who would be put into the gas chamber. Usually women and children were sent to the gas chamber because they were "useless" only those who would benefit the Nazi would live. The Nazi's would tell the Jews they were being relocated to have a better life because they were not wanted in their countries. They would tell the children they were going to take a shower but instead were taking into gas chambers. It is hard to believe that the Holocaust happened. That innocent people were killed because they were different.I don't believe there is an excuse for what the Nazi's did and I hope history never repeats itself.

Inside the gas chamber.

I don't believe my body has ever felt so many chills as it did when I stood in one of the remaining gas chambers in Auschwitz. All the others were burned down by the Nazi's so they would hide all proofs of the evil they did. About 1.1 million people were killed in Auschwitz. What I don't understand is how the Nazi's were capable of doing this for so long? How could the world stand aside and watch innocent people get killed? Our tour guide told us that 1-2 years after the camps were shut down, victims opened the camp as a museum and gave tours. Its fascinating to me how so quickly after this chaos victims were telling their stories. I could not imagine reliving my nightmare every time I gave a tour. 

Everyday is a new chapter in history. Some chapters are longer than others, some we wish we could skip, some we wish we could replay. The holocaust has made an impact on our lives whether we know it or not. It is its own story that leaves us speechless but pushes us to be better in today's world. As awful as the Nazis were it is up to us to make sure history never repeats itself and to honor those innocent victims that were murdered by Hilter.

Hungary for an Adventure

Welcome to Grandio Party Hostel!

So I was Hungary for an adventure this weekend...and an adventure we got. So we booked a hostel without looking much into it because it was really cheap! Well, right when we walked in this place was the definition of a party hostel. The employees jumped out of the bar to greet us and were yelling for each other to check us in. The bar was the reception. I was crying in the inside because I was so terrified. I've never experienced anything like this before. As we sat down and filled out our check in sheets and conversed with the employees I felt a little better. These people were the prime example of free spirit. I gave the hostel and then a chance because well I'm in Europe, I'm going to encounter things that push me out of my comfort zone but that's what makes an adventure.

We got the keys to our room and the Russell Brand looking guy walked us over. The room was bright with awful lighting and writing on the wall everywhere! I sat down and just laughed to myself. Our roommates in the hostel turned out to be American too that was studying in Vienna! I've never been so happy to English before. We had some French girls as well who were super sweet. As the night went on they invited us to go out with them and even the employees came into our room inviting us to join them for the night. The employees were the coolest people I have ever met. They helped us with everything we needed, they drew us a map to get around Budapest, gave us the best places to eat, helped us tickets to our boat cruise and baths.

These baths were probably the greatest thing I've done so far.

Hannah, Aubrey, and I enjoying our wine on a boat tour.

Budapest has been on my bucket list so I had my Pinterest board filled with ideas for the weekend. My two main things were getting a boat tour of the city and doing the famous baths. Both were accomplished and neither one disappointed me. As we experienced the nightlife of Budapest, I was so fascinated by the beauty of the city. I didn't get to hear much of the history of Budapest but we had 7 different kind of Hungarian wine and heard all the facts about that so pretty much the same thing?

This trip however was great not because of what I saw but of who I met and what I learned from them. Yes, if you ask anyone in my group they would say I stayed in the scariest hostel ever. Trust me I thought that at first too. But I actually envy the people that worked my hostel and even the people of Budapest. They don't care about anything.. They're so free... They're having the time of their lives by working in something they love. I don't know but too me that all I want in life. I want to stop caring what other people think of me or live up to their expectations. I met so many people this week who just travel wherever they want, whenever they want. I only have 2 more months to do that before I can't do that no more.

I'm obsessed with Budapest's nightlife views.

This weekend was more eyes opening then anything. I got to experience the culture in Budapest hand on hand. This is city is known for its crazy nightlife and free spirit people. I'm in Europe; I'm never going to experience weekends like this back home! I wouldn't change this weekend for anything, not even staying at a sketchy hostel. Who knows where I'll go next week or next month but I know it'll be just as amazing if not more than this week.

Another great picture with my partners in crime.

I'm so lucky to have Hannah and Aubrey in this trip with me to experience sketchy hostel stories and just laugh about our weekend. These girls have become my partners in crime which makes missing home a little easier. So, what was learned from this weekend... YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT AND STOP CARING WHAT OTHERS THINK.

Sappy post alert:

To my friends back home... I always hated being left out of things and of course you guys knew that. I've never been so happy to waking up to 5 minute long snap stories of you guys at formal with a cut out of me. Having friends like the ones I do back home is why I get homesick so much. Who else has best friends that take a cut out of you too formal? And send miss you snaps and viber messages like every waking minute. I am blessed with such an amazing opportunity overseas and what I would do to have all of you guys here with me. There's not one thing that I do that doesn't remind me of one you.. I go to an art museum and I know how much Kami would love this. Or I go to a club.. All I want is Bridgette breaking her moves here. I could write forever about how much I appreciate you guys but this blog is about my trip to Budapest not me at formal. I love you all. See you in 62 days.

Yes, my best friends took me to formal.

Reason #1232534543 why I miss my best friends.

A weekend away

Trio visiting Prague (our favorite city so far) once again.

