Introduction

It's about that time! I cannot believe in 24 hours, I'm officially about to fly from the sunny side of Los Angeles, California  to the cold, foreign lands of Eastern Europe. I'm sure you who is reading this is perplexed as to why I decided to study abroad again, now in the Czech Republic out of all places. To make the long story short, I heard about the CIEE Central European Studies program from one of my film friends, Anthony who happened to visit me during my shift at the Study Abroad Center on campus. He was so hyped up in applying to this program that allowed participants to enroll in several film classes at Prague's Film & TV school of the Academy of Performing Arts as well as volunteer/intern at nearby film festivals. I the Film major was sold! So, one year later, I submitted my application and I booked my plane ticket. What better way to get the most out of my college career and financial aid than to study film abroad ;) Supposedly, Prague is also the most gorgeous city of Europe that historically managed to preserve its Gothic architecture and Bohemian culture throughout the World Wars. Plus,I cannot wait to get my fair share of meat and cider at the Fall Harvest Festival ;)

This is going to be my second time leaving the United States for four months and my stomach is filled with so many butterflies. There are so many questions going through my head, like...

• "Will anyone understand my butchered Czech?" 

• "Can I really survive 30-40 degree weather?" 

• "Will I get along with my new international roommates?" 

•  "Can I budget my money better than last time?"

• "Will there be a group of young people that I can freely practice my faith with, despite the country being predominately atheist?"

• "Will I be the only black person there?"  

...and etc. The more I think about leaving, the more I begin to freak out over what might happen. But all I can do now is pray and hope for the best. Plus, there's more important things to worry about, like PACKING.

Unlike my last trip where I traveled in the end of spring, I am now traveling in the end of autumn into winter. It is impossible to pack light for a season that requires warm, puffy attire. Everyday for the past week, I have been pondering how I would fit most of my autumn and winter clothes into just ONE suitcase without going over the 50 lbs mark. I've stacked; I've bundled; I've compressed; I've crammed; I've given up. After distributing weight between my check-in and carry-on bags, I decided to just step on the plane wearing layers upon layers of shirts and sweaters under my giant, overcoat. Who cares if I look like a marshmallow in August. My sole objective is to get on that plane...period.

Well, I need to continue packing. But I'll be sure to write you every other day throughout my time in Europe, depending how busy I am. I'll also include videos and pictures that capture my crazy experiences there. Wish me luck!

With Love,

Tay