Laundry, Garnets, and Valentine's

Wow, doing laundry is a workout here! There are no laundry machines at the Pension, so we have to go to a laundromat to clean our clothes. In order to get there, we have to walk a couple blocks, jump on a tram for two stops, and then walk a couple more blocks. Its really not terrible, but the cost is pretty steep! Not many things in Prague are expensive, but laundry is. There is a cute little sitting area where I can get work done, and the internet is speedy, which is miraculous around here! Let’s just say that I will no longer take my convenient laundry machines for granted!

For some reason, ever since I was a little girl, I have been obsessed with rings! I think they are so pretty and so interesting, and I feel strange if one isn’t on my finger. Rings are the first thing I am drawn to in any jewelry store, they are my favorite presents, and I love purchasing rings in fun places I travel. So of course, I have decided to go ring hunting while in Prague. The Czech Republic is known for their garnets, so how perfect it would be to find a garnet ring as my main souvenir from my time in Prague!! I decided that I would gradually start looking so I could compare prices and styles, in order for me to find the perfect ring. We had a free afternoon, so Kimberly and I decided to begin the search! We went to countless jewelry stores, probably around 10, looking at rings and asking lots of questions. They were all pretty, but the stones were pretty dark and all the rings were way too big on me. My fingers are tiny and it is always shocking to find a ring that fits. There were gold plated rings, but in order to get one that wasn't microscopic, I would have had to spend a lot more money that I was hoping. Then, we decided to go check out an antique shop that our program director recommended us to go to. And then I found it! The PERFECT one!! It is as if it was made specifically for me! It was much larger than all the ones in the other shops, and the nicest man helped me pick it out. He was so sweet and gave me a history lesson while I was there! He told me that the ring I was eyeing is about 90 years old and the garnets that were used in this ring actually came from the Czech Republic. All the garnets that are used in jewelry now have to be imported because all the Czech mines are empty. He also claimed that the Czech garnets are much redder than the imported ones. Haggling isn’t really a thing here in Prague, but I was able to convince the man to lower the price a considerable amount! My mother would have been so proud! I wasn't actually planning on buying a ring so soon, but it was just so perfect and I had been to enough places to know that I wasn't going to find another one with this much character! A vintage ring, that is beautiful, and in my size, at a stellar price, with garnets, made in the Czech Republic!! Prague is awesome! I just love it!

Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day in a gothic city is probably about as romantic as you can get! To make it brief, today was a pretty amazing day! It started off with a wonderful guest speaker in our studio class. We had a workshop with THE Robert Vano!! He is a very famous photographer who has an incredible portfolio. He has shot for magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Bazaar and has worked with numerous celebrities. Robert Vano is such a fun and quirky character and we had so much to learn from him. We will be spending a lot more time with him, which is something I really look forward to!

After class, I was itching for an adventure, so I pulled Kimberly along with me to climb to the top of the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square!

 After a windy climb up many different kinds of stair cases, we made it to the top!

The scenery was incredible! The snow topped roofs added to the charm of the city view, and it was fun mapping out all the places we have been and the streets we have walked. I is much easier to get your bearings from up above!

A while later, four of us decided to enjoy a fun girls night out! We ate dinner at James Dean Restaurant, and soaked up every bit of cheesiness that the place had to offer.

 We decided to extend the cheesiness a bit further by treating ourselves to some delicious coffee and chocolate cake at Costa Coffee. And the night continues to get better! The workers at the coffee shop excitedly decided to give us every single balloon that was hanging in the store!

 Even though we were probably doing them a favor by taking them out of the store, we chose to believe that we must have been EXTRA special customers ;)

 Unfortunately, when we had to squeeze on the metro, I don’t think others appreciated our balloons as much as we did.

All in all, today was fantastic and it was definitely the most unique Valentine’s Day up to date! I also want to thank my family and friends for making me feel so loved, from so far away! Love you all!!!

FUN FACT: A goldfish has a memory span of 3 seconds.

Dresden, Germany

The first of many traveling adventures!!

Our first European train ride that left just as the sun came.

We tried to stay awake to see the scenery, but the lulling of the train put us to sleep the whole way there.

When we woke, we were in GERMANY!

Immediately exiting the train, was a perfect view of the famous Frauenkirsche Church. The city was bombed and mostly destroyed during WWll, but this church was quickly rebuilt as an exact replica.

We toured through the Staatcliche Kunstsammlungen Museum

Then went for a long scenic walk.

