Hey there again. I know I said I'd write something else before I left Prague, but last week was insanely busy—trying to finish papers, study for exams, pack, see last-minute stuff and party as much as possible is no easy task. And I'm sorry this and the last entry are without photos, but this site kind of sucks and they take forever to upload.
But moving on, I left Saturday morning, and it was honestly one of the strangest experiences of my life. I felt like I was leaving home without the slightest idea when I'd be back. And I knew when I would be back, it would be under very different circumstances at a completely different place in life. Yes, Prague will still be there in five or ten years, but it will never be the same thing to me as it is now. It's not just the city I'm sad to leave, it's the people. I got really close to my Czech flat mate Bara the last month or so and saying goodbye to her was so hard. We both started crying at the airport because neither of us have any idea when we'll next see each other. I looked like a blubbering fool when I walked through security.
On a happier note, I have to say this semester has been an amazing experience I feel blessed to have had. I have seen and done some great things and met some awesome people I know I'll keep in touch with. If you asked me about the Czech Republic a year ago, I don't think I'd be able to tell you much. But I'm happy to say I feel differently now. It's such an underrated region, but maybe that's why it's so badass. Perhaps I like that not everybody knows how cool Prague/the Czech Republic/Central Europe is nor do they want to know. I have a feeling Prague will blow up into a giant tourist magnet a few years from now, but I'm pleased I beat the rush.... especially before it got on the euro.
Anyway, my friend Amy and I flew to Rome on Saturday and tried to catch a night train to Florence. Of course, there was no night train to Florence. So we took a 9-minute, 30-euro (such bullshit) cab ride to this hostel which was more like an asylum than anything else, but there were strangely so many people there. It was not a nice place though—really sterile and creepy. We tried to catch an early morning train, but missed it because the monitor at the station didn't say which platform to go to. But we finally got to Florence yesterday afternoon. We did a lot of walking around today, went to the Cathedral of Santa Maria, crossed the river on Ponte Vecchio, hung out in some squares, etc. Florence is beautiful and very manageable, which is good. I must say after being around Czechs—quiet, reserved, modest Czechs—I'm a little startled by Italians. They are just so different and full of life. It's great, but I'm definitely not use to it now.
My friend is sick so we cut the day kind of short, but I'm hoping to make it to the Uffizi gallery tomorrow morning before we take a train to Milan. We'll be in Milan for about a day and a half, then we fly to Barcelona for three days. Then, we are taking an overnight train to Madrid, where we'll be another three days. After that, we fly back to Rome for two days, and I have a direct flight back to Chicago May 22nd. Phew.
Traveling the past few months has been wonderful, and somehow I've been really lucky with avoiding horrible travel situations. I haven't lost anything important, I haven't been robbed, I haven't missed any major flights, I haven't been completely stranded anywhere. Knock on wood this continues. The only thing I can really think of was that $40 fine for not getting a bus ticket in Krakow. But I admit, I am getting ready to head home soon. I miss my family, friends, Chicago and certain aspects of Madison. And I'll be in Evanston this summer with no idea of what I'll be doing... which should be interesting. There's no point in worrying about that now though so I'll just try to take it as it comes.
I'll try to add one last entry before I leave Europe, but if not, hope you are all safe and happy, and I'd love to catch up when I get back. Until then, take it easy. Ciao!
- J.
Czech Republic's Flag
Map of Czech Republic