Trying out my Travel Legs

Bohemian Blues (Homesick)

Sometimes you need your Mommy

For those of you that don't know, the Czech Republic is separated into two regions, Bohemia and Moravia. The field trip this weekend we spent in Prague, which is Bohemia, but we also traveled to Moravia on a day trip, but more on Moravia later. While I am not normally one to show my emotion, everything on our field trip made me want to cry. I'm not exaggerating when I say the sandwich I ate for lunch, the way some said a certain word, and anytime I heard English made me feel so emotional. I also hated the hostel, but I am so incredibly weird about where and how I sleep that sometimes I don't even want to sleep at a family members house, but never the less it was a struggle. I spent Thursday crying in the hostel in my room alone because I had no way to contact anyone at home because of the horrible wifi, I spent Saturday crying in the shower because I felt so alone, and Monday crying because a joke I played back fired on me. I know this starts this post off in such a somber way, but I wanted to address the issue and not sugar coat my experience here. I think the homesickness really set in because of my lack of communication. It is so different being away in another state because you can call whomever or text whomever you want without any restrictions, in Europe I have to relay completely on wifi which is difficult. I also think that coming back to Prague my subconscious thought my trip was over and it was time to go back to The States when in reality I am only twenty something days into my journey. The homesickness was aided by finally finding wifi and talking to my Mommy and other friends back home. Even if I didn't tell you I was homesick this weekend, know that you helped so much just by communicating with me in anyway, and I thank you so incredibly much for that. 

Prague, Czech Republic 

John Lennon wall.  An appreciation for little things. 

However, this homesickness did not hinder me from having a fairly decent time in Prague. I had already been to Prague at the beginning of trip, so I wasn't too excited to go back, but the way that Jan and Martin explained the history gave me a new appreciation for the area. I loved seeing the Charles Bridge, Prague Caste, and the John Lennon wall through their historical eyes. The city is so incredibly beautiful I am not sure I could ever get enough(as long as I don't have to stay in that hostel ever again.)

Changing of The Guard. Military band playing. 

We visited the royal palace while in Prague which was a little anticlimactic for me. It was a very cool place, but was not exactly what I envisioned. However, while we were there we saw the ceremonial changing of the guards which was such an awesome experience. I also got to visit the old jewish ghetto which was incredibly eye opening. As a person that's has  never had their religion, race, or occupation persecuted against its hard to fathom what that would be like. Seeing first hand what the Czech Jewish community has gone through for thousands of years was incredibly eye opening. 

The Old New Synagogue

I honestly could not imagine being a part of a race and religion that has always had something against them, and commend their faith for sticking to their beliefs. While on our tour of the  Jewish quarters we saw the oldest synagogue in Europe, 'The Old New Synagogue.' I'm not one hundred percent sure what I expected out of the view of the Synagogue but what I saw was no where near what I thought I would see. Which was a surprise I welcomed with open arms. On another note of religion, I also was able to attend Easter mass at  St. Vitus Cathedral while in Prague. The service was in Czech so even the devout Catholics felt out of place, but it was still somewhat comforting to be in the house of God on the day celebrating his accession into Heaven. However,  I did miss the booming voice of the pastor in tiny Wheaten, Kansas that I hear every Easter spreading the news, "He is risen, He is risen indeed."  I am so blessed with this experience and so happy I got to experience Prague in a new way.

Dresden, Germany

Dresden Frauenkirche

During our field trip to Prague we got to take a quick day trip to Dresden, Germany which was absolutely impeccable. I'm not sure if it was a change in pace from the Czechs or if it was a true shift in attitude but I felt so much more welcome in Dresden. We didn't do a lot of things, but none the less the city now has a special place in my heart. Dresden, holds the most important Lutheran church in Europe, the Dresden Frauenkirche. Being a Lutheran it was a nice change a pace to walk in to a sanctuary I felt comfortable and almost strange feeling of home in, instead of the Catholic churches we walk in to almost daily.  I also got to pose with the man himself, Martin Luther in front of the church before we went in. While at this church we also climbed to the top of the steeple and saw beautiful views of the city of Dresden.  The end of the day was spend viewing art work in the famous museum, 'Old Masters Gallery.' The museum  was quite interesting but without headphones or English explanations my interpretations felt subpar to what was truly meant by the artist.

Old  Masters Gallery

The city felt so unbelievably safe and homey, but as much as I wanted to stay there I knew Olomouc was calling my name and I needed to come home. I am so blessed to have seen two beautiful cities in one weekend I couldn't be happier to be studying abroad in Europe.