Last weekend my classmates and I went to Český Krumlov, Czech Republic. At that point I’d been in Prague for a little over a week and had been busy every day since (including an 8 mile hike the weekend before). I was excited for our trip and optimistic about my energy level for the adventure. Oh how naive I was. Now, don’t get me wrong. The trip was beautiful. Some examples of the beauty.
My classmate Val and I had a mission. Must find fried cheese. Fried cheese is a Czech thing. You HAVE to get fried cheese if and or when you visit. We HAD to find it. Our mission began around 8. We left our beautiful bed and breakfast and headed toward the many restaurants we passed on our way to the hotel.
We made our way back over the bridge into the middle of the town. I thought to myself,”This is the Europe I signed up for.” I was overcome with excitement that I was exactly where I wanted to be! (forgetting that all I had to eat that day was two almond bars, yogurt, and a bag of chips…)
Eventually we remembered how hungry we were and how far we’d wandered from the hotel not finding fried cheese!
So, my classmate Val, messages our professor who recommended a place. Where was this place, you ask? Here…
Yes. There was fried cheese in the restaurant below our room. At this point it was about 9:30 and I was feeling the lack of food setting in. I hoped that my experience with slow service in Prague did not translate to Český Krumlov. I was wrong. Just after the sunset Val and I got our fried cheese!
We ate, laughed, shared stories about our lives, and awkwardly interacted with our server.
After dinner, around 10:30, I was fading fast and needed to sleep. I didn’t quite feel like my usual self, but I thought all I needed was a good night’s sleep. I happily made it through the first part of the day, seeing art and old telescopes at an old monastery. (I am an astrophysics major.)
Fun, right? For a while on this early 7AM day I enjoyed the art, the history, and the physics relics. After another hike back down to Český Krumlov and up to another castle (twice) I hit an emotional wall. I needed a break. I needed to be alone. I needed to do nothing. So, I broke from the group, quietly sobbed, and found a calm little cafe. Through my tears I timidly ordered an espresso and a tiramisu from a barista with an extremely uncomfortable look on her face.
We eventually got on a bus to return to Prague. I cried half of the way there, missing home, and messaging my friends and my boyfriend. After words of love and support from the people I love the most I felt a bit better. New mission: Rest when I need rest! Now, 4 days later, I feel back to normal. Plans for this weekend? I will take it easy and stay in Prague.
Also, when you’re home sick, find a Starbucks.
Lauren Higgins is a junior at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, studying Physics with emphasis in Astronomy. Lauren is spending the summer abroad at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.
Student blog entries posted to the Roos Abroad Blog may not reflect the opinions and recommendations of UMKC Study Abroad and International Academic Programs. The blog is intended to give students a forum for free expression of thoughts and experiences abroad in a respectful space.