MAR-GOES

Ok so it has been freezing, icy, and foggy here… all week. I don’t think Czech people believe in the use of salt because I literally skate around. It’s honestly extremely dangerous and I’m not entirely sure how people don’t get hurt more often. Remember those stairs I talked about? Yeah, they are completely covered in ice. I would appreciate some sun but Mother Nature isn’t on my side right now. I am definitely keeping track of all the things I plan to do here in Prague once the weather allows me to step more than 3 feet outside of my building without slipping. There is something special about winter here though, it seems like the snow matches the feeling and look of the city. I’ve never been a winter person, so I am counting the days until temperatures break even the 50s (I’m being generous). This week has been pretty uneventful. I’ve had survival Czech everyday from 9-12. I don’t think I’ve woken up earlier than 11 since last semester so it’s been a painful but good wake up call to make the most of my days.

Survival Czech was helpful. I learned common phrases, numbers, some food, some important places, and body parts. We were taken to a cafe to order our food in Czech and it went pretty well. The language is difficult but knowing some of these important phrases makes me feel more confident to take on conversations with people. I know I am not leaving this place fluent in Czech, but like I said, English isn’t as common as I thought it would be here. Phrases and vocabulary are a good start for me.

On Wednesday night I went to the Opera Carmen. It was at the National Theater and this place was BEAUTIFUL. I’ve always appreciated Opera music and singers so it was definitely amazing to see a live performance. It was in French and I had absolutely no idea what was happening in the plot, BUT the voices were wonderful. I felt extremely classy, you know just your casual Wednesday night opera. I’m happy I went and look forward to seeing more shows when possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On another note, laundry is annoying. It’s annoying at home (not that I ever really do it.. thanks mom), but from what I’ve seen, it’s definitely more annoying here. We were given the smallest washing machines on the market. I’m sure of it. Second, their detergent is in the form of powder. Greg was familiar with it so I went with it. It was successful and it smelled nice. Third, they have no dryers. I guess it’s not really a thing in Europe to dry your clothes in a dryer. First world problems. Going to have to get used to washing more regularly and air drying my clothes. Everything worked out fine… I’m being slightly dramatic.

THE WORST PART ABOUT THIS PLACE IS THAT PEOPLE SMOKE CIGARETTES EVERYWHERE. Every restaurant, bar, club, street, store, etc. I know America was like this for half of my life on this Earth but I swear it is the worst. Props to you people over 20 who had to live with this most of your life. I cannot stand coming home and smelling like I was hanging out in ashtray all night. (If you read this and you smoke cigarettes, sorry bout it!)

Greg and I (mostly Greg) made 2 really nice dinners this week. Salmon, rice and vegetables one night and ravioli and chickpeas the next. About the chickpeas.. we thought we were buying corn. It was in Czech and it just looked like small yellow food, we didn’t even think twice about it. Chickpeas were actually a pleasant surprise, I love them so it worked out. We took a break from the kitchen tonight to venture to a BBQ place we read was good. When we finally got there, we asked for a table for 2 and they literally said “not tonight”. Here, if you don’t have reservations at some places they won’t even let you wait for an open table. We walked a block down and found a casual restaurant. I got a burger that was pretty good and a DELICIOUS crepe. Mental note made though to make reservations if a place seems popular.

This post is a lot of me complaining, but I’m feeling some seasonal depression in this awful weather. It is also very therapeutic to vent out some thoughts. It is still beautiful here and I am very grateful to have this opportunity, despite my complaints. I am currently taking a break from planning some trips to other countries to write this. I cannot wait to see what the rest of Europe has to offer, and if the places are as beautiful as Prague is, then I am in for many treats.

Please keep Prague’s weather in your prayers, we need some sun here.

xx