A Prague State of Mind

I have now been in Prague for a little over a week! On January 29th, I flew on an 8 hour flight from Atlanta to Paris and then 3 hours from Paris to Prague. This was all complete with a mad sprint through Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to just barely make take off. Little did I know, I would have to fit security and customs all in an hour and a half! Needless to say, I was a little stressed about missing the connecting flight. Nevertheless, I arrived in Prague safe and sound just in time to go to the Ellie Goulding concert that night.

Ellie Goulding concert

The jet lag was definitely a struggle for the first few days; Atlanta is six hours behind Prague. Beyond the time difference and language barrier, I have come to learn that there are major cultural differences as well. One of the major things that can be really confusing upon arrival is the currency. For example, 100 CZK is equivalent to about 4 US dollars. So while getting a check for  500 CZK may be a little shocking, it was really about 20 dollars. Since I have just started my classes abroad, I am definitely still getting used the 3 hour long classes rather than the short 1 hour that I am used to at UGA. I am starting to get the hang of the tram in Prague. Since I live in Prague 1, I don't really use the Metro that often. However, I take the tram everyday to my school which will definitely be a lifesaver for my 8 a.m. class!

Getting to know Prague has been so exciting and I really have only scratched the surface of all the city has to offer. One of my favorite activities has been to wander the city streets and admire the beautiful architecture. It is unlikely you find one street absent of ancient buildings that could be hundreds of years old.  I am taking a Prague Art and Architecture class and am looking forward to the opportunity to get to know more about the city.

Something that I wasn't aware of prior to studying abroad in Prague was how many amazing museums exist. One of the ones I have already visited is the Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali exhibits. I really was excited to see some of these iconic works of art. As a student, I also have the luxury of seeing these exhibits at a discounted price.

Art from the Andy Warhol exhibit

Over the next four months, I know I'll get to know this temporary home like the back of my hand. I also have begun to plan trips across Europe and am so excited for the opportunity to experience other cultures while I am here. This weekend I will be traveling to Amsterdam!

Charlotte Mabry is the Spring 2016 CEA MOJO in Prague, Czech Republic. She is currently a junior at the University of Georgia. 

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