First Weekend in Prague

So its been a couple days since I’ve arrived and I’m finally starting to get on the Czech time schedule, which in Prague means you get up at noon, go out at midnight and come home by 5am. Now you would think I should be used to it being a college student of three years but I am actually quite horrible at it.  I’ve been so tired I’ve resorted to napping – but not just any nap, Im talking three hours long, Cassie Geibel style nap.

But anyway, down to business.  Day one: wake up at 6 am with complete jet lag. Decide to explore the neighborhood with my roommate and walk into a little market.  Now I had been told that “everyone in Prague speaks English” … so being the annoying and ignorant American that I am, I walk straight up to the woman and ask if the milk they have is non-fat.  That conversation didn’t go over well. I had to spend the next 5 minutes saying no to all of the items she haphazardly pointed at while trying to heroically interpret the origin of my question.  Bless her heart.  We then took a walking tour of downtown Prague with our CEA program, but only after being late because I absolutely had to have my coffee that turned out luke warm/to cold and a quarter filled since I apparently forgot to specify I wanted it hot and filled to the top.   Anyway, not bitter about that at all.  

The first stop was the quintessential public art attraction of Prague – one to define the very heart and soul of their culture – a fountain of men peeing at each other representing the relationship between the Czech republic and Slovakia. …Truly classic.  

But don’t let their humor fool you.  Czech people are stern, contemplative, and task oriented people. Don’t get in their way and definitely don’t smile without knowing full well that you are to receive one back.  But at the perchance that you run into a friendly, English speaking Prauvanka (our made up word for a Czech woman), make sure you utilize every minute with worthy questions. For example, is it simply socially unacceptable to ask people if you can pet their dog or is it that ‘dog’ is a bad word in Czech?  Or how do you say ‘I am a Canadian’ in Czech?

Moving on.

Sorry this is going to be a long one because it’s been a couple days.  So from here on out I am going to make a quick list of all the things we did and elaborate where necessary

1)    Tour of old town Prague and the main downtown castle

a.     Commentary: LEGITTTTTT

                                               i.     Turn to one side and it is this gold encrusted ancient cathedral will all the necessary gargoyles, hundreds of pointy tops, and gaudy stain glass windows.  Then look to the other side and it is the most spectacular view of all of downtown Prague.  Ya that’s right. This is my city. What now.

2)    First night out

a.     Pub downtown and random 80s club

                                               i.     Ps this particular pub is designed with under ground tunnels and secret passageways seemingly designed for the single purpose of tripping out newbies and girls in heels. But in all seriousness it is literally Harry Potter chamber of secrets – I kid you not- I would know, I watched the movie.

3)    Second day: sleep all-day, do a little shopping for the apartment, and go out again at night.  We went to this super touristy, 5-story club that will be solidified in my mind forever as the place where I got my first free drink in Prague, compliments of my new Belgium friends.

4)    Sunday morning- go to the International Church of Prague and meet some legit new friends.

a.     Alyssa- the most beautiful Russian woman I have ever met. I  kinda have a girl crush on this woman.  We are going to be besties.

b.     Angelo – not even exaggerating this man speaks so many languages that he actually doesn't know the exact number.  He is also the college pastor and might actually be mentally insane.  And he prays like a boss.

c.     Joe and Marshall- two guys who are actually students with me at AAU and also arrived a couple days ago.

5)    Super bowl

a.     We got the privilege of watching the game at 12:30pm, which meant there were literally three locations in all of Prague that actually showed the game.  So naturally my group shows up late and there is no room.  But instead of leaving we just become buddies with the owner and get hooked up with a private VIP room with couches, a giant big screen TV, and a sick sound system.   Got to love Prague!

Sorry this was so long… ill try to write more often.  But overall I have to say that I am truly in love with this place and might actually not come home. Sorry mom. 

PS- Today was gorgeous! I wore a long sleeve shirt and jeans.. no jacket.  all that worrying for nothing! (knock on wood!) 

just pray the weather stays this nice!!!!

love you all, 

kristy