#8 Field Trip post 2- Kromeriz!

Field Trip to Kromeriz!

            It seemed a little strange to even me at first that I decided to write my seventh blog post on our half-day field trip to the town and castle of Kromeriz in the Czech Republic. It sounds silly, but this has been one of my favorite class field trips so far, so it is definitely worthy of a blog post! So in this one, I’ll let you know a general idea of what we did, and my thoughts on it all!

            Firstly, an overview of the trip. We left Olomouc at 9 AM on the bus and headed to Kromeriz. It was about an hour-long ride, which was perfect for a little nap.  Once we got there, we started our tour of the Bishops Palace or Chateau and I have to say, it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! There are some really pretty hedge or bush designs with flowers in the courtyard. Inside the Chateau, it was also really cool to see things like chandeliers made of Bohemian glass, hunting trophies, original marble furniture, some amazing art, and the original bed that the Bishop slept in. Unfortunately, they did not allow us to take pictures, which probably wouldn’t have done it justice anyway! The coolest part to me though, were the libraries. They had about 4 rooms that we were able to see, with some of the oldest books in there (the oldest dates back to the 9^th century)! It was originally made to be a public library, and still is. Martin explained to us that people could still go there and check out a book to read! After seeing the Chateau, we went to the Bishops Garden. It is a huge enclosure and is absolutely beautiful. There are mazes, some bright and gorgeous flowers, fountains, and some really pretty trails to walk on. After walking around the garden, we got some lunch, and headed back to Olomouc! 

            The first thing I liked most about it was that it was only a half of a day. While I would have preferred not to have class when we got back, it was still nice to have it so condensed. We didn’t have to pack anything, we were only gone for 5 hours, and we got to see quite a bit! Another aspect that I liked was that it was a guided tour, and even though the tour guide spoke Czech, we had Martin to translate for us! This made it really nice because then we knew what we were looking at and what things were, as opposed to going to a museum and looking at things with the descriptions being in Czech and German (or any other language besides English). Finally, the aspect I liked the most, was that it was totally different than our other field trips. We have been to plenty of castles, we’ve seen lots of churches, and toured many museums. But this was the first Chateau that we could really see what it looked like back in the time it was used (original furniture, etc.) and that really helped me remember and visualize the history. We also got to see some unique things that haven't been in other castles or museums, like the library and the gardens, which were so interesting to me! 

            Overall, even though it was a half-day trip, it was one of the best ones we’ve been on, in my opinion! The trip was a fun way to learn about the history of the Bishops in the Czech Republic. I definitely recommend the trip to future Czech study abroad groups!

Courtyard in Kromeriz Chateau

A small entrance portion to the Kromeriz Garden

A view overlooking part of the Garden

#5) Daily Life..Blog 6 for the Week of 4/20

"What Exactly Do You Even Do There?!"
I get that all of the time...

My mom has been wondering, my friends all are asking, and my boyfriend is questionable. They all ask what I'm filling my days with, and if I'm doing anything besides hanging out with my friends and going on trips. The answer is...yes, sort of! My sixth blog post is about what I do on an "average" day. 

Since we dont really have a set "schedule" and our weeks never seem to be the same as the one previous, my day-to-day schedule seems to change often. But, for the days that we have class and are in Olomouc, my days are usually pretty busy! Usually, on Mondays-Thursdays, we have class from 3pm-7:30 ish. So, we are free before and after that time. On those days, I find myself doing things I would normally be doing in America, such as grocery shopping, doing my laundry, and trying to work out (that seems to be happening less than it was in America, which was minimal to begin with!). I also run various errands, such as go to the post office, the phone store, and the train station. After class, I usually have some homework from my Czech Language class to do, and often times I'm writing blog posts! My sleeping schedule has not been the best, as I usually stay up watching movies or FaceTiming and sleep in since class isn't until the afternoon. Sometimes at night, usually on Mondays and Wednesdays, we go to the bars for country-themed parties. Some themed parties that we have been to have been Turkey, Italian, African, and others. American night will be sometime in May!

