Thea's Thinkings: Travel Diaries: Czech Republic

Travel Diaries: Czech Republic

2 Comments

Hi!

Well I've been back for about ten days and my suitcase is still sitting at the end of my bed, but I've finally found the time to sit down and look back on my time.

Way back in October 2013 I applied for the chance to attend a Graduate school in Czech Republic. Applications were open to several thousand European Union funded postgraduate students studying in Wales, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden and the Czech Republic (I think that was all the countries there may have been more). There were only 30 places available and luckily for me I was one of the fortunate students to win a place.

After finding out I got a place in late March it was only a matter of weeks before we were to head off to Czech. It was all very nerve racking and it wasn't until I arrived at Manchester Airport that I even met the people I would be flying with!
Luckily it was very quick to see that we were all going to be really great friends.

(p.s. sorry in advance for the terrible photos, turns out I forgot my camera charger so I had to use my granny phone to take photos).

The course was intense but rewarding, but really the best part of the trip was being able to meet so many people from all corners of the globe, and experience the culture of the Czech Republic.

We stayed in a small town just outside Pardubice, in a Spa retreat, and I took full advantage of the facilities, although I didn't last longer than three minutes in steam room!

We visited the local University, and saw some of the incredible works in the department of restoration. I swear I could have stayed there all day.

This was from the 'house of torment'. Every wall and every ceiling was covered in paintings like this that had been hidden under layers of wall paper for years. It was a very surreal experience. I can't imagine the thoughts that were in the heads of those people.

We also got to see old town, climb the green gate tower, visit the palace, and taste the local food - ginger bread! I brought some of these little houses home for my family because they were just too cute.

And of course we tried the local coffee and cake. Yum!

Czech was a real experience, and so different to other parts of Europe I've seen. The clashes in architecture, the food, and the social culture was so different to any I've experienced and I'll never forget it.

My only regret is not staying longer and I can't wait to get back.

Have you ever been to Europe? Where did you go and would you recommend it?
Let me know in the comments below.

xxx

About Post Author

Thea

Thea is an Academic, a Crafter and a Musician from the West coast of Wales. She documents her trials and tribualtions as she wanders the maze of challenges that life presents, all while travelling the world and pursuing her dreams.

2 comments:

Lisa Smyth1 December 2016 at 14:58
I went to Prague when I was around 15 and I remember thinking it was amazing but I'd love to go back as a proper adult and explore some of the more grown up things and indulge in some beer haha! The architecture looks simply beautiful! x

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