Final Blog: Reflection

Almost a month passed since the end of our Study Abroad program. During this month I have been thinking about what I have learned about myself, about others, about Europe, and United States. In this final blog I would like to share what Study Abroad program has taught me, what discoveries I have made throughout this trip, and how I can use this experience in future.

To be completely honest, I was really nervous about this trip. I have never been so far away from my family for so long. Even though I grew up in Russia, I have never been in Europe. So, I had no idea what to expect from this trip. I was worried about everything: language barrier, different food, money issues, safety, local people, transportation and so on. It all turned out great, and now I just smile when I am thinking about how silly my worries were. Language barrier is not such a big issue in Europe, most people there can understand English. When you travel to smaller towns you may face language barrier challenges, but as you travel more you learn how to handle this issue. Besides, most people in Europe were very friendly, hospitable, and patient; they will try to help you even if they are not able to understand your language.

Another issue I worried about was food. When you live in a different country for almost three months you have to get used to their food, and it is going to be very different from the food you had back home. Thankfully, there are many American style restaurants and fast food places in Europe, so you will not die from hunger if you refuse to eat their traditional meals. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed some of the unusual European cuisine, even though I did not like trying new things back home. Not only the food there was different but also the way they serve it. In American restaurants they will try to serve you as quickly as possible, and the waiter will come to you multiple times and ask how was your meal and if you need anything else. In Czech Republic, you would have to wait forever for your meal. The waiter will come to you only twice: to take your order and to bring you food. Oh well, they do not get tips in Czech Republic, so I guess it makes sense.

Safety issue was my greatest fear, which now seems ridiculous to me. Honestly, I felt more secure in Europe than back in United States. I was not afraid to walk by myself at night and I never locked my room. In fact, I traveled by myself quite often and there was not even a moment when I felt uncomfortable or scared. If a few months ago somebody would say that I will travel in Europe by myself I would not believe them. Back in United States I was very dependent, I was always surrounded by people and I would never try new things by myself. In Europe I learned that discovering new things on your own is great; you get a sense of freedom, independence, and excitement. In fact, I think that solo traveling was the greatest thing I have done in my life. It teaches you to adapt to new places quickly, to be independent and self-motivated and to never be afraid to face challenges.

Overall, I believe Study Abroad program is such a great opportunity to see the world, learn the culture and history of different countries, and, most importantly, meet new people from different backgrounds. It is so fascinating to learn different customs and traditions, taste new food, and just experience unique atmosphere and lifestyle of different places. I also believe that Study Abroad program can help the student to develop some communication, listening, and team playing skills as they get to meet people from all kind of backgrounds. Therefore, I would definitely recommend this program to all students; it is a life changing experience you cannot miss! 

Our group all together

Goodbye Olomouc!

Trip to Bohemia

Bones decoration

This past week we visited a few small towns in Bohemia region of Czech Republic. This was our last trip together as a group! I cannot believe this study abroad semester is over. It went insanely fast; seems like we arrived to Czech Republic just yesterday and now we have to leave. I feel like this trip to Bohemia was a good stopping point to our journey. We saw the other side of this beautiful country - the hidden gems of Czech Republic. One of the most unique places we have visited, in my opinion, was the Roman Catholic chapel, located by the cemetery in Kutna Hora.  What was so special about this church is that all decorations and furnishings over there were made out of human bones. The church contains skeletons of somewhere between 40,000 to 60,000 people. The decoration that I found to be the most extraordinary was a huge chandelier of bones, which was hanging right in the middle of the church, and which contains at least one of every bone in the human body. I have never seen anything like it in my life and I was absolutely astonished by this little chapel. 

St. Barbora church

Another interesting church that we visited in Kutna Hora was the Roman Catholic church of Saint Barbara. It is an enormous, magnificent building, which looks more like a cathedral rather than church. St. Barbara was the patron saint of miners, which makes perfect sense as Kutna Hora was a town of silver mines and its wealth was entirely based on it. Speaking about silver mines; as part of our program we were lucky to visit the real silver mine. I was really excited about this tour even when the guides warned us that you should not do it if you are claustrophobic. Oh man, were they right! The mines were so narrow and low that sometimes you almost had to crawl on your knees. My heart was beating so fast, it was hard to breathe, and sometime I felt like I was going to pass out. There was a moment when everybody turned off the flashlights and it got so dark that you were not able to see your own hand. The guide told us that human eyes would never be able to adjust to this kind of darkness. I cannot imagine how the mines were able to work in such conditions. I only spent about fifteen minutes there and was absolutely exhausted. It was so great to finally get out of there and see the sun light again! You will never appreciate sun light as much until you visit the mines. It was a terrifying and yet fascinating experience! 

Our group at the silver mines tour

The last town that we stopped in was Cesky Krumlov, which I have to say, is now my favorite place in Czech Republic. This little, cute town with red roofed houses, magnificent castles, and beautiful nature, reminded me of a place you could read about in fairy-tales. It is a magical town which can tell you many legends and tales. The one legend that I remembered was related to the Cesky Krumlov Castle, which we got a change to visit. This castle was built back in 1240 by the Rosenberg family. Perchta von Rosenberg was married against her will to a powerful lord, who was very violent and treated her badly. She was unhappy in her marriage, it was a hell on earth. When her husband died she was finally able to return to her parent’s castle in Cesky Krumlov. She was a very pale lady with a sad look on her face; and people called her the white lady. When she died her soul never left the castle. Even to these days people can see a ghost of white lady flying in the castle. It is believed that if the ghost is wearing black gloves it is a sign of death or disaster while white gloves is a sign of good luck and happiness. This town is full of ghost stories and mysteries. In fact, entire Czech Republic is a very mysterious country. It will not stop amaze you anywhere you go. I will definitely miss this place and most certainly be back someday.

Beautiful view of Cesky Krumlov