How to Make Prague Your Own

Picking up and starting a new life (even if it's temporary) can be a little daunting. It can easily become overwhelming when you find yourself sourrounded by a foreign culture, language and people. However, when you are living in a place for four months, it is essential to make this foreign place your own. One of the first things I did when I came to Prague was getting to know my new neighborhood. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by unique cafes, restaurants and shops. I quickly was able to find my favorite new study spot, cup of coffee, and on-the-go lunch. Once I got a feel for my neighborhood and surroundings, it was much easier to explore and my neighborhood started to feel a lot more like home. I have been using various blogs and travel sites to find things to do in the city. This has lead to many places I would have never found on my own. Especially when I travel to other cities, these have been lifesavers.

Tricafe

As far as language barriers, I really have found that almost all Czechs know some form of English. I have picked up a few essential words and phrases, but I am lucky that I have not had too much difficulty in Prague. This has made getting to know the local people and lifestyle a lot easier. I really have been lucky in that sense. There are so many interesting people from all over the world in Prague and getting to know everyone has been eye-opening.

View from Strahov Monastery

When I first moved to Prague, I constantly had to avoid the temptation of trdelniks and potato sticks at every turn. There are many gyms that students can join and I personally found that my favorite way to exercise was to walk around the city. Prague is really big, but also a very walkable city. I find myself easily walking over 10,000 steps a day. When I travel outside of Prague, this number gets closer to 25,000!

Czech food is pretty heavy and calorie-rich. Exercise and healthy eating is essential when living in Prague! When I'm looking to eat more veggies, I usually turn to Green Factory, Country Life or one of the many amazing vegetarian restaurants in Prague. Now that is warmer out, Prague is slowly becoming filled with more and more joggers and walkers. Last weekend, the river was covered with people in paddle and row boats.

By exploring the city a little more everyday, getting to know the locals and their daily life and taking care of my health, Prague has definitely become a new home to me. The fact that I have only 2 short months left here absolutely blows my mind. Hopefully by the time my flight takes off on May 21, I will have made the most of the city.

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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