Does Any Language Have A Word For This?

The Americans just before we left for Europe

I have been back now for about two months, almost as much time as I spent away, and I still haven't gotten over my experience of living abroad. I don't think I ever will. Every day I find myself daydreaming about wandering Olomouc and seeing all of the familiar things (Even now I had to take a break from my writing to "Google Map" the places I saw every day in Olomouc). I find myself missing it every single day.
My first few days there were a nightmare! I was exhausted, I had no money, difficulties with internet, and I was in a foreign country so asking for help became much more difficult. On the second day there I was sure that I was going to hate it and I was already ready to be home; but, things turned around so fast that I can still hardly believe it. I was surrounded by wonderful people right from the start. The group of Nebraska students that I went with were so enthusiastic about the trip and willing to help out in any way they could and they definitely lightened my mood a bit. It was the same for all of the international students that we lived with. The very first night I was there struggling with my internet in reception, some girls from the UK went to their rooms and brought me back several different cables to try.

And then a few days into the trip, I was fortunate enough to meet the person who was always helping me and sometimes even spoiling me with things like hot chocolate and soup when I wasn't feeling well. I remember telling my mom, after having such an awful first few days and whining to her via email, that I met a cute doctor boy who helped me out =) (she said she will never forget that). Azam changed my experience completely and if it weren't for him I would probably be lost on the island of Sardinia or roaming around somewhere in Italy with no working phone and no clue what to do. I'm so thankful for everything he did for me and I can't wait to see him again. (Soon I hope. Everyone cross your fingers for me.)

I have so many thoughts right now that I don't know how to express them in a way that is easy to read. I haven't been able to type for five minutes without going back to my pictures and reminiscing. I miss Olomouc. I miss riding on trams and trains. I miss going for coffee. I miss eating kebab. I miss korunas. I miss leaving the country for the weekend. I miss sladky popcorn. I miss huge, old buildings. I miss learning new languages and cultures firsthand. I miss tea time. I miss Globus. I miss "Přiští zastavka...". I miss not understanding people when they speak one of their 5 languages. I miss the lifestyle completely. I always knew how much I loved to learn about all people of the world, but I never realized how much. The decision to study abroad was the best decision I've ever made. It's cheesy but I came home finally feeling like myself after 20 years of my life. I'm not as afraid of things as I used to be and I'm open to new experiences. Even though I am always aching for everything I had while I was there, I have never been so happy. I try not to let myself get too sad because I know I'll be going back abroad soon enough; I'm proud to be from America but it's never going to be enough for me to stay in the states forever. There's much more to see and learn in the world and I can't wait to see where I'm at, even within the next year. If anyone is questioning whether or not they should travel, I wouldn't hesitate to tell them, "go". Go for a short time or a long time, it doesn't make a difference. There's always something to be learned no matter who you are.


I hope I can get back to Olomouc some day and relive the memories. It is my second home now. I am thankful for getting the chance to live and learn there. I am thankful to all of the people I met and all of those who helped me out when they didn't have to. I am so lucky!!!


Until next time....Danke...Na shledanou...Selamat malam ♥

Leaving Czech Republic...