Where art thy flowers?

A day in Brussels is not nearly enough.  While I was song research on Brussels, numerous sites said to take the Train into the city center. It's suppose to be fast and convenient.  However, they did not state how hard it was to buy a ticket! So after a while my sister (my new globe trotted) and I decided to take the bus.  Not the smartest idea that we had.  What happens to be a 20 minute train ride turned out to be a 90 minute bus ride.  From the airport to the main city square take the Train!  It's on the bottom floor and utilize the Train people that are behind the glass doors.  Tell them what you want and they are more than happy to help you with your need. 

Since we were doing Brussels on six hours,  the bus was a huge bummer.  We didn't get to see the museum's, but did try all the local famous foods.  Waffles,  hot chocolate, frites.  I love food! Everything I ate was delicious.  Other than food,  I can't judge the city or tell you awesome things about the city since I was not there long enough to experience Brussels.

Last bitter-sweet week of the program - Bohemia

Beer Land, Boho, Bohemia, they are all the same name yet the land is completely different from everything else I have seen. Bohemia is gorgeous. It's country with rolling hills and lakes everywhere. The towns are small and quaint with a southern personality. Stores open late and close early. People are overly friendly and ready to become friends on a flip of a dime.

Our first stop was Ležáky. It was a previous town, but then Hitler massacred the entire town for conspiring against him and killing Himmler in 1942. The town we stopped at for the night was Kutná Hora. It was homey with a few historical buildings. There was a church that was made out of bones that dated back to the Black Death and the Hussite war. The last stop was the silver mine that was the largest silver mine in Europe for centuries. We walked only the first tier of the tunnels because the rest was unable to reach. I give miners more respect after this trip. From all of the mines that I have seen, their job is really hard.

St. Barbara Cathedral - Kutná Hora

Church of Bones

In Remembrance of Ležáky 

St. Barbara's Cathedral

The next stop was Čecky Krumlov, it's like Venice and Colorado Springs had a love child. This town was amazing, peaceful and very affordable. The town is meant to be a replica of a mid-evil town. The town had that feeling of the Middle Ages. I visited my last castle - Čecky Krumlov Castle and an original theater. We also went rafting down the river, took us a long while, but it was worth it. It was such a perfect day and the company was even better. Great way to end with a bang!

Čecky Krumlov gorgeous river.

Stephanie and I on top of the Castle. 

Day's to Remember...

Archbiskupské Zámecké VÍno KroméȓÍź- The Winery is the oldest Winery in Moravia. It is connected to the Archbishops palace. That makes sense, when you have a grand party you will want the best wine and if it is in your basement that would be great. The winery was full of mold and each of the vats ranged from 2 to 80 years old. I love wine tasting, and after spending months in Europe, I have become a wine drinker. I like almost every type of wine, but my favorite is the wet, white wine that is based off peaches. YUM, delicious! The palace was gorgeous; gold walls, long corridors and of course it happens to be where Amadeus was filmed.  

May 1 - Olomouc (Labor Day/Witch Burning Day) 

May 1, was a day that made Olomouc seem genuinely interesting. In the town main square, locals sold handmade crafts and a local band was playing. The entire town shut down so this festival could start. The best part of the day was the meat! The slow, tender roasted beef was absolutely amazing along with the $1 beer. To figure out what the festival was about, I went to the local information center. At first I was told that it was to celebrating the first days of witch burning. Crazy right? Then I was told it was because it was May Day, and finally I was told by the city that is to celebrate Labor Day. To celebrate Labor Day, the town doesn’t work-that makes great sense. 

Buda - Pest : Thank you SiSi

When I was planning on my must see sites in Europe, Budapest was not on them. The city was an opportunity that was given to me and I took advantage. I knew that it was famous for its thermal baths and unique characteristics as two cities put together, Buda and PeSt. I knew that it was in Hungary and that the exchange rate was in my favor. Two great things while looking for places to travel to. Once I arrived in Budapest I fell in love. It's a modern city with some historical values. It is easy to travel and get around by foot, the food and people are amazing. Budapest is by far my favorite city. I wish I saw the city before the end of my trip because it was so large that I couldn't finish it. 

