It's the home stretch! (One month to go)

I apologize for the 2 week+ delay that has occurred. Last week was pretty hectic, I was a tour guide for 7 days straight but it was wonderful hearing from my parents (and their friends) that Prague was: unbelievable AND a good study abroad choice on my part. I am patting myself on the back as I write this.

With the hiatus, however, comes new pictures and stories!

As I wrote in my last entry, the weather has finally gotten nice. Today is a bad example it was raining and hailing (literally), but overall it's mid 60's gorgeous every single day. Makes me feel guilty when I decide to stay in. And with the nice weather, I've explored more of Prague and because of that... I really don't want to leave. Not because I'm so in love with Prague -- I mean I am, but that's not the point -- but because life here is so stress-less. One of my papers is due in June. As in after I leave Prague. Another paper is due in 3 weeks but is not to go under 3 pages. I think I can handle that... last time I wrote a 3 page paper I think I was in middle school. Maybe freshman year of college. Sure there are some students here that have lots of work to do, but I'm not to be bunched in with that group of people. I've got peanuts for work.

But as I sit here, trying to plan out my summer and crossing my fingers for my fall housing to work out, I think : oh man, life in the states is way more stressful. It's actually stressful. Once school combines with sorority, a part-time job, a possible internship, and interviewing for co-op, I know I will think back to these very days. And I get it. I get why people come back so much calmer from studying abroad. Our worries are minimal, if present at all. Okay, sometimes I worry about if I want to go to a NEW bar or one that I'm already used to. Hard life. But I could never get away with what I do (or lack thereof) in the states. Back in the good ol' United States of America, I need to work. I need to focus on school because my GPA will be seen by those grad schools I will inevitably be applying to. In a few years. I need to learn how to balance being super involved with going to the gym, napping, AND having a social life. I'll manage, I have for years... but I cringe at the thought. It's true.

But onto fun things!

Having my parents here was a treat. It was so good to see familiar faces AND not having to worry about money because everything was paid for woo hoo! I was also able to do the touristy things I've been avoiding like the plague. I actually stood around and waited for the Astronomical Clock to do its thing. And I walked down Parizska street a million times because it's that amazing and saw the Spanish synogauge and finally found the peeing men statue. No picture yet, but it will come with time. Still haven't been up Petrin Hill but I did hang out at the base and read. It smells good outside, Prague has exploded with flowers.

As a true Sudit, my dad was just as obsessed with the Easter Market as I was - it's all due to the fantastic bratwurst they grilled up on REAL grills outside:
I took my sister to an actual bar, she was super excited about being able to drink - despite the whole being WAY under 21 factor. But she came out! And she drank alcohol in my presence! And then I turned 21 although it really doesn't matter in Prague. And turning 21, with most of the people who love me most, was amazing. Really. I got to do everything I wanted to do! I ate carrot cake at Bakeshop and went to Perpetuum for the best duck I've ever had and then topped it off at Tretter's with a couple of cosmos in the company of my mom and sister.

Before the second half of the group came, I went to Cesky Krumlov with my dad and sister which was nice but we were there for way too long. It's a cool little medieval city, but certainly not one that warrants 8 hours. Still, it's nice to get out of Prague once in a while but still stay in the Czech Republic:
And with the second half of the group, I once again walked through the castle and this time entered St. Vitus Cathedral which was pretty spectacular and reminded me of Notre Dame but was more awesome just because I live so close by. And because of the insane amount of walking i did, I am pretty comfortable with the majority of Old Town. Ah, it's good to feel comfortable and adjusted in a place with streets that stop and start in a language you can barely understand.

I'm having a great time here. I'm relaxed, looking forward to Anna's arrival, and booked a hostel for my trip ro Vienna in a few weeks. All is well on the Czech front!

S