I'm writing this at 5:30am...AMERICAN TIME. Meaning it's 11:30am here in the mind-blowing, jaw-dropping city of Prague.
I've been here a week, and so much has happened. I can't even really give explicit detail because this would be a novel (or at least a short story) and I have work to do for class tomorrow (my story "In Transit" is being workshopped!).
I'll give you all a quick overview of some highlights:
- the city itself is a cobblestone paradise, and the views are exquisite. I can't get used to walking out of the Charles University building and immediately seeing a view overlooking Prague Castle. It's breathtaking. The buildings are gorgeous, making me feeling like I've been dropped into a storybook, and the labyrinth of streets and allies provide endless exploration. Expect hundreds (yes, hundreds) of pictures when I get back of everything from buildings to graffiti to rooftops to stunning views.
- the people are amazing, both in the program and in the city. I've met some incredibly talented writers and made a few new friends as well. My instructor, Charles Baxter, is a fountain of knowledge and wisdom, delivering advice with a kindness and edge that I've never seen before. The other writers in my workshop have such diverse backgrounds and experiences (I'm the youngest in the class of ten to fifteen) and I learn volumes each day.
The people in Prague have been great as well. The language barrier has been interesting to see from the other side, and the way I view ordering food and shopping has completely changed. Every person here is gorgeous. I've never seen so many beautiful people walking around, men and women alike. It's re-awakened my fascination for people watching.
- the beer is everything everyone says it is: DELICIOUS. I was never a beer guy before I came over here, but after a week, it's safe to say I've become a fan (St. Norbert's IPA and dark beer are two of the most delicious things I've ever had, brewed right there in the pub). Then again, after a week of daily beers and people constantly arguing over which bar to hit next (which is kind of hilarious), it's become exhausting. Or maybe I just have a short attention span. Then again, I'm not really a "partier" so I don't see the constant appeal of going out every night. That's not to say I haven't had a crazy night or two though. In fact, Wednesday night was one of the craziest nights I've ever had, and I ended up walking back to the dorm from the city with someone I'd just met; it was a bonding experience (with the city) I won't soon forget. Plus, watching a pack of drunk writers discuss God, gender, politics, film, and life is nothing short of a spectacle.
And let's not forget the food. I've had SO much chicken over here, and it's all been delicious. The portions are way smaller than in the States, so it's become apparent to me part of why we're all so fat and unhealthy. But over here, I've also walked a lot more and drunk a TON of water (more than I have in months), so I feel fantastic. I'm also in love with sparkling water (carbonated water) and European Coca-Cola. Delicious. I actually just got back from shopping with Conor and our suitemate Jamie. Three dudes shopping for groceries = one tired woman shopping for groceries, but we got the job done.
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Today being Sunday, new Postsecrets were posted, and one in particular really stood out to me. It says:
"I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are."
That one sentence describes every single aspect of this trip for me. Since I left for Europe, I have realized not only how huge the world is, but how much time I spend worrying about tiny problems, essentially making a robot apocalypse out of a malfunctioning toaster (I...love that analogy, keeping it).
I've learned that I am still very young, both in my physical and spiritual life, as well as my writer life; I have a lot to learn and a long way to go. But instead of feeling insignificant, I feel an excitement, a jolt of energy, like youth flowing through me in some sort of metaphysical shiny CGI sequence. I have the craving to expand what I do, who I do it with, and why I do it. In essence: I feel that youthful desire to go do something that scares the shit out of me and every adult in the world. I mean, come on, I drunkenly staggered around a European city in the middle of the night with someone I had just met, trying to find our way back to the dorm with no map, cell phone, or sense of direction. Normally I would have been at least a little stressed, but I've been almost completely at peace this entire trip. Yeah, I've been tired and annoyed and cranky on occasion, but that's nonexistent compared to the amount of time I've spent happy, laughing, and pushing my comfort zone to new limits while staying peaceful, thankful, and overjoyed.
And the best part is: this is only week one.
I love you all.
Adam
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