It seems we've hit the halfway mark of the study abroad experience. I have experienced every cliche emotion, from homesickness to comfort, from misery to glee. I've been robbed. I've been a tourist. I've been a student, and I've made attempts to be a local. I can honestly say that for a good few weeks I wasn't sure if this type of adventure was for me. I felt alone, uncomfortable with my surroundings and stressed to my core. But now, after two months of Prague, I feel content. I want to be here, and this town, along with the wonderful people I've met here, have brought me home.
I've learned to enjoy the wild nights out on the weekends while maintaining the homebody within. I drink Czech beer and can actually differentiate between tap and bottle for the first time in my life. I can pronounce the names of the tram stops and I've become a regular at my favorite restaurant.
So yes, I'm doing quite well here. Of course, there are still things that I miss about America. We do laundry better. I miss the food (I don't care for Czech food, which shouldn't be shocking to anyone who has ever met me). I miss my friends, my family, my dog, the animal shelters, hummus and most things about Boston. But here I have something special, something that I may never have again; I have the chance to live in another country, which has been my dream since awkward little 15 year old me took a tour of Europe five years ago. And now, awkward little 20 year old me is loving it. It may not be exactly what I expected, but I have finally achieved the level of happiness here that I yearned for.
But I'm looking forward to my life in Boston next semester. I've got a great apartment with wonderful roommates, and I just landed my dream co-op at EF Education. I am genuinely thrilled that I will have the opportunity to work on something that I am passionate about, marketing for a student travel organization. And I hope that I can use my Prague not only to push me to be better at that job, but to remind me that adventure is always out there.
My favorite place to eat near the dorm, also known as "The Hanging Coffee." Dad, I'll take you here. Just come to Prague...please?
The most adorable little lamb in all of Prague, as seen at the Easter Market in Old Town Square. So that's why there's a lamb on here...
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