Looking back. Erasmus experience of a lifetime.

Time to reflect a little...

2011 was marked by a new chapter in my life, a start of a new adventure in the Czech Republic. It seems like yesterday that I arrived in Prague like a headless chicken set loose to roam free on the cobbled streets of Prague. My senses were kicked into overdrive from the moment I set foot here. Pork knee, Goulash,dumplings and Pivo greeted my taste buds. Prague is such an enchanting city with hidden gems at every corner for those willing to wander off the beaten track or cobble should I say! “I can’t believe we live here” uttered four Irish girls who were in utter awe at their new suroundings.Winding cobble streets overlooked by the watchful eye of Prague castle, somewhat intimidating by it’s sheer size! Disneyland was unfolding before our very own eyes in a city where magic whispers around every corner. A fairytale like no other had just begun and the pages keep on turning. Prague is like the crown of the Czech republic, the crown is full of hidden gems circulating every crevasse. When you discover these hidden gems you unlock the heart of Prague. One of Prague’s tourist hot spots is the Charles bridge, spanning an impressive 520 metres connecting Malá Strana and Old town.Charles Bridge can be a bit of a headache sometimes as it can be intruded by a swarm of tourists, the bridge literally can come to a stand still. To appreciate Charles Bridge in all it’s glory set your alarm clock for early doors. Charles bridge at dawn is spectacular! The sky is like a canvas with pink skies revealing themselves at every moment. A beautiful silence descends as the city welcomes a new day.

A year later and I'm back in Dublin, nothing sends you back to reality quicker than talks of college exams and final year. Prague seems like a dream or a distant memory. Sometimes I think, was I even there? I am so happy that I went on Erasmus to Prague, it has been an amazing enriching experience. I have gained so much independence from living on my own in a foreign country, needless to say it was daunting at first. I took a course in Czech language and can proudly admit that I can hold a conversation..well sort of.

I visited so many beautiful places in the Czech Republic, including the spa town of Karlovy Vary, Brno,Olomouc and Cesky Krumlov. Living in central Europe offered many travel opportunities. I visited Amsterdam, Krakow, Warsaw, Lille, Dresden, Vienna and Berlin.

Some of my favourite memories include sunrise on Charles Bridge, the Christmas Markets, watching the fireworks over Charles Bridge and seeing the view of Prague from Letná Park.

Don't cry beacuse it's over... SMILE because it happened =)

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