St. Stephens

Parliament Buidling 

There are many great sites that I did get to see, such as the market place. Hundreds of vendors with really really fresh meat, fruits and vegetable also you had the classic tourist vendors. I walked to the Chain bridge, one of the first bridges built I Hungary. The Parliament building which inspired the West Minister Parliament building in Britain. The Holocaust memorial was wonderful. The one main thing that I did not get to see in Budapest was the Grand Synagogue that is a museum of the Budapest ghetto and the Holocaust. The city is absolutely gorgeous, it needs to be seen by everyone.

Fresh Food in the Market Hall

Since Budapest was my last weekend with my travel cohorts we decided to go all out on our nightlife adventures. Since we arrived really late on Friday we hit up the local bar for awhile. I left at three but the others lasted all night. The second night we tried the Party boat. It was entertaining. There was 70 Deutsch and 4 Americans, it became crazy with meeting new people and discovering that two nations have nothing in common! Then the the club...it was great, with the music the people open-fresh air. The. They switched music to that House music and even though I have been here for a while I still can not get use to the music and to enjoy it. The third night was my favorite by far. It happened to be an all-nighter too. We decided to have a great Hungarian meal and go to the famous ruin bars. Once we reached the the bar we all partook In the famous drink-Palinka. Want to be happy quickly? Drink Palinka. The bars were just a bar, but the people we meet were amazing! We meet two groups of guys, one were British that were on a soccer tour and. Playoffs and the other were were northern Irishmen that wanted to party for a week. Both of the groups were amazing. I never laughed so hard and for long as I did that night. After four when they closed the bar weren't to Instant club until 7 and it was a Great night. Night life in Budapest is something you need to do. I almost found my husband that last night, but in reality I could never marry a Brit with their accents. Hahah. There is a little of everything for everyone; clubs, bars, wineries, or restaurant that are open till one. Great places.

Holocaust Memorial

World War 2 Memorial

One of the most famous things In Budapest are the thermal baths.....just go to them. After following the steps of how to do the baths, warm, warmer, hot, damn this is getting crazy and then a freezing cold dip; you will feel amazing and relaxed. There are 11 baths in Budapest and each bath has a unique quality. Many of them are from last century and they show it, in a good way.

Should've Would've Could've

Packing Should’ve - 

When I came to Europe, I packed the night before/the day of. My advice - DON’T! After seeing what other people brought and how they packed, I wish that I did not procrastinate as long as I did. I have traveled other places for a few weeks, but trying to pack for three months was a lot harder than I expected. Whatever you use at your home daily you should bring, such as lotion or face lotion and medicine! Not every place will have the same products that you are use to. Once I arrived here I realized I forgot a lot! Things I brought - clothes for three weeks. All of my clothes matched each other - you can make so many outfits that way! The one thing that I wish that I brought the most is a sweater! It is cold, but not cold enough for a coat. If you want to fit into the European fashion bring boots and dark colors of clothes, you will blend right in. 

Traveling Woe’s - 

Traveling tips come in from every angle, it really depends on your personality. Thankfully, the group of friends I traveled with the most, we all had different strengths while traveling. I personally don’t care about the money of getting a taxi, when I first arrive in a new city - completely lost and rarely did I speak the native tongue. However, that was not always the case and we figured out how to work the underground systems as frustrating as it can be, you learn a lot about yourself about how resourceful you can be when needed. Whatever city you go to - find out what the locals take also your hostel should have directions on how to get there. For traveling on this study abroad program - travel every weekend that you can!  You will be tired, exhausted really, but you are in Europe see what you can and find places where the locals like to go. If you like hiking and forest, find people that like your hobbies and accompany them. If you are traveling outside of the city of Olomouc - look into the websites of momondo.com and student agency that is on most of the corners in the town square. 

