Field Trip: Terezin

8)

Dobry den!

I can’t believe I can say I have been studying abroad in the Czech Republic for a little over a month. There are so many things I have done and places I have seen yet so many more to do and places to see! Yesterday, we woke up early on a beautiful Saturday morning to get ready for our next field trip. The bus arrived at our dorms to pick us up at 6:30 a.m. so we could be on our way. The bus ride was 4 hours long and consisted of my classmates and I doing a lot of sleeping. I can say that not many of us are morning people but being able to sleep on the bus makes up for it all. The place we went to is Terezin. In our recent history classes, we had begun discussing the Holocaust and what the Czech Republic was before it officially became the Czech Republic. We knew that the field trip to Terezin wasn’t going to be about having fun as it a grim part of the history here.

            Terezin is a concentration camp that was used by the Nazis. It was turned into a Jewish ghetto during World War I where lots of Jewish people unfortunately passed away or were killed. As we walked up to the sight, the first thing I saw was this.

A big cross was placed in front of a mass grave. When I looked at the different stones, it saddened me to see only numbers instead of names on them. Unfortunately, there was a fee if we wanted to take pictures during the tour so I decided not to use a camera. Our tour guide was a young woman who seemed passionate and very knowledgeable about the Terezin camp. She began our tour and gave us information about the awful experiences Jewish people had to go through. We walked through the reception area, where prisoners had to check in. They lost their identity and received a number here. I felt sad when I heard this. I began thinking how horrible it would be to have my name stripped from me and only be recognized by a number throughout my life. Throughout the tour we looked at the living conditions, which seemed unbearable. There were 3 bunks on top of each other where several beings had to sleep extremely close to each other. We learned they were given only small portions of food each day and were put to labor for at least 12 hours of the day. They were hardly able to shower and sometimes not shower at all. Jewish people had it the worst of all. Some of the rooms in the camp did not have beds at all and Jewish people were made to stand while they slept in a small crowded room full of 70 people. Several rooms were filled up to even six times their capacity.

            An experience I will not forget during the tour is walking through a tunnel, where the victims had to walk through that would lead to their execution. It was a 5 to 8 minute walk. Now, they have small lights in the tunnel so visitors can see but back then it was full of darkness. We were shown where the prisoners had to line up and be shot and also where some were hung to their death. Seeing all this made me extremely sad. I almost felt guilty, as I was getting hungry wondering when we were going to eat next. I can’t imagine being a prisoner where I would hardly get a meal and that meal would only be soup or just a small piece of bread each day. Seeing sights like this and learning about what people in the past had to go through makes me that much more grateful of the life I live. It reminds me that I should complain less and enjoy what I do have instead of wishing upon things that I don’t have.

            I have always enjoyed learning about the Holocaust and feel privileged to have now seen a concentration camp. I can’t stand knowing that people had to live through these conditions. Several were not able to survive because of many spreading diseases, hard labor and lack of food. This field trip was not a ‘fun’ experience but a very educational one.

Field Trip: Vienna & Venice

7)

One of my favorite parts of my study abroad adventure is the fieldtrips we get to take in the program. It gives me insight on the culture and happenings of places around the world. Hands-on learning and sightseeing is a fantastic way for me to learn. Our most recent trip was to Vienna, Austria and Venice, Italy.

First of all, I enjoy the train/bus rides to our destinations. I am able to bond and hang out with my professors and classmates while we make our way to different places. We have fun, laugh, tell stories and take pictures of each other sleeping. It’s a great time to catch up on sleep but also check out the sights on the way.

In Vienna, we were able to attend a “horse show” and check out the museum of natural history. The horse show involved us standing around an arena watching different trainers ride around on the horses. Unfortunately no tricks were involved, as it was only training for the horses. Most of the horses were a beautifully white like the ones I used to dream about owning as a little girl. It was a very interesting experience to say the least. The museum of natural history had so much to look at. I really enjoyed going to this museum. They had rocks from everywhere that were so beautiful. They ranged from big to small, from granite to rubies, and found in a variety of places around the world. I have never been one to collect rocks but couldn’t help but admire all the pieces they had collected at this museum. There were also fossils, statues, and pictures of all kinds of animals. It actually felt like a zoo without any real animals. It was a great experience!

