My version of a snickers bar!

So guys I have finally had my version of a Snickers bar and calmed down a bit since my last post.  I know it seemed as if I hated it here, but I was just frustrated by getting used to the way they live in the Czech.  I have found a couple of cute coffee shops to sit in the peace and quiet to journal and enjoy the rainy days.  The baristas in Olomouc have a spectacular talent at making their coffee look like a masterpiece.  They look so good that I don't want to drink it!!!

 

Besides the delicious coffee and rainy days we have started our first week of school.  Czech language is not a pretty language, but it is an amazing one to learn.  I have only learned a couple of words to get by and I feel super accomplished.  Our history class has only been about the politics in the Czech Republic and I have learned that they do not like their president in the slightest bit.  Since our classes aren't until later on in the day we have plenty of time kill to get things done like, grocery shopping, laundry, and homework.  Some of my favorites have been getting a crepe or a pancake before class with a group of friends.  The crepes and pancakes are super thin and are going to probably be my number one food that I crave on a daily basis and cannot get once back in Nebraska. 

Some of the foods that I miss here in the Czech are homemade vegan mac n' cheese and fajitas.  I know once I am back in the states those will be the first two things that I get a hold of to indulge in.  I know this isn't a lot of new information about what has gone on, but I figured I should post again in a more positive note since my last once was pretty negative.  We leave for Prague in three days and I will have plenty to say after that trip! Cant wait to tell you all about it. Until next time!!!









Slight frustrations in the Czech

Well it has been one week since leaving Nebraska and living in the Czech Republic. A lot of frustrations have occurred in the short period of time while being here.
 
1. The people here are not very kind... They have no filter and honestly don't care about other's feelings.  Now this isn't just with Americans, but with people from the Czech as well.

2. Wifi and water are not as available here as they are in Nebraska.  Luckily I have wifi in the union on campus, but it isn't in common places around town.  This is hard because a lot of us students communicate using our phones in wifi.  The water situation is ridiculous because you have to pay for water in any place that you eat! Which leads me to my next point.

3. Money.  Everything costs something around here.  You must pay to use the bathroom in public places.  The "free" chips on the table are not free, they cost something.  A to-go box costs money.  Everything has a price.

4. The smoking around here is very common.  A lot of places such as pubs and restaurants allow smoking.  this wouldn't be as bad if our clothes didn't smell like this afterward.

5. Globus (their Walmart), is very overwhelming.  If you could imagine Walmart being about 4 times the size, then you have just envisioned this grocery store.  The size of the store isn't the frustrating part.  The frustrating part is that to use a cart you must pay for it (go figure) and things that should be together like chips and bread, are not!  The chips could be next to the deodorant that is next to the garden and supplies. 

Needless to say we have been all so frustrated with these things. Although, it is all part of the experience.  I know it seems as if I have been super negative, but a lot of positives have occurred.  I am starting to finally understand the Czech language a little bit and can some what pick up on a few words being said.  I am starting to understand the Tram station and my way around Olomouc.  I have also met some of the most interesting people in our group and from other countries that I wouldn't trade my time here for the world. 

 

These are some of the amazing girls in our group from Nebraska.  This picture was taken at one of the clubs in town meant for foreign exchange students during St. Patrick's day.  All of us girls including some that are not shown is this picture get along extremely well, which is a huge relief since we are so far away from home.  Some of the most enjoyable trips that I have had with these girls is hiking, seeing the inside of a cave, and enjoying the amazing views here in Olomouc.

 

 

These pictures that I have been posting absolutely do not give the views that we can see justice.  All I can say is everyone should come visit central Europe at some point in their lifetime.  Enjoy the struggles that I have stated above, the culture, food, people, history, and the sights.  I cannot wait to post more pictures and share more of my experiences.  Until then, enjoy your free water and readily available wifi. Laters! 

 

First couple of days!

Czech it out! (Haha get it?) I have survived the first couple of days in Prague. The flights weren't as bad as a lot of people make them out to be. We had a long layover in France and majority of us took a little snoozy to try and catch up on sleep. We also had our first legal drink woohoo!!! Once we arrived in Prague we took a tram, bus, and then walked to our hostel. Our hostel is called the Mosaic House, this is one of the newer hostels here in Prague. Once we got settled in our group went to a traditional Czech pub.  The food here is a lot of meat, which is hard for being vegetarian, and a lot of potatoes. As our trip continues I have found some delicious risottos and veggie bagel sandwiches. On day two of our adventures we hit up a free tour in the old time square.  We learned so much history in our three hour walk.  We saw the astronomical clock, Prague castle, Jewish synagogue, Saint James Church, and the Charles bridge. These are just a few of the many places we have seen today.  This adventure has finally started and I can't wait to share many more experiences. Much love to all!

-Ali

Saying goodbye can be so hard...

 

Hostel in Prague

 

First Czech Beer

Astronomical Clock

 

Catholic Church

Only how many pairs of shoes???

The packing has begun... Packing seems easy at first, until you start to realize that the awesome jacket that you want takes up too much room or you have the problem in realizing that your suitcase is just going to be too heavy.  I am allowed one check in bag at only 50 lbs. and two carry on bags, one being a purse or backpack.  My goal is to bring my check in at proper weight and then one carry on.  This will help me when I have to lug all my stuff around. It is less stuff to focus on and make sure I don't lose.  I have everything fairly organized and separated into carry on, shirts, pants, bathroom stuff, and so on.  I start with the bathroom stuff and then file everything in after and let me tell you the bathroom stuff takes up a lot more room than you think. Therefor, if you are going to be doing a trip like this in the future leave the flat iron behind it takes up too much room and it adds weight to the luggage.  The hardest part about packing to me is the amount of shoes I can bring.  If I could I would bring a whole suitcase full of them, but I can't...  I am allotting myself one pair of walking/hiking shoes, a casual pair, and flip flops.  Fingers crossed I can make it nearly three months.  Just kidding! I know I can make the whole time. (: My animals on the other hand I don't think can.  My puppy and cat were laying on everything and getting into everything as I was packing as if they didn't  want me to go.  I am sure going to miss everyone.  Only two days till I am on a plane heading to Prague.  Until then be ready for the airport adventures that I will be having! Laters!

Organization is Key!

Can you see my kitty?

Finally all packed...
phew!

I'm rich!!! Oh wait...

Ahoj! (casual hello in Czech)I am so excited to finally start my blog and filling everyone in on my adventures.  To start our group only has less than eight days till we say goodbye to our friends and family and depart for this experience of a lifetime.  Preparing for this trip has been a long haul in only a short few months.  I know I am not the only one, but I have been working everyday since Christmas break trying to make as much money as possible.  I would love to thank my grandparents, my brother, and both of my loving parents for also helping me out in many ways that I cannot even express my gratitude  With work taking up majority of my time I did not start planning much until last week.  No worries though!!!  I have finally purchased everything I need for my travels and have handled some important errands like going to the bank, which is a pretty important errand if you ask me.  I have gotten some Czech money already so I am prepared when I go and don't have to go to an ATM immediately after we land.  As you can see it looks as if I am rich, but PSYCH! In reality 100 Korun is actually the equivalent to about 5 US dollars.  I guess I better work a little bit more... OH WAIT! Only three more days of that.  Be prepared for some later posts on packing and reading my struggles on how I can only bring a couple pairs of shoes, great.. Much love to all!  Sbohem (farewell in Czech).

-Ali