Mission Complete: Prague

This is it. The last day. I decided to wander into a cafe near Wenceslas Square to write this last blog post in Prague.  In less than 24 hours, I'll be up in the air, probably next to some foreigner, trying to watch a movie comfortably and peacefully.  I'm in shock at how fast the time has passed.  I keep having flashbacks to my final moments at Providence College last semester, my last days in Ocean Beach on Fire Island, and saying goodbye to all my family and friends that last day of August.  Now, I'm coming home, and it feels so good.  I miss all of it.  It's like I stepped out of my body for a couple months, did something unthinkable, and made it a wonderful experience.  But it was all me, all real, and all encompassing throughout my journey.

The past couple days, me and my wonderful classmates traveled to a little village in Janov (North Czech Republic) with our Academic Director, Sarah.  We spent Wednesday-Friday morning there, evaluating, preparing, and reminiscing about our experience.  Located in a little pension all by ourselves, we lounged in the cafe/restaurant downstairs near the fireplace, talking about our first impressions, the moments we've made together, the classes and work we took part in, and the excursions to other countries.  I can honestly say that I will never have enough time to do everything I want here, but for the semester-long time range, I think I did more than I've ever expected.  I was packing my things and came across all these tickets, pamphlets, and memorabilia that made me think of each moment here.  I'm keeping all of it.  I want to.  Even though I'm come home with another suitcase full of stuff, I have collected many things that will remind me of my time here.  In these last days up north, we (me and my classmates) enjoyed family dinners, funny moments, and Christmas movies throughout the day.  It was a great way to relax and enjoy each other's company as a whole, one more time.

While reflecting, I realized that this was my experience.  I can try to share as much of it as possible with all of you, but it will never compare to what I've felt, encountered, experienced, and lived with during the time I was in Prague.  The only people who can relate are my classmates, but I guess that's what makes it special for me.  It is my own experience.  A chapter of my life that has started and closed in the blink of an eye.  And I'm thankful for all of it, so much.  I want to send a special thanks to my mom and dad who supported me for this trip, this experience; something everyone should do at some point or another in their lifetime.  And I want to thank my Mema and Umpa, both who have inspired me to travel and explore the world.  There wasn't a moment that I didn't think about all of these people, and how thankful I am to have them in spirit with me while in Prague.

Tonight, I will pack the final things, enjoy a farewell dinner with my host family, and go out for one last round of drinks with the gang.  I also want to say how thankful I am to Jana and Petr (my host parents) for making this experience just as great, and opening up their home for me.  It will be hard to say goodbye to them, and my classmates tonight.  Tomorrow, I leave for the airport at 9:00am Prague time, and I'll be back in New York around 6:00pm (EST) (because I'm going 'back in time').  I can't wait to see everyone, so please, don't hesitate to contact me and meet up over winter break.

New York, here I come.

Me in the freezing cold town of Janov.  So much snow, I couldn't feel my legs.

The gang altogether for one of the last group photos. All smiles. Going to miss them.

The view outside my window in the pension.  So pretty and scenic. 

Down to the Last Week

Well, the countdown has officially begun.  The last seven days of my stay here in Prague are starting now, and I couldn't be more happy with everything I have done here.  It seems like just yesterday that I was leaving my house, heading to the JFK airport and looking out the window on the plane to see the view down below.  When I first arrived, I had no idea what to expect, and there were so many questions unanswered for me: where would I be staying, who is my host family, where is the school located, what is their currency like?  Now, I can answer mostly anything.  Although my Czech language is only basic, I've learned to understand the culture in more ways than one.

Even though there are only 10 of us students in the program, I've enjoyed every minute with them.  They're great people, and I hope I get to see them at some point or another in the states.  We come from all over, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Colorado, Maine, Illinois, and so on.  It will be hard, but we're all going to stay in touch.  Apart from the group, I found myself becoming much more independent than ever before.  I thought my independence was challenged when I first left for college 2 years ago, but boy was I wrong.  I mean, yes there were challenges going away to Providence College, but I made friends, a new family, and I got to see my real family about once a month.  Today marks the 100th day I've been away from home (I just counted).  Since then, I have traveled into the city everyday, navigating the streets on my own, taking long walks along the cobblestone, popping into different bars and cafes, and looking at all that Prague has to offer.  School was school, and once classes finished, I spent almost everyday alone.  I woke up in the mornings, went into the city center, and always found myself doing something different.  I've learned to trust myself, rely on myself, and enjoy the time I've had alone.  When I first arrived in the Czech Republic, I was definitely nervous, being in a foreign country, with no idea how to speak the language, pay for a cup of coffee, or travel from point A to point B.  Now, I know the basic language skills to get me around, I have spent my money wisely throughout my stay, and I am more than confident with directions here.  It's interesting because I spent my days with my backpack and my thoughts, exploring the city, and becoming somewhat socially independent.  I'm the kind of guy that likes to make small talk with strangers, meet up with friends when I'm not busy, and plan all kinds of activities.  Here, all of that was limited.  I don't know the language well enough to make best friends here, the Czech culture is very direct so the strangers are very forward with you, and it was hard to find other people to meet up with, so there were many times when it was just me, myself, and my thoughts.  I had plenty of time to focus on my studies, work on my final project, and explore the city on my own.  I couldn't rely on anyone except myself, and that was okay.

Now it's the final week, and of course I am looking forward to having some of my independence revoked.  I miss my family and friends, my house, being able to drive, planning get-together's with friends, etc.  I'm giving everyone a fair warning, because once I'm home, there is a part of me that is going to be released, and I'll want to be around someone all the time.  It's hard being on your own, but it also makes you appreciate everyone and everything that is valuable to you.  And I can say, that has been one of the most important lessons I've learned here.

7 days. <3