On Fridays and weekends, anything goes. If we're in town on Friday, we have class from 10:30AM until 1:00 in the afternoon. After class, people mostly leave to go various other places for the weekend, or we leave on a field trip. Which brings me to my next point, weekends. I have only been in Olomouc for two weekends, and unfortunately, I dont think I will be again for the rest of my time here. My weekends have been and will be full with field trips and personal trips with friends. For example, we are going to Terezín, Czech Republic with our class this coming Saturday. The next weekend my friends and I are planning a trip to Croatia (still up in the air!), and then we will be with the class on the weekend after in Krakow and Auschwitz, then Budapest, next Bohemia, and then finally Greece! I will be very busy in the next month! However, as much as I love the field trips, its not all fun and games! So yes, we have been doing some very worthwhile things. We have been learning so much every single day, and that has been the best part!

This week's schedule and our lecture topics

I was not so happy about carrying my extremely heavy Globus grocery bag back to our dorms

#10) Personal Excursions: Spring Break

Little Bit'a Italy...
Venice --> Cinque Terre --> Pisa --> Florence --> Rome
There are so many words I could use to sum up this last week that I spent on Spring Break in Italy, but I think I will stick with "amazingly overwhelming". That works, right? We spent our time from Saturday, April 11th through Sunday, April 19th exploring everything Italy had to offer us and I must say, we were never in one spot for long! For an overview, we started out in Venice, then headed to Cinque Terre, next Pisa and Florence, then finished it off with Rome! Phew. Our activities ranged from swimming in the ocean and tanning on the beach, to hiking, to trying some new food, to touring historical sites, and to seeing some amazing buildings, sunsets, and other things! Here are my feelings and thoughts about my past week:

1) We've got it pretty good in the Czech, and even better in the US!

• My first realization of this was when I sat down for lunch, ordered a glass of water and a pizza. The pizza was great (its Italy!) and the water was nice, but when I got my ticket, my heart nearly stopped! This very average and typical lunch cost me 16 euros! That's more than $17. Things like a "sitting fee" and actually paying for water start to add up! I realize that paying for water in Europe is standard, even in the Czech, but it never gets easier forking over 3 dollars for a bottle of water that's for sure! 
• The city (city transportation, bathrooms, etc.) systems are gross. The public bathrooms (that you have to pay for might I add) look like a gorilla was in there, smashing things, throwing it's waste around, and leaving trash everywhere. Busses are crammed, and so hot. And I have yet to find a water fountain! However, it is super convenient that you can get from one side of the city to another without having to drive a car, by using trams and busses. 

2) History is really, really cool.

• It is still so strange for me, to grasp what I'm seeing every day. The Coliseum, Vatican, Leaning Tower...I'm waking up in cities where these things are. The craziest part was learning the significance of these buildings and monuments and the role they played in the history of our world. I just kept thinking to myself...."I am walking where someone died. I am laying on a patch of grass that someone probably laid on 500 years ago. Etc. Etc.". Doesn't that blow your mind? It continues to blow mine. I am in pure amazement and I have loved every single second of soaking up the views, history, and architecture of Italy!

3) I have met some amazing people.

• I got to spend the week with 5 other students, who have taught me so much. Not only have I grown as a person but I have learned so much about other people as well. I have become so close with what seems like every person on our study abroad trip, and even closer with those I spent spring break with! We spent every moment planning, traveling, stressing, and having fun together! This experience has made me a more tolerable and open person and I think it will be absolutely helpful in my professional and personal future.

As you can see, spring break wasn't all fun and games for us, we learned quite a bit too! I absolutely loved our trip and I would recommend Italy to anyone. My favorite part was probably Cinque Terre and getting to spend time on the beach! However, I do enjoy getting to tour historical sites as well, so it was an all around life changing and amazing experience. These moments are near and dear to me, and I treasure my time here in Europe. I can't wait to see what the next 5 weeks have in store!

The Vatican!

Holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa :)

The Coliseum!

#2- Academic Life.

We Actually Have to go to School?! 

I feel I am obligated this week to write about the Academic Life here at Palacky University in Olomouc. The reason I feel this way, is because I keep getting the typical, “do you do ANYTHING besides have fun there?” from anyone and everyone that I talk to at home! So, here’s your proof, people!

Let me start out first by saying how incredible it is to study in buildings built hundreds and hundreds of years ago! The architecture is fantastic, and the views are breathtaking. Some of the buildings, such as the library, dorms, and others were used in connection with the Communist troops in the past. Despite their prior use, the history and buildings themselves are so interesting.