After Vienna, we made our way to Venice. During this time, we were able to check out the amazing mountains you may know as the Alps! Once we got to Venice, we were able to go see Saint Mark’s Square where the Basilica of St. Mark is located and also the Doge’s Palace. I have to say that Venice has been one of my favorite cities we have visited so far. The gondolas, locals, souvenir shops, water, bridges and food were an overall great experience.

I enjoy going on these field trips because we are gain knowledge about important monuments and museums of history but also have free time to explore and see what each city has to offer. I can’t wait for the field trips we will soon be going on.

Cultural Comparisons

5)

Dobry den!

It’s been awhile since I updated my last blog and I apologize to those of you have been dying to read more! The topic for today is cultural comparisons. There are multiple comparisons I could make but there are a few I would like to discuss.

First and foremost, it came to my surprise that I have to pay for things I am definitely not used to paying for back in the states. Things like using a restroom, using a cart at the grocery store, water and condiments at a restaurant/café. In most places, in order to use a public restroom, you have to pay a small fee. Although, the price is not high, it tends to accumulate after some time of being here. Luckily, if you have ordered something from a restaurant or bought something from a business, you are welcome to use the restroom. Here is a picture of what a ticket stub may look like for when you pay to use the restroom, which is widely known as W.C. here in Europe.

Second, I was always so used to ordering a glass of water at any restaurant in America without worrying about it costing anything. Here, you must pay for even a small glass of water that may cost more than beer, wine, or spirits! It is something I have had to adjust to. Also, when you ask for a condiment like ketchup or more mayo for your food, it will come with a price. I was so used to going somewhere that would fill my order with several packets of ketchup and extra napkins. Here, I have had to make one packet of ketchup last me through all my meal. Although I am making it seem like this is a great inconvenience, I realize that if someone from the Czech Republic went to America and got all these things for free, they would be culture shocked as well.

Lastly, the thing I couldn’t believe had a cost is using a cart at the grocery store. Globus is where I go to buy most of my groceries, which can be compared to a Wal-Mart. In order to use a cart to carry all your items, you must pay. Luckily, there are small baskets you are able to use if you don’t want to pay the small fee. Once you check out, you must have your own bag to place your purchases in. They will not bag groceries for you. Here I am with my Globus reusable bag full of food!

Another difference in our town of Olomouc is the fact that a lot of nightlife, shops, and restaurants are open all week long and close on the weekends. During the weekends, there is not much going on. Many shops and bars are closed.

My favorite comparison from the Czech Republic to the United States is the cost of food. I can eat a full meal for only $3! It is so great. One U.S. dollar amounts to 25 korunas. When you first hear the total of 100 you may be overwhelmed until you realize that means a great meal is only going to cost you $4!

The culture is different but I have enjoyed being in Olomouc. The Czech Republic and other countries we have visited in Europe are allowing me to become culturally aware, which is something I am passionate about.

Daily Life

1)

           Dobry den! I have been in the Czech Republic for a little over two weeks now and have been enjoying how differently I am living my life on the daily. I’ve been told people want more details from me so here we go! I wake up at about 11 or noon. Yes, I said NOON. You may think that I am crazy for sleeping in until this time instead of going to explore the lovely city I am now residing in. The great part is that I still have plenty of time to go out and see what this place has to offer! Our classes start at 3 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. and I am extremely grateful for that. Sleeping in is the best and I love my sleep!

 My dorm room :)

            For the past few days, it has been raining/snowing here. Right when we step outside, it is chilly and I like to power walk all the way to where we wait for the tram to come. Some days I only have to wait a couple minutes and some days I have to wait awhile for it to arrive. I’m always curious to see whom I’ll end up seeing. I see people of all ages using the trams. The tram stop I go to most often has a cute little café right by it that has free Wi-Fi! The struggle for Wi-Fi has been real. Everywhere I go I check my phone to see if I have Wi-Fi. Yes, I am a typical American that likes to have her phone handy and checking social media often.

There is also a crepe stand by my main tram stop. There are always cute little ladies that are always so kind and eager to make anyone a delicious nutella-filled crepe. Some days it is so hard to avoid buying one since my mouth waters every time I see the crepe stand. I like to go into little shops and do A LOT of walking. I’ve never walked so much back in the states. I walk to cafes, class, the post office, and restaurants. After that I am able to walk to the history building where we have all of our classes. We have a history lectures and also a Czech language class but I’ll be getting more into my academics on another post!

