THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Just ONE more day until I am on a jet plane to PRAGUE!! Not only have I been counting down this day for the past six weeks since I got home from college, but I'm pretty sure I've been counting down to this day for the past 7 years. My sister Sarah studied abroad in Prague when she was a sophomore in college and I was in 7th grade. She too had a blog and I remember how excited I was to read her blog every time she posted and see the world through her camera. Now its finally my turn to see wonders of the world with my own eyes and share my adventures! I've been so excited this past week it has been hard for me to fall asleep at night. Before I go I want to share some facts and questions people have asked about Prague, my trip, and studies!

1. First off, the question that I have heard so often is "Where exactly is Prague??" Great question. Prague is a city within the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is located in central Europe and surrounded by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. It is the little peach colored country in the middle of the map shown below. The Czech Republic is approximately equal to the size of Maryland. 

2. "So you're going to Czechoslovakia huh??" Close, but no cigar. After WW2, Russia kicked the Nazis out of Czechoslovakia and then continued to rule control Czechoslovakia with communism. Communism was unopposed in Czechoslovakia until 1989 when the Velvet Revolution took place. The Velvet Revolution was the peaceful split between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Since then, the Czech Republic has continued to grow and expand with new optimism and starting to become an increasingly popular tourist destination. 

3. "Why Prague?" Prague has been called "jewel of Europe"by many. It is one of the oldest preserved cities in all of Europe since it wasn't destroyed by either world war. Many have said that Prague has a certain Disney-esque charm that many other European cities do not. In addition, both my sister and one of my brothers have studied abroad in Prague, so I have gotten some good background on Prague. I'm hoping this background knowledge will make my semester go more smoothly since I already have a slight idea where things are and what to see or not see. 

  

4. "Where will I be studying?" I will be taking classes at a Czech university called Charles University. The university was founded in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV. This makes my university 3 times as old as the United States!!! Going to school will be a history lesson in itself. Not only is it the oldest university in Prague, but in ALL of Europe. It has been ranked in the top 500 universities in the world year after year, and according to my program, one of the best places to study in the world. 

5. The last question that most people ask is if I know anyone going. And in fact I do!! Luckily for me, my boyfriend Cody will be my travel companion. He will probably be featured in many of my posts.

Side note: I'm doubting most of my posts will be long, as I will try to write posts among taking classes, learning a new language, and exploring Europe! That being said, please excuse any spelling or grammar errors!

That's all for now. Next stop Praha!