Believe it or not, it was colder in Dresden than it has been in Prague! That is COLD! Let’s just say I have never been so happy or eager to consume a hot drink and a warm pastry!

As the sun began to set, the city was illuminated with a breathtaking coat of gold!

These were my three traveling buddies that kept me sane and smiling as we endured the bitter cold!

We found a rest and warmth in the Frauenkirsche Church

Our train ride back to Prague was interesting and entertaining, and felt like somewhat of a movie. We were so lucky to have sat by Dana, an amazing lady, who was born in Germany to a Czech actress and an American spy. She has lived all over the world and as we rode further into the night, we listened to countless stories that painted Dana’s life story. Her life has been full of excitement and adventure. She shared stories about family and travels, bus explosions, military escapades and frostbite, and for two and a half hours I felt like a little kid being captured by the magic of a bedtime story.

As I crawled into bed, exhausted from the long busy day, I felt content and relieved to be back in Prague. I finally feel like this is my new “home.”


FUN FACT: The note of an average car horn is F. 

While "Studying" Abroad...

 ❊ ✺ ❋ ❈ IT SNOWS!! ❅ ❄ ❆ ❉

And for some exciting news…it finally got warm enough to SNOW!! The big red thermometer that we pass every morning on our way to the metro read -10 degrees today, instead of the normal -17 or -16…So, just like on the first day of class, I had another fun, exciting and upbeat walk to school!

If it had snowed like this is Charlotte or Raleigh, the city would be shut down and school would be canceled! We were checking emails to see if class was still on or not, but apparently it would take a huge blizzard for class to be canceled here. The snow is very powdery, and does not leave a layer of ice like it does back home. Though there isn't ice, getting around town isn't an easy task. Walking on cobblestone is difficult and foreign by itself, but add a dusty layer of snow on top of it and it was a whole new beast to conquer! Though I was slipping every 5 steps, as I slowed down to watch other people, I realized we were all in the same boat. The started face, and the arms instinctively flying upward to steady the body from an unexpected slip, is just too funny.

After class Kimberly and I were determined to find the post office. We walked and walked (per usual) and for the life of us we could not find it. So we settled for going shopping and then resting at the Pension for a relaxing afternoon.

Last night was probably the best night in Prague so far! It started out by having a fun dinner at the cutest little French bakery called Café de Art.

It was the perfect segue to our night at the National Theatre.

We watched an opera/ballet called “The Magic Flute.” Though the performance was wonderful, I could have been happy if I had only gotten to sit in the Theatre. I couldn’t stop looking around at the beauty that the theatre held. It was elegant, ornate, and very captivating. I kept imagining myself as if I were sitting in a box seat, back in 1800s, and fully understanding the Czech that was being sung. Theatre is a key symbol for Czech culture, and more state money is spent in this theatre alone than in all of Czech’s film productions. Pretty interesting!

After the show, nothing seemed better than some food so Kimberly, Elizabeth, Heather and I began wandering the streets until somehow we ended up at the Hard Rock Café. A Czech performance followed by an American meal seemed about right! I had a blast with these three girls. It is funny how quickly four very different people can bond so quickly over such simple similarities. Similarities that would only be discovered while being in a foreign place. We were just chatting away and and enjoying each other's company, and before we knew it we were unintentionally out past the time when the metro stops running. Oops. An long walk and an hour later we arrived back at the Penzion with very cold feet and sleepy bodies. Normally I would be quite unhappy with a similar situation, but with new friends along side me, it was actually such an enjoyable time. All I could do was smile as I reflected back on the day!

Yesterday started out as just a normal day, yet I’m so thankful for all the little moments that turned that normal day into something very special. Maybe it should snow more often…

And We Occasionally Have Class...

Since I am "studying" abroad, I figured I should let you know what I am "studying."

All of my classes have been WONDERFUL so far! I am taking a Czech costume design studio class, which is awesome. Awesome and totally out of my comfort zone! Our main assignment for the semester is to choose a Czech fairy tale, and then design and produce a costume while incorporating the story into the garment. We will be modeling our designs in a fashion show at the end of the semester. What?! I think it will take everything I have to not laugh while I am doing that. I have sewn quilts, pillows, wall hangings, table runners, aprons, skirts, stuffed animals...you name it, I've sewn it. Sewing for me however, is just a hobby and has little to do with my major. This class is simply counting for my textile electives, but it is a very different story for my classmates. You see, the majority of my classmates are design or fashion design MAJORS. This is what they DO! Needless to say, these people are EXTREMELY talented and I am EXTREMELY intimidated! Though I feel a little out of place in this class, I am determined to learn a lot and to have fun doing it. After all, it's not everyday that I get class credit for designing clothing! How cool?! Our first class were very fun and unlike anything I have ever done before. The first assignment was to design a signature stamp that we will be putting on all the labels of our clothing! I am a big fan of this hands-on learning that the Prague Institute offers.

