Friday, December 28, 2007
Toshiba
I got a new computer! It's itty-bitty and really different from my last hunk of worthlessness. I adore it. I'm still figuring out how exactly to use it. I also got to absolutely rip apart my last computer to retrieve my hard drive and transfer things over. It still seems so strange to hold the little hard drive in my hand and know that within the metal and green, yellow, and red markings and weirdo little whatevers on it is everything! I can hold in my hand all my college essays, poems, stories, novel, Europe pictures, Portland pictures, my music, my everything, in my hand. It's magic. Ta-Da!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Vague Disclaimer's No one's Friend
I had a lengthy conversation Wednesday with a co-worker about how working in food service has turned us into very bitter people who hate and despise the human race.
Let me say that the majority of my regular customers are simply lovely, and nothing broke my heart more than having to tell them that the coffeehouse is closing down for good. I've developed odd friendships with some of them to the point that I know more about their lives than I feel I ever should. And, my day grows brighter when they walk in the door, and I already know their order by heart. However, there is that rare breed of a regular customer that I HATE.
For an example, I have this regular customer who comes in every day to get a grilled cheese and a smoothie, two of the things I am most unhappy to make. But, he was always polite, so I dealt. Then, he got too comfortable in his regularity. He now calls every day at the same time, and merely says "Hey, it's me (name)." As if I'm supposed to know only one (uber-common name) in my entire existence. Not only am I supposed to recognize his voice and name, I'm supposed to know what he wants to order and have it ready for him the second he walks in the door. I hate this. I am a food server, I understand. But, I am not your servant at your beck and call and I am most certainly not going to put your order on the top priority of my endless list of things to do at work. THEN, this kid has the nerve to give me an attitude if his order isn't ready when he shows up. Not to mention that I have never received a tip from him. It drives me crazy.
I've worked with the public enough to understand that the majority of people suck. But, how dare someone return on a daily basis and treat me that way.
As my coworker Sarah so elegantly put it, "I fucking handle your food, you fool."
Yes, I am a good person and would never damage someone's food like that. But, still, people continuously push the limits and honestly, how idiotic can you be. It's true. I deal with your food, and there are a myriad of ways I could mess with it. Are you really that keen to establish yourself as the smoothie asshole and continue to return to my food preparation every day? Why on earth would anyone push it? But, they do.
I need another job. The Blue Dog is forcing me over the edge.
Let me say that the majority of my regular customers are simply lovely, and nothing broke my heart more than having to tell them that the coffeehouse is closing down for good. I've developed odd friendships with some of them to the point that I know more about their lives than I feel I ever should. And, my day grows brighter when they walk in the door, and I already know their order by heart. However, there is that rare breed of a regular customer that I HATE.
For an example, I have this regular customer who comes in every day to get a grilled cheese and a smoothie, two of the things I am most unhappy to make. But, he was always polite, so I dealt. Then, he got too comfortable in his regularity. He now calls every day at the same time, and merely says "Hey, it's me (name)." As if I'm supposed to know only one (uber-common name) in my entire existence. Not only am I supposed to recognize his voice and name, I'm supposed to know what he wants to order and have it ready for him the second he walks in the door. I hate this. I am a food server, I understand. But, I am not your servant at your beck and call and I am most certainly not going to put your order on the top priority of my endless list of things to do at work. THEN, this kid has the nerve to give me an attitude if his order isn't ready when he shows up. Not to mention that I have never received a tip from him. It drives me crazy.
I've worked with the public enough to understand that the majority of people suck. But, how dare someone return on a daily basis and treat me that way.
As my coworker Sarah so elegantly put it, "I fucking handle your food, you fool."
Yes, I am a good person and would never damage someone's food like that. But, still, people continuously push the limits and honestly, how idiotic can you be. It's true. I deal with your food, and there are a myriad of ways I could mess with it. Are you really that keen to establish yourself as the smoothie asshole and continue to return to my food preparation every day? Why on earth would anyone push it? But, they do.
I need another job. The Blue Dog is forcing me over the edge.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
My Fair Lady
This film is nearly perfect.
