Once
again it has been overly long since I reported anything about my
exchange. These past couple months have been some of the most exciting.
My mom was able to visit for two weeks in May and with Rotary's
blessing we traveled to Prague, Slovakia, Budapest, and Vienna. Shortly
after I went on my district's Euro Tour. We spent another two weeks
touring Paris, Barcelona, and Italy. I had macaroons on the Eiffel
Tower, fell in love with Gaudi and the Sagrada Familia, sunbathed on a
boat in the Mediterranean, sat with gelato watching the colors change
across the Trevi Fountain as the sun set, got a crash course in
Portuguese while waiting in line to enter the Vatican's St. Stephen's
Basilica, and ran down the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. I learned so much
about European history and cultures by visiting all of these places, but
also realized just how much there is I still don't know. It was an
unforgettable trip.
I've
been living in my third family for the last few months. They have two
daughters, one studying fashion in London and one working in Prague, who
both visit regularly. Today however I am moving my things for the last
time to spend the end of my exchange living once again with my first
host family. I spent the first five months of my exchange with them,
and their apartment is what feels like my truest Slovak home. It seems
right to finish this journey there where it began.
Spring
has been here for a few weeks now. The weather is nice enough that I
can once again go by bike around town, to school and after school
activities and get together with friends. Everyday on my way to school I
pass my favorite bakery and cafe in town, so if I have a little extra
time I buy myself a pastry and espresso in the morning (I have managed
to master the art of biking with a cup of coffee in one hand!).
There
is so much more I could say but I don't want this letter to be too
long. My blog is sadly behind right now - there just hasn't been enough
time to stop having new experiences for long enough to write about
them! I hope to fill it in sooner or later however.
As always, I am forever grateful for having had this opportunity.
Best,
Emily