 A weekend away from Olomouc

I've learned to love the Czech Republic and nothing more. This weekend we took our first field trip to the Czech Republic. Even though I've visited the city before I was not disappointed with Prague once again. I've gathered more knowledge and history within this city that it amazes me how I've have not known about Prague before this trip. Between the Prague castle and Jewish quarters, my mind is in constant motion about the historical landmarks I've walked on.

The Prague castle has been #3 on my bucket list for a few years now. My legs were trembling as I walked into the massive architecture. It amazes me how life back in the day was like I wish I could go back in time and experience first hand. The lifestyle here continues to amaze me everyday.  Prague was a little too packed this time around since everyone was around for the holiday. I was a little upset about all the tourist scattered throughout all of Prague since I felt like I couldn’t enjoy any of the historic landmarks without running over someone.

What is Jessica and I without food?

However, Prague wasn't the only city the Nebraskans visited this weekend. We took our journey to Germany on Saturday. I was absolutely fascinating by the beauty behind the city. The amazing thing about Europe is you can always expect something new and extraordinary in every city you visit. I'm someone who is mesmerized by structure and complexion of buildings. Dresden proved to be nothing but amazing to me. I wish I could've spent more time in Germany. Dresden is definitely a place I will visit again in my future.

We endured countless stairs and a chilly breeze but eventually made it to the top of the church in Dresden.

The Europeans are so use to the beautiful structure that they seem to look at me weird when I sit there with my camera taking non stop selfies. They don't understand what a beautiful country they live in. I've notice I am much too friendly compared to the civilians in Europe. I find myself walking the streets with nothing but a smile on my face but they have no emotions or reactions. This is a beautiful world we live in and I don't think everyone appreciates the land we walk on.

I've found myself a little homesick these past few days since this was my first Easter without my family. It's hard to be thousands of miles away from the people you love. I would do anything to have them here enjoying this trip with me. My family members are history nerds that I know they would love the city of Dresden and Prague as much as I did. I also never thought I'd miss free water or bathrooms as much as I do. Everyday is a new lesson to me. Everyday is a new experience. I never know what to expect and it amazes me how intriguing life is over here. I don't have a set schedule or even a set plan for these next few months.

 

Until next time Dresden & Prague

Week 1= Success

Walking on the Charles Bridge with my lovely friend, Aubrey.

            It feels like just yesterday I was on the emotional plane ride to the Czech Republic. As I landed in Prague and avenged into a new city with a new group of friends all sorts of emotions were running through my mind. Within minutes of stepping foot onto the city of Prague I instantly fell in love. The architecture of the city is beautiful. I’m so use to my small town barns, fields of corn and cows that Prague was jaw dropping. The weather was a little bit too chilly for my likings especially since I left Nebraska when it was 70-degree weather.  The first few days in Prague, we toured New Town, Old town, the Charles Bridge, John Lennon’s wall, and the Jewish Quarter. Everything in Prague has a story. We could stand in New Town for 2 hours and still not know all the facts behind the square. I was fascinated by all the history behind this beautiful city. 

Clark, Aubrey, and I enjoying our first days in Prague. It took us 2 hours to find the John Lennon Wall but it was so worth it.

The only reason I survived first day of orientation. Free food. This sandwich had potato salad, which I love.

As 2:30p Sunday slowly approached, I had mixed emotions about leaving the city of Prague and moving to Olomouc. We arrived late Sunday night so I didn’t get to see much of the town. At first I was super upset about how different everything seemed from what past peers have told me. The dorms were nothing what I expected, the weather was colder than before, the dorms were nowhere near anything, etc. However, as we began orientation and got to experience Olomouc in daylight it soon grew on me. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming made me miss home a little less. We sat through power points of the rest of the semester and I had goose bumps. This trip was going to fly by since we had something planned every weekend. We met our professors Jan, Martin, and Katka, which have so far proven to be very helpful. Even the small town of Olomouc had so much history. Even our university proved to be pretty historical. The first few days of class were a little stressful for me. I never expected my Czech language class to be so difficult. I’m a fast learner but I am struggling learning this new language. The language barrier is more than I anticipated. The people of Olomouc speak little to no English, which is stressful when trying to communicate with them. When it comes to ordering out I almost play a guessing game and if something sounds familiar I order it. Sometimes we get lucky and our menus are in English too or we have a translator with us. So far, I’ve fallen in love with the potato salad here like ask anyone in my group I ask for it everywhere! I’m a picky eater so trying new meals scare me a little. I have tried a few good Czech meals but nothing beats the fried cheese here. However, I have fallen in love with every dessert I’ve had here. I don’t understand how everyone here is so thin! All I’ve done here is try new treats and drink beer. I’m still trying to find out the European secret.

Aubrey and I eating a Trdelnik with Nutella. One of the most delicious treats I’ve ever had.

Olomouc, my home away from home.

As I wrap up my first week in Olomouc, this town will become my home I can already feel it. The people in my group will become my family since they’ve already seen me at my worst. My roommate Hannah is such an amazing person that I know I will leave Europe with a best friend. I know my friendships here will soon become life long friendships. I miss home a little everyday and try to connect to Wi-Fi as much as I can. The hardest thing for me is not being able to share this experience with my family or my best friends back home. I want everyone to know that I am having the time of my life here. 

Brzy se uvidíme!