Week 7 was another awesome and busy week. I can’t believe how fast time is going, and every week just keeps getting better. I stayed healthy again, which I’m super thankful for. It’s been so nice to feel good and be able to do everything I planned without worrying about getting sick.
Work went smoothly this week too. I’m really getting used to my job now, and it doesn’t feel as hard or confusing as it did at the beginning. I’m better at managing my time, asking the right questions when I need help, and keeping track of what I need to get done.
In the Czech Republic, “success” in a professional sense is often about being steady, reliable, and focused. People really value employees who are responsible and who do their work well without needing too much attention. It’s not always about being the loudest or the most outgoing person in the room. Instead, it’s more about showing up on time, staying organized, and doing your job with care and consistency.
At my internship, I’ve noticed that successful employees are the ones who can work independently but also know how to be part of a team. They are clear in their communication, ask questions when they need to, and take ownership of their tasks. Being respectful and polite is very important in the workplace here. People don’t usually brag about their accomplishments, but they do notice when someone is hardworking and helpful.
This feels a little different from what I’ve seen in the U.S. Back home, success at work is often linked to being more vocal and standing out. In some American workplaces, you’re encouraged to promote yourself, share your ideas openly, and be very enthusiastic. While that can happen here too, it’s more common for people to be a little more reserved and to let their work speak for itself.
During the week, something exciting happened—my friend from Pitt came to visit me in Prague! It was so cool to have someone from home here. After work, we went out a few nights to explore the city together. One night, we went to some Irish pubs in the city, which was a lot of fun. The places were full of people, good music, and a cozy vibe. It was nice to hang out, laugh, and talk about how different (and sometimes similar) Prague is to home. Having a familiar face around made me appreciate the city even more.
But the highlight of Week 7 was definitely the weekend trip to Rome, Italy. I had been looking forward to this trip for a while, and it did not disappoint. We flew in on Friday night and were immediately hit by how different everything felt—the language, the buildings, the weather, even the way people walked and talked. Rome had such an energetic and historical vibe. It felt like stepping into a history book.
On Saturday, we did a full day of exploring. Our first stop was the Colosseum, and it was even bigger and more impressive in person than I imagined. Standing inside it and thinking about how old it is—thousands of years—was kind of mind-blowing. We took lots of pictures and walked all around the area, trying to imagine what it must have been like back when it was full of people watching gladiator fights.
After that, we walked to a bunch of other famous places. We saw the Roman Forum, which has all these ancient ruins, and then made our way to the Pantheon, which was also really cool. The weather was warm and sunny, which made it even better. We stopped for gelato a couple of times during the day—it’s hard to say no to ice cream in Italy!
On Sunday, we went to Vatican City, which is technically its own country inside Rome. We visited the Sistine Chapel, which was amazing. Seeing Michelangelo’s ceiling in real life was something I’ll never forget. There were so many details in the artwork, and the entire place felt peaceful but powerful at the same time. We also walked through St. Peter’s Basilica, and even though I’ve seen photos before, being there in person made it feel more real and special.
Coming back to Prague that night, I felt both tired and really happy. I’ve gotten used to that feeling—using up every bit of energy during the weekend to travel and experience new things, then returning home to rest and reset. I’m also noticing that I’ve become a better traveler. I’m more confident finding my way around new cities, trying new foods, and talking to people who speak different languages.