Then I went up through the Jewish Quarter and walked down the river towards the Charles Bridge. This is the view of Prague Castle from the other side of the river. It was kind of a gray day though.
Wednesday I went to the Museum of Communism with Zack and Amy. It wasn't great, because a lot of the artifacts didn't have good explanations, but it was really interesting and educational. Here, I am chatting with the busts of some Communist super-stars.
Then we ate in the Club, which is in the basement of our school, and apparently a throwback to the Communist Regime in that you have a choice of 5 things to eat, and one of the choices is always smažený sýr (sma-jzeny sear), which is basically fried cheese. Zack got that, and I got ham, potato pancakes, and sauerkraut (I liked it, Pat!).
Today is Friday, and I have a day off today – no orientation. We were supposed to have it Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10-12 and 2-4, but we really didn’t need all that time. We had already gotten our tram passes and student cards, and since we all got here more than a week before orientation even started (necessary?), we have all more or less figured out how to use the public transportation system, which was going to be the point of today’s sessions. Wednesday we got everything covered, got out early, didn’t have to come to the morning session on Thursday, and got out early Thursday afternoon. That’s one thing about our director, Nicki Norris – she’s super nice and friendly, but apparently can’t budget time very well. It’s nice to have things laid back like this, but I would like a little more structure. I am excited for our Czech language class and lecture series to start on Monday.We did have an interesting talk though, in the orientation session we had yesterday. Nicki has been here for around 15 years, so she knows a thing or two about living here. The most drastic change has, obviously, been the fall of communism. Even though it's been almost 20 years, the people who lived under the regime are still really quiet, and don't like to be asked questions. Nicki has a good friend who, after 15 years, still gets a look of terror on her face for a split second when Nicki compliments her on a new sweater.
In general, the Czech people are really modest and good natured, and I have seen this in my walks around the city. Most are excited to speak English (which is no excuse to not speak Czech, however) and are shy about using it, but are for the most part very good. Service is only okay, since most people are still learning how to be different and capitalist. Good stuff.
Despite the lack of structure in the past few days, things are starting to happen! Next weekend I am going to
The week after that, classes start, and then my parents come to visit! Aaron is safely in the Outback, listening to Kelly Clarkston (is she Australian? Way to immerse yourself in the culture…), and going surfing. The link to his blog is on the right of the page, so you should check out his adventures as well.
We finally have internet in our flat, so I am very much connected and in touch with the world. For instance, I know that Anna Nicole Smith died - big news in the U.S.! I am also working on a new way to post pictures, but no success yet.
I hope everyone is doing well wherever they are and with whatever they’re doing.
Lots of love,
Kelly
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