Social Life of an Exhausted Person - 

At the University of Palacky, I didn’t met a lot of the Czech students, we were in the dorms for international students and at the local bars and clubs the inability to communicate with each other was too great. However, the other international students, Erasmus, were amazingly friendly and we started to get to know them. Yet, we came a month after they arrived and so it was interesting trying to befriend them. As for the free time that you have, well it doesn’t really exist. Those were the moments where I slept or I danced!

Student life at Palacky - 

While attempting to study here at Olomouc, it was different then at UNK or UNO. In NE, we have structure and specific times. Here, your schedule will be different every day. Following the Pharaoh's diction just say, “sure” and follow whatever is thrown your way. Overall, the classes aren’t horrible and as long as you show up and participate, STUDYING abroad isn’t as hard as classes in NE.

Rolling in the Korony - $$$ - 

First off - Welcome to the amazing exchange rate that is finally in our favor!  For the last three months - Spring 2014 - the exchange rate is 20 Kn for every $1! I would say anytime you travel oversea’s you should have at least $1000 in cash, but always bring a credit card because cash is just for the oh-shit moments. If you use your credit cards it is easier. However, I did find out that most restaurants do not take credit, and neither does Dresden, Germany. So make sure you find the closest ATM’s they will be your friend. 

The Communication System-

Have you traveled before? Outside your native language? If you have then you know that you become the best mimer that there is, and you should always play charades because you will win by the amount of practice that you have! Communicating with the people that come with you, that is easy, you all speak the same language. Other people that aren’t fluent in your native tongue; well just have patience it will be difficult for both of you. 

Top 6 Must Do - Not Rated in Order

1. St. Kopeček - Svatý Kopeček - in Olomouc take Bus 11 (every 30 minutes) to the last stop and walk towards the trees.

2. Croatia - I only got to Dubrovnik but I want to go everywhere. The food, nature and the MEN were amazing

3. Barcelona - Gorgeous and sunny and everyone is foreign so it is a lot of fun.

4. Go to St. Wenceslaš in Olomouc and try all of their special beers - multiple trip destination. Its on the tram stop of Cafe87 and head towards the middle strip, its on the right side.

5. When you go to Poland - try the most random food you can find! You won’t be disappointed.

6. In Poland - make sure you go to the Schindler Factory - it is a unique perspective of Oskar Schindler

Overall Tips for Traveling in Europe

1. In Central or Eastern Europe NEVER pay more than $1.50 for a .5 liter of beer!
2. Try all the different beers and wines.
3. Bring your own electronics.
4. If you’re shy or you don’t like big groups - reconsider traveling outside the U.S. for long time.
5. Bring any beauty products you like, they most likely wont have them.
6. Research where you will be. What is there to do? What are the prices? Anything truly unique?
7. Tell your family about your travels and attempt to talk to them daily.  You will miss them. 

BARCE. BARCELONA!

When I arrived I was thinking that Barcelona was going to be like the rest of Europe, nice and old with gorgeous architecture and cobblestone streets, but in fact it was nothing like that. Barcelona is a gorgeous city for different reason. The tall buildings that spring forth from the ground with lines of trees that shape the streets and the color enrichment of theropod of the town. While I was there I did not find a single Spaniard, we were all foreigners and people move there but they weren't born there.the city is so large that my four day trip was not enough. 

This street artist is a well recognized professor
that taught us how to paint!

When you arrive, I was told that Barcelona was to large to walk through the town. Which has become abnormal most of the towns are large but walkable. Barcelona was not that case. I bought a ten time pass and for four days it was sufficient enough get around. 

Basilica Familia

The first day I arrived, my goal was to sit by the beach to breathe and relax. Thankfully I had great weather to do just that. A surprise that I shouldn't have been surprised about was the nude beaches! Older people can rock it better than most people my age. The beach was absolutely wonderful but....I forgot sunscreen on the back half of me. Worst mistake I made not his trip of over three months! The equator sun is powerful and it shows on people that usually hide away from the sun. I couldn't sit or walk for the rest f the weekend. On that note, my night life was nonexistent. 

