Prague is one of those increasingly rare places that a person comes across in life and it leaves an indelible mark. The streets are brimming with excited tourists eager to snap a picture at the ineffable beauty the city so naturally elicits. It is, quite simply, magical.

I found the highlight of our trip to Prague to be the excursion we took to the Saint Vitus Cathedral, which is situated entirely within the Prague Castle complex. This church was simply sensational. The grand, baroque architecture perfectly captures the Medieval Age in which it was built. A small group of us also attended an Easter Mass service here and, while the service itself was quite desolate, it was indeed a neat service nonetheless. I remain perplexed by the Czech citizenry and their lack of spirituality. I understand the Soviet occupation and communism that accompanied it, but I am deeply saddened by the almost complete destruction of Christianity that it entailed. Frankly, it was astonishing to see such a small gathering of people on Easter Sunday.

Another excursion we took was to the lovely city of Dresden, Germany. As a big fan of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-five, I could not wait to see this city. It was, similar to most of the experiences I have had thus far, everything and more. The view from atop the church was absolutely breathtaking. The 1945 World War II firebombing of Dresden was one of the most horrific massacres in European history and the buildings that survived still displayed the eerie remnants of the bombings. Our professor Martin informed us that the number of civilians that died in Dresden was roughly the same number of deaths that resulted from the Allied bombing raids on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

After visiting Germany, albeit only for a brief day, I was most happy to return to the Czech Republic. In a practical sense, Germany was incredibly expensive and using the euro was slightly painful after using the Czech Koruna. In a deeper aspect, the Czech Republic is truly a hidden gem. In fact, after visiting Prague, I was even more pleased to call the city of Olomouc’s home. Prague, of course, is magnificent and grandiose. But Olomouc’s is noticeably less touristy and more authentic. I adore the landscape, taking the light rail tram to and from school, and the pubs scattered throughout every block. I am most blessed to call this place home.

Kurt Vonnegut, the famous aforementioned author, once wrote, “One of the things Uncle Alex found objectionable about human beings was that they so rarely noticed it when they were happy.” I, for one, am immensely happy. This excitement extends far beyond the Czech Republic—it involves this opportunity, it involves the peoples I have met, it involves the places I have visited and, most importantly, it involves the experiences I have had. I will conclude this blog on a similar note to that of the last: I am constantly and consistently amazed by this awesome and inspiring world.

Mark Twain spoke for all aspirant world travelers when he said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

If there is one question that I have heard countless times from both American friends and Czech people since last October when I was initially accepted into the Nebraska Semester Abroad program, it is: “Why Czech Republic?” It all started perhaps in the latter half of high school when at some point I made the executive decision that I was going to study abroad. I adore all kinds of traveling, but I also knew that I wanted a lengthier, more wholesome experience in another country. As fate would have it I am native to a country as culturally diverse as she is geographically wide, and thus it seemed logical that I would study abroad in a country that was decidedly different from that of my own. The Czech Republic satisfied this desire quite nicely. It is a largely homogeneous culture with a nationalism that is displayed only when rooting for their football and hockey teams.

The Czech Republic, known colloquially by most American citizens as the former Czechoslovakia, is home to ornate castles, delicious beers and a rich and seemingly volatile history. My first week has been a smooth and seamless transition. One of the aspects related to their culture that intrigued me most was how prolific the consumption of pivo (beer) was among their citizenry. Unbeknownst to me, the Czech Republic is the beer capital of the world and they consume their beverages proudly and cheerfully. It is an integral part of the culture and virtually every person I have met appreciates and champions their beer. The city of Olomouc, my home for the next three months, has numerous eateries and pubs—each with a distinct cultural component unique to them. Olomouc is a lovely Moravian city that booms with college students. Palacký University, where I am studying, is the second oldest university in the Czech Republic, established in 1573, some two-hundred years after Charles University, located in the capital city of Prague.

I consider myself a wanderer—the tug at my heart towards something new invariably overshadows the inherent nostalgia of the old. There is great pleasure in anticipation, the allure of the exotic and unknown, and the value of noticing everything from a new and fresh perspective. That’s precisely what travel is for me: the first step toward greater self-exploration, where adventure ennobles and elevates the soul. I am most definitely looking forward to the weeks ahead, and am immeasurably blessed to call this quaint and quiet city home. I conclude this blog with a heart full of gratitude.

To every one here in the Czech Republic and, particularly Olomouc, who has been a part of my wonderful experience thus far: Děkuji.

To my family and friends back in the states: Chybíš mi! (I miss you)