Prague in April

So much has happened since the last post I wrote that it seems silly to try to write everything...so here's an overview of the things that stick out:

President Obama came to Prague on his tour of Europe. Currently the EU Presidency is with the Czech Republic, and his presence caused a lot of excitement. The topic of his speech was on RADAR and installing a nuclear defense system just outside of Prague. There is quite a lot of controversy around the topic but I don't really understand enough about the relationship of the countries and the potential consequences for Czechs should the US follow through with that plan...but his speech was moving. He really has a charisma and physical presense that is unbelievable. And while the speech was short I thought that it was well delievered and eloquently spoken. After the speech Obama and Michelle Obama went to the crowds to shake hands...and Michelle shook my hand!!! It was an awesome experience, one that I will remember for the rest of my life.

After the speech the group met up a small pub for lunch, which took awhile since there were so many of us, but was good. I've had the opportunity to socialize with the people in my program and have really appreciated the diversity and compatablitiy in our group. Everyone brings a little something else to the table and I really enjoy everyone's company, both individually and as a group. During the past two weeks I've had the opportunity to hang out with small groups, randomly formed and spontaneous, and it's through these experiences that I get to know people more intimiately. I wish I could remember some of the little things, but it's hard since I didn't write them down and I typically have so much going on, but I remember one day after class were a couple of us wanted to get a drink. It was a long day of studying and the sentiment was to take the edge off. We ended up at a bar dubbed "the Hobbit hole" which is small and rustic and underground. It was at that bar that we spent the next five hours! just talking and sharing our histories and getting to know each other.

It's easy to put the effort into getting to know someone when you've been sent abroad with a certain group, but I want to be able to take that ease back to the states and apply to people back home. It doesn't require a lot to spend some time to get to know someone, and I've already gained a lot from the people on my program that I could only imagine what it could be like for me at home.

I send my best wishes and love from Prague!

Shanna.