Now about the classes (think topics such as: “CEEC’s and the EU: Economic Dimension”, “Europe’s Internal Borders”, and others like this). They are from 3 pm until about 7:30 pm 3 times a week. On Fridays, classes are from 10:30 am until 1 pm. We usually have an hour and a half lecture, followed by our “Intro to the Czech Language” class for forty-five minutes, and then another hour and a half lecture. Now, I am an education and special education major at UNK. Anyone and everyone can tell you that they are very hands-on classes, there’s not much sitting down, and there are lots of discussions that take place. The dynamic is very different here though, in that a standard class is just a lecture. The professor stands at the front of the room and lectures to the students who take notes, no discussion and no hands-on work. Additionally, I really do not know much about politics or economics, so while I am thankful I’m learning something about these topics, I do which I knew more so I could understand better in class. However, I have found that when I take notes, I am learning so much and I do get interested in the topics!

There you have it mom, I am going to class and learning something! I am so thankful to be here and be able to go to school at Palacky University. It is an incredible experience that I could not find anywhere else!

Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci 

One of the buildings at our school!

Hanging out in the courtyard before class started in the first week.

#5 Cultural Comparisons

Cultural Comparisons 
Czech --> USA

One of the best things about the Czech so far, has been how much it teaches me about my own country. So far, this has been a huge learning experience, in more ways than one. Every day I learn something new about the Czech culture that makes me think, “That is way different than home”. While this is good for me, to step out of my comfort zone, it also makes me realize how much I take for granted in America. I touched on a few topics in an earlier post such as the prices of things (it is so cheap here), how beer is cheaper than water, and others. Here are a few things that are different in my culture v. the Czech culture:

1.     Religion.

            Religion has always been a big part of my life, and I enjoy going to church often. When I was growing up, my family would go every week, and since in college, I try and go as much as possible. Religion is all over in America, and not just in my personal experiences. We have presidents who publicly announce their belief in God; the statistical information shows that many Americans claim a religious belief, and many other situations. Here in the Czech Republic, despite the beautiful and huge cathedrals, religion is viewed much differently. It is considered very personal, and most people do not like talking about it. It is one of the most secular countries in Europe, with many people claiming Atheism.  While that may sound alarming, I have yet to see it affect any daily communication, actions, or anything of that nature when I’m in contact with someone from the Czech Republic.

2.     Social Life

            I have touched on it in an earlier blog post, but Czechs are very different people, socially. While they love to drink beer, and hang out with friends, it is much different. If you were to experience a Czech person in day-to-day life, they are very quiet, somber, and honest people. They don’t smile at you on the street if they don’t know you, if you ask them, “How are ya?”, they’ll tell you honestly (I think a professor said something along the lines of, “They will say ‘I’m shit today’”), and they are extremely quiet on places like the tram, shops, and the street.

            My description might sound rough and might make them sound mean, but in reality, Czech people are also very kind. I have met so many great people and have learned so much from each one of them.

3.     Transportation

            Transportation here is so different than in America! I believe it is this way almost anywhere in Europe, but you could live every day and go all over without ever owning a car. Even the smaller towns and cities have public transportation such as a tram and bus system to get you across town and such, that operate from 4 AM- 11:30 PM. Additionally, there are trains and busses that will take you to other cities and countries for really cheap. We have taken the train to and from Prague, and the tickets were something like $12 USD. The other side to public transportation though, is that you have to walk everywhere. Never in my life has walking 5 miles a day  (to/from class, to/from tram stop, to/from lunch, etc.) become average, maybe low mileage at best. It is really awesome, and I believe this is part of the reason that I have hardly seen any over weight people!

            I didn’t ever think I could go without my car, and while I do miss it, I realize that I really could do some walking instead of driving. I also decided that I will never take for granted being able to drive where I want, when I want!

At the end of the day, I have realized that even though there are so many cultural differences, I am just meeting a bunch of other people who are looking for what I am: friends, education, and learning experiences. I have met some new friends and have done some amazing things, but I’m not done yet! I am learning new differences between the Czechs and Americans every day, and I can’t wait to find out what’s next!  

Despite their Atheism, Czech's have some pretty astonishing statistics in their favor...

Huge cathedral in our hometown Olomouc