            After class, I usually go to dinner with my classmates or come eat some microwaveable foods with my roommate since we both sadly don’t know how to cook. One of our friendly and awesome suitemates has cooked some delicious Mexican food for us. For me, it was great since I had what felt like a home cooked meal. I am also excited to try other foods such as a dish from Ireland that another suitemate will be cooking for my roommate and I in the future. Kara is my roommate who I share lots with. We do most things together and are getting to know each other very well. She is so eager to travel and enjoy our stay here, which is such great energy to be around!

     

My classmates & Professor in the square

     Kara- my lovely roommate

      Another great part of my daily life is the traveling. We have made it to Prague, Dresden, Germany and will be going to London this weekend! Once we’re back from London we’ll have a day to get all ready for a trip to Vienna, Austria and Spring break in Italy! That’s a little glance into my daily life here so far. I’m eager to see what changes and am open to answering any questions anyone may have! Remember to keep a look out for my blog, as I will be writing about my field trips and other parts of my European adventure in the future!

Language Issues

4)

Dobry den!

For those of you who have never studied Czech language, dobry den means hello! Since arriving to this new country, I have realized what it is like to be completely unaware of what anyone around you is saying. Although this blog is about language issues, I wouldn’t say the “issue” is an awful one.

In America, I am always used to having the advantage of being bilingual. Speaking Spanish and English has been a blessing for me, as I can understand what the majority of people in my community are saying. Here, it is a different story because being bilingual doesn’t help me. We go around town on a tram system trying to figure out what the monitor is saying so we don’t take the wrong tram to a different location. It is also quite an adventure trying to find a place to eat and attempting to read all the menu choices that are written in Czech. At first, it was a bit overwhelming to feel clueless about anything that was being written or said but now it is actually fun to try to figure out what I am reading on signs, menus, and anywhere else. To our advantage, one of the classes we are taking while studying abroad is our Czech language class. Our professor is a sweet woman who has lots of patience as we slowly start to learn how to pronounce different Czech words. Our professor has us individually take a stab at what phrases mean and how they are pronounced. It is a struggle trying to learn a third language for me but I am having fun doing so along with my classmates! Here is my handy dandy textbook that will be helping me throughout my time in the Czech Republic.

This past weekend we took a day trip to Dresden, Germany. A short two and a half hour train ride took us to another country where a totally different language is spoken. Not only have I had to deal with being confused with Czech language but also German language. Luckily, several German natives actually spoke English quite well and I was able to successfully order a meal and enjoy my time at the Lutheran church and an amazing museum.

The language barrier is a challenge that I enjoy taking on. Remember to stay tuned because there will be many more blogs to come!

Different languages written on the John Lennon Wall in Prague 

Personal Excursions

10)

I have been pretty excited to write my first blog since arriving to the Czech Republic. It has been quite a transition coming to a place where I have never been, don't know anyone closely, and do not speak the native language. On Sunday night I was able to settle into my dorm and meet the people I would be sharing a room with. I am able to live with people from Mexico, Poland, and Ireland. They are all studying abroad here in Olomouc as well. It's interesting for me to think that I would have never guessed I would be doing this now. The living and my form of transportation is also different. Instead of being able to drive my car, I simply take the tram to any destination I am looking for. Even though it is quite a change from everything in America, I have been eager to explore what is my new home for a couple of months. 

My first personal excursion was with my newfound friend and roommate Kara. Before our first day of classes on Thursday, we decided to wander through the city of Olomouc. We were able to easily find a beautiful park close to the dorms we are staying in. Here you could find people relaxing while sitting on the benches, taking their dogs for a walk, or going for a nice, refreshing jog. The park was somewhere that we found beautiful scenery and tranquility. It was so peaceful and so nice to take a small stroll through. I wanted to share a picture of one of the views from the park. It's a small glimpse of the beautiful scenery we were able to see. 

Here is another picture of me feeling happy and grateful that I am in a new country that is quite amazing. I am eager to find new spots that I will enjoy and keep in my memories forever. Remember to stay tuned as I will be sharing lots from my new experiences and adventures for the next couple of months.