Check out my studio desk that I will be working at all semester!

My other classes include Fashion History, Fashion Illustration, and Czech Language and Culture. For Fashion History we go to a different museum each week around Prague, and the Czech Language and Culture class is definitely my favorite the most interesting class. So far, these classes have been such a nice break from my usual number crunching, scientific classes. Hooray for "studying" abroad!!

FUN FACT: For every one human being on this earth, there are one million ants.

Museum Weekend

This was the weekend of everything Czech! All of the national museums had free entrance this weekend. This only happens once a year, so of course we took advantage of it!! Although it meant more walking in the frigid air, it was so worth it. We started out the “tour of the museums,” by figuring out the tram system.

Though I prefer the metro system, it was fun feeling like Tarzan zip lining through the city streets. The museums were all very interesting, and were exhibited in an array of different buildings. Whether the museums were in a quaint room in the upstairs of a building, or taking up an entire palace, the buildings were often just as impressive as the artifacts they held. By the time we were finished museum hopping I was so exhausted, but it was time for a different kind of fun!

We have heard nothing but wonderful things about street vendor Prague Sausage, so we decided is would be a good way to start off a night of fun! (Dad, you would LOVE these!)

We then headed over to a jazz club! I had never been to anything like this before, but it was a “stand-out” moment! We walked into a cave like room and sat at small candle lit tables. For hours, we just listened as four amazing musicians serenated the night away. There were short breaks when we could chat with our tablemates, but for the most part it was just listening. The atmosphere was like none other, the music was fantastic, and it was a night to remember!

 

Ever since arriving I have been going, going, going, so it was so wonderful when I finally got to SLEEP IN and rest!! With the continuous walking and trying to warm up, any rest is good rest! When energy was finally restored, I joined a group to make the long journey to the PRAGUE CASTLE! Though my feet nearly froze off, it was well worth it!! I think from this point, pictures will describe the views better than words!

(Approaching Lesser Town)

 

(On top of the city!)

 

 

(Entrance to the Castle)

 

(Cathedral Inside the Castle)

FUN FACT: Vultures can hover up to 6 hours without flapping their wings.

Walkin’ Around

I feel like a major theme for my trip abroad will be, “thank goodness for Kimberly!” So, I need to first start off my saying, THANK GOODNESS FOR KIMBERLY!! She has been my travel buddy ever since we began this study abroad journey. She is such a joy to be around, and is always up for having fun! Today, we walked. We walked and walked and walked, exploring this romantic and historic city we now live in!

We wandered through Old Town Square…

and EVENTUALLY found St. Charles Bridge…

and then finally Wenceslas Square!

Now, have I mentioned how COLD it has been here??? Even the Czechs are in awe of the low temperatures. That is just my luck! As we were doing all of our walking today, Kimberly and I could not stop laughing at how cold we were. Our faces were so numb that we physically could not smile normally. Trying to form our lips to talk was an even more hilarious problem, so we just laughed. We laughed our way to Wenceslas Square in order to go shopping for warmer clothes. Apparently, I previously did not own a warm enough scarf, and Kimberly did not have cold proof gloves, so we quickly rendered that predicament we were in. Us North Carolina folks don’t know how to properly function in 10 degree weather. Speaking of NC, we did a weather comparison between Prague and Raleigh and while Prague was suffering at 10 degrees, Raleigh was celebrating in 72 degree weather. Again, we laughed.

Though I joke about it being so cold, it is actually a serious problem here. We found out that just last night, 5 homeless people passed away due to the cold temperatures. For such a big city I have been surprised at how few homeless people I have actually seen, but yesterday I passed a man near the Institute that really made me stop and think. He was homeless and was crouched on the ground hugging his knees to his chest. Beside him laid his companion, a loyal dog, which the man had wrapped in several layers of blankets for warmth. Blankets that the man could have been using for himself. As I was going through my pictures at the end of the today, I ran across the picture I have posted below. Hidden amongst the beautiful surroundings, is the very many I have just described to you.

