Written by Gaby Sosa, (American University), Student Correspondent for CET Film Production at FAMU, Spring 2022
When I first applied to FAMU, I didn’t take into account location. I was more interested in the rigor and intensity of FAMU as opposed to the convenience of location. Before my flight in January, I knew very little. In fact, I only really knew 3 things: 1) Prague was once under communist regime 2) geographically, it’s easier to travel to other countries, and 3) it’s relatively cheap to the US.
Apartment 4 friends and I hike up a random mountain after a Czech Festival. Czech roommate, Radka, leads the way.
Fast-forward two months, and I can navigate my way around Prague. I feel comfortable walking to my classes, 30 mins there and back. I found the ideal rustic chléb for toast at the Billa next to the Palladium. I took some friends from Sokolovská to try 3 dollar ice cream at Cacao Prague. I hiked up to a dog park on top of a hill. And, I soak in the sun on my morning walks to St. Ludmila kostel (church).
St. Ludmila church at sunset. Insert random stranger on bottom right.
Naturally, all these things have made me feel like a local. I’ve bumped into classmates on the way to Form Factory (gym), gained a sense of foot traffic time frames in the Plaza, crossed the river to walk up Prague 6, and even made myself a regular at a café near FAMU studio. If I had the choice, I’d choose Costa Rica or Australia as a location for FAMU. But surprisingly, so, the city has charmed me. Truly, I’m smitten.
I forgot the name, but snickers like ice cream from Cacao Prague. Perfect to curve a sweet tooth at night. They close at 10:30.
Sure, walking to school the 12th time isn’t as exciting as the first time, but hearing Czech, Polish, and overall Slavic tongues dance around, serves as a reminder that I’m in Europe. Running towards the river before sunrise, working on assignments in the evenings, exploring the markets on the weekend while practicing Czech in everyday life has shaped as a new normal for me. Meeting new people has been the biggest highlight of the CET Prague. After a few weeks of readjusting “normal” though, Prague eventually feels liberating and safe.
Found the Edison Film Hub center on a walk home. We ended up watching Belfast that upcoming Monday.