Daily life

After a weekend full of traveling and 2 more weeks of traveling ahead of me starting tomorrow, this week’s blog

is going to be a bit lighter than the past few! Here is a little insight to what I have learned/ struggled with/ figured out about life in Olomouc!

After living in Europe for about a month I have gotten into more of a routine. If you know me, you know that my calendar, lists, and written out weekly plans are what get me through life. With such a busy and ever changing schedule I have been especially leaning on these things to keep me sane.

Life in Olomouc is very different from life in Kearney. One of the most noticeable differences is the tram system. Obviously we don’t have our cars here to drive, so in order to get around the city and get to class we have to take tram 2 or 7. This was an interesting adjustment because we are so used to running on our own time and hopping in our car to leave for school or work whenever we want too. However, here you run on the tram time. There have been many sprints in order to make it there on time but we are finally getting used to the system!!

Another difference that took some time to get used to was the currency. Their normal bills are 100, 200, 500, and 1000… so when we first got here it felt like we were throwing out stacks of money for a meal but really an average meal here is 130 Czech Koruna which is equal to $6.28! Generally, most things are cheaper in the Czech Republic than they are in the states.

Walking through the streets of Olomouc has a much different atmosphere that the streets of Lincoln. People throughout Europe typically keep to themselves more, and when they do talk to each other it is just above a whisper it seems like. I understand why people think American’s are loud because anything would be loud compared to their whispers!! Europeans have told us that it is obvious that we are Americans because we are so loud, outgoing, and happy… which if you ask me, I am just fine with being all three of those things! People seem to think it is bad to stand out as an American but I don’t think it’s bad at all, it just showcases our differences.

Since arriving to Europe, one of my very best companions has been my budgets! By now I have probably made about 10 of them but let me tell you it is not easy to predict how much money you will spend in various countries. For example, I went to Switzerland last weekend, and aside from the flight and the Airbnb I allowed myself $50 to spend over the 2 days that we were there… I spent almost exactly that however on the last day our flight back to Olomouc got cancelled and we had to find new means of transportation to get home…adding another $100 on to my Switzerland spending. Which of course meant it was time to make a new budget! Ultimately it probably doesn’t help all that much but it gives me piece of mind.

Life here in Olomouc has taught me a lot about not only European life but city life! I have lived in the country for most of my life, and this trip has helped show me a different way of living. With that being said I wouldn’t trade my house in the country for anything and will probably always want to live in the country and just visit big cities.

I am really enjoying my time here in Olomouc, and I truly believe I am making the most of every day here! I am excited to continue to learn more about this city and Europe as a whole! Tomorrow I am headed off to Vienna, Austria, then Venice, Florence and Rome, Italy…and then Barcelona, Spain for spring break!! It is going to be an adventurous 2 weeks to say the least! But no worries I’ll keep you all updated on the highs and lows of the journey! Ciao for now!!