My favorite thing about traveling is the new food! Surprisingly I didn't like Spain's food. The only thing that was an Oh My Ah moment was the Paella. However, the scenery makes up for the food. A must site to see is the Guell Park. It is on the outside of the town and it takes a little time to get there but this park is breathtaking. It overlooks Barcelona and it incorporates the famous Lizard and Mosaic buildings. It took me two hours to go through it and I didn't even finish it. Great place to take a picnic and relax all day. Plus it's free!
Barcelona is a great place to be. Definitely make it on your bucket list.

A Moment of Silence

Terezin - A short history information session of Theresienstadt and why it was important that I visited the concentration camp and the ghetto. Terezin was founded as a fortress in the late 1700’s. During World War 1 - Terezin was used as a prison for Gavrilo Princip after his conviction for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, which was what started WWI. Then in 1940, it became the ghetto and concentration camp. The camp was used as the “model Jewish settlement” for propaganda reasons with the Red Cross.

The Entrance to Birkenau - Train stop and selection
process to your left.

When I first walked onto the property of the camp - I was affronted with grave stones, a Cross and a Star of David. I couldn’t begin to grasp the thought process of moving thousands of people - men, women and children - to the ghetto and the camp, and knowing it was a holding stage before they were meant to be shipped to an extermination camp. 

Before we left to the concentration, I was partially prepared to what to expect, but once I arrived, it was a different story. Reading about places and being places have no comparison when it comes to mass murderous places. Once I walked into the camp I was accosted with the famous sign “Arbeit macht frei” apparently it is common among the camps. Knowing that work will not set you free, but will ultimately be your death sentence.

The double barbed wire gates with the watch tower
at Auschwitz

Terezin was constructed of dirt walkways, brick buildings and wooden beds. Everything that you learn in school about the way of life of the camps is accurate and it is shown through the photos. 

Terezin was interesting and the background information leads up to Auschwitz-Birkenau helps understand how the process went in the larger camps. Terezin was only 1/3 of the size of Auschwitz-Birkenau-Buna. 

 Auschwitz was the original camp and then Auschwitz II–Birkenau (a combination concentration / extermination camp) was built. Finally, Auschwitz III–Monowitz/Buna (a labor camp to staff an IG Farben factory), and 45 satellite camps were built for prisoners. At least 1.1 million prisoners died at Auschwitz, around 90 percent of them Jewish; approximately 1 in 6 Jews killed in the Holocaust died at the camp. However, the others were deported to Auschwitz which included 150,000 Poles, 23,000 Romani and Sinti, 15,000 Soviet prisoners of war, 400 Jehovah's Witnesses, homosexuals, and tens of thousands of people of diverse nationalities.

Gas Chambers at Auschwitz

Even with knowledge of the history and other people experiences, it will not prepare you for Auschwitz-Birkenau. Nothing will. I can honestly say that I will never return to this place of historical value. It is the most emotional place that I have ever been. When we first arrived at Auschwitz there is a building you walk through, once you walk through the doors there is not a way out, you see the camp. I then walked to the famous “Arbeit macht frei.” I then visited the barracks and the museums within each barrack. I’m not going to give descriptions of each barrack, I’m insisting that each person goes to the museum to experience it for themselves. 

Crematorium at Auschwitz

A destroyed Crematorium

Next we went to Birkenau - the killing center. We went through the main entrance that became famous through numerous movies - look at my photo you will know what I am talking about. It was a scene that will never leave my mind. The train tracks in the middle. Selection block next to the train tracks. Brick buildings to the left. Wood buildings to the right. And the two destroyed crematoriums at the end of the lane. Many people came the route that we took. I have no idea, nor do I want to know how they felt. Did they feel scared? Relieved to be off the train? What were they initial reactions? The sounds? The smells? The people? I do not want to experience what they felt, and I hope that the Holocaust will never happen again. 

The memorial plaque next to the crematoriums.