August 28
On August 28 I found myself sitting at the JFK airport about to board a flight that would lead me to an opportunity of a lifetime. I was going to Prague to study abroad for a semester. I was terrified and lonely. After many tears shed, my family had just sent me away and it would be the longest time I’d go without seeing them. I was reminiscing on the moments I hadn’t yet missed, like my aunt’s wedding, my brother growing up, and the activities all my friends would be doing without me.
My heart was breaking. I thought I was prepared for this huge change, but apparently I was far from it.
I was lucky enough to meet up with a couple Verto participants at the airport that I could fly out and arrive with. I remember chatting with everyone asking general questions. Then it was time. We boarded the plane and were off. Savoring my last moments in the states I put my headphones in, closed my eyes, and prepared for takeoff.
Eight long hours later we arrived in Prague. We went through customs (which was nerve-racking), got our luggage, and met with the rest of the group. At this point I just remember being exhausted, but the day was just getting started. It was gloomy and rainy, and I still didn’t feel like I was in a different country.
Our vehicles arrived, and we were off. Once I had arrived at the apartment complex, they handed me my keys, gave me a goodie bag, and showed me to my room. Luckily enough I was on the first floor so I just scooted both my suitcases in there, took a quick look around and started to unpack. I was fighting demons trying to stay awake, and eventually — after unpacking — I passed out on my bed.
Soon after, I met my roommate (Fran), and also pod mates. It was pouring outside, yet we decided to go shopping. We went to Palladium (a giant mall), and also got some food. Afterwards they went out to party, but I wanted to sleep some more.
It was still a difficult transition from home and I was feeling incredibly homesick. However, I was unaware that this new place in Prague could become somewhere I loved almost as much as home.
August 29-September 2
The next week was full of getting to know plenty of people. I made friends, did more exploring, and enjoyed discovery/orientation week as we were introduced to the staff, students and area. I did a lot of window shopping with my new friends during this time, and was occupied getting to know the area.
At the end of orientation week we were able to go on an excursion to Karlstejn Castle. It was phenomenal. We took a train to the countryside of the Czech Republic and went on a little hike until we saw the castle.
It was so nice to get out of the city so soon and back into the countryside. Everything in the country most definitely helped remind me of home and it was nice to get some fresh air.
The area surrounding the Karlstejn Castle feels like a medieval city and like you’ve been pulled back in time. The castle was founded in 1348 by Charles the IV and is in the Gothic style. It housed the Imperial Regalia and the Bohemian Crown Jewels, holy relics and other royal treasures. It really is so beautiful and was so fun to explore. We got a private tour, and then as a group we were able to explore the town for a couple more hours before it was time to go. I even got to try Goulash! Which is a traditional Czech dish.
Since then, I have been on many other fun outings in and out of Prague! If you’d like to stay updated on my life of studying abroad make sure to check back in at The Byway!
– by McKynlee Cottam
Feature image caption: McKynlee and her new friends take a selfie once in Prague. All photos courtesy of McKynlee Cottam.
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Read more from McKynlee in 9/11: A Day to Remember.
McKynlee Cottam – Escalante
McKynlee Cottam is a junior writer, and sometimes editor, at The Byway. She is a senior at Escalante High School. This year she’s had the opportunity to be the school’s Student Body President and Miss Garfield’s Outstanding Teen. McKynlee loves to write about things that are going on in our county and world, as well as some fun out-of-hat pieces. She enjoys playing the violin, participating in basketball, and of course hanging out with her friends. The Byway has been a fun part of her life, and she hopes to keep contributing to it for some time!