Apparently, I have now seen him twice. Again, I am forced to stop and really think about what I have just seen. My heart and prayers go out to all of those who have to go to sleep shivering, with little ways to keep warm. Unfortunately, it is scenes like this that remind me to be so thankful for my many many blessings. 

FUN FACT: Henry Ford never had a drivers license.

I Have Arrived!

Twenty hours, four airports, and a wild taxi ride later, and I finally arrived safely and extremely exhausted in Prague!! The journey to get here started in Charlotte, then Raleigh, DC, Frankfort, and then Prague. Thank goodness I have the most wonderful travel buddy and now roommate, Kimberly!  It is so nice having a familiar face in this very foreign place. Leaving home and saying goodbyes was harder than I anticipated, but arriving in Prague (though is overwhelming at times) has been far more exciting that I originally planned. All in all, I am ready for the adventures to begin!

Our 8 hour plane ride from DC to Frankfort was probably the most cozy I have ever been on a plane. Not only was it the most GIGANTIC plane I have ever stepped foot on, but it was nearly empty! Hello whole rows to ourselves!!

(9 seats across, with 2 aisles!)

Even though we got to stretch out our bodies and get some rest, seeing the sun set and the sun rise while sitting on the same plane, plus all the extra traveling sure did wear us out! By the time it was 8pm in Prague, the bed was calling my name so loudly, I stopped being able to hear anything else (including the 15 loud people right outside my room). I slept good and hard until the next thing that I heard was my blaring alarm clock 12 hours later.

Our room is pretty hilarious. It is really nice, but we have four beds, three girls, and very LITTLE storage space. There is a closet that is enough to hold my socks, shoes and jackets, and a little nightstand that contains my books, but everything else has remained in my suitcase. We are in the overflow room, so we have been place on the guys hall. This wouldn’t be bad, but in order to shower or get to the bathroom we have to walk down the stairs and through the common room.  It’s slightly embarrassing when all you have is a robe and a small towel.

(My room plus my roomies)

My first full day in Prague was packed with meeting new faces, learning the metro and tram systems, touring the Prague Institute (my new school), shopping for groceries, and eating at fun restaurants. This day has literally felt like the length of 3 days combined. I can barely remember the things that happened this morning!

The Institute is such a unique and wonderful place to be learning. It is located just a block from the beautiful Old Town Square, and is tucked into a little alleyway that opens up to a beautiful courtyard.

(A corner of Old Town Square)

(NC State flag directed us to the Institute)

In just the short time I have been here, I have already fallen in love with this city. It is hard not to be enamored by the magical walkways, the vast range of architecture, the dazzling lights at night, the quaint shops and restaurants! Each turn opens up to a new street lined with countless beautiful buildings that I can't wait to explore. 

One of the most interesting and challenging things so far is the language barrier. For some reason, I didn’t expect it to be such a big deal to not know the language. I often times catch myself just staring at road signs, menus, and store names thinking that all the sudden a light will go off and I will magically know what I am reading. The light never goes off! It is a very different language with lots of long words that all look the same. There are often many letters with strange accents, and several consonants in a row. It is hard to remember directions to places because the sound of the words often don’t sound the way I think they should be spelled. I am excited to learn some key phrases, because about all I know now is hello and thank you- dobrý den and děkuji. I keep wanting to say common Spanish phrases and words and I keep having to stop myself. I need to get it into my head that just because they speak another language, does NOT mean it is Spanish!


Another shocker about being here is the weather. It is cold, CoLd, COLD! I knew it was going to be a harsher winter than the winters I am used to, but it is silly how bone chilling cold it is! I am seriously considering investing in a ski mask to protect my head from freezing off, and in goggles to prevent the buckets of tears from streaming down my face! I woke up this morning to find the thermometer reading 3⋅F, with a high of 18. Leaving 65 degree sun shine and short wearing weather for frozen puddles and icy breath will take some adjusting. Thank goodness the BEAUTIFUL scenery is the perfect distraction from the cold air!!  


Today I also woke up excitedly for our first day of class! Four of us skipped our way to school, chasing pigeons and singing songs. By no means do I think I will always be this chipper to start class early in the morning, but this was definitely the most exciting first day of class I have has for a while! Probably since middle school!

(Outside the Institute on our first day of class!)

FUN FACT: With their noses, elephants can pick up a dime that is laying flat on the ground. They also do the majority of their communication at a frequency that is lower than what humans can hear.