Henry Higgins is one of the finest characters ever created, and Rex Harrison plays him beautifully. The beauty of the story is that Henry Higgins is so desperately trying to reform Eliza into a lady and add refinement to her life, but the thing is that Higgins is just as crass and behind as she is. He has no tact, no manners, and is utterly childish in his dealings of personal relationships. So, while she seems like the young and foolish one, in the end, we realize that it is really the professor who has maturing and lessons to learn from the cockney "gutter rat." What's more, the lesson Eliza learns is not that she has anything to learn from Professor Higgins, she finds that no one is responsible for her fate, but her own self. It's a statement of self reliance. And, what seems to be such a misogynist film at first glance (I'm thinking of the song "Never Let a Woman in my Life" where he describes the idiocy of females) is in reality a film of the idiocy of men, just think of foolish young Freddie waiting outside the house for Eliza or Henry Higgins pathetic state towards the end. Plus, it is rare to find a film that so celebrates the English language, of which I'm very personally enamored.
Oh, and Colonel Pickering and Mrs. Pierce and Henry Higgin's mother. The songs! The flowers! Simply marvelous.
Henry Higgins is one of the finest characters ever created, and Rex Harrison plays him beautifully. The beauty of the story is that Henry Higgins is so desperately trying to reform Eliza into a lady and add refinement to her life, but the thing is that Higgins is just as crass and behind as she is. He has no tact, no manners, and is utterly childish in his dealings of personal relationships. So, while she seems like the young and foolish one, in the end, we realize that it is really the professor who has maturing and lessons to learn from the cockney "gutter rat." What's more, the lesson Eliza learns is not that she has anything to learn from Professor Higgins, she finds that no one is responsible for her fate, but her own self. It's a statement of self reliance. And, what seems to be such a misogynist film at first glance (I'm thinking of the song "Never Let a Woman in my Life" where he describes the idiocy of females) is in reality a film of the idiocy of men, just think of foolish young Freddie waiting outside the house for Eliza or Henry Higgins pathetic state towards the end. Plus, it is rare to find a film that so celebrates the English language, of which I'm very personally enamored.
Oh, and Colonel Pickering and Mrs. Pierce and Henry Higgin's mother. The songs! The flowers! Simply marvelous.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Sassyness and Nonsense on a Tuesday
I was lonely at work this morning, not a customer in sight and the sun barely grazing the horizon, when I remembered I had a blog! I made a resolution to myself to write in it as soon as I got home. It's 6:08 p.m. and the day is finally slowing to a halt. Here I sit.
I've been supremely loopy all day. My thoughts racing, my mind inconstant, and my emotions piling up and spilling over in waves. I tried to figure out why when I realized I have not eaten today. This is a dangerous game for me since I have hypoglycemia and not eating is a waiting game for when I'll either throw up or pass out. However, today was the first day in a long time that I felt well enough, I'm recovering from a cold, to drink my beloved coffee instead of tea. So, I downed it this morning like a heroin addict returning to the needle. I did not even put soy milk in it which I am apt to do at times, instead I gulped the blackness down, scalding my tongue and throat, not giving a damn.
I'm ODing on caffeine, but I am happy with that. It was in my poetry class that I realized my thoughts are far more abstract than usual. I had a GREAT idea for writing in my journal tonight. I finished my last journal on Saturday night and have been blocked to start my new one. I did not want to start the composition book with simple entries. I wanted a new leaf of writing, renewed inspiration as I've been drained from my efforts during National Novel Writing Month. I feel like an Indian squaw on a fasting vision quest, my coffee is my peyote, the Velvet Underground my spiritual guide. Jeepers, how overdramatic. But, nonetheless I never want to eat again, or at least not until my thoughts can fully flow through my pen and onto paper. I feel like everything around me is begging to be a poem, and pleading to be a metaphor.
"This shaking keeps me steady. I should know."
-Roethke.
I've been repeating that poem to myself every morning for the past two weeks. I adore it.
I've been supremely loopy all day. My thoughts racing, my mind inconstant, and my emotions piling up and spilling over in waves. I tried to figure out why when I realized I have not eaten today. This is a dangerous game for me since I have hypoglycemia and not eating is a waiting game for when I'll either throw up or pass out. However, today was the first day in a long time that I felt well enough, I'm recovering from a cold, to drink my beloved coffee instead of tea. So, I downed it this morning like a heroin addict returning to the needle. I did not even put soy milk in it which I am apt to do at times, instead I gulped the blackness down, scalding my tongue and throat, not giving a damn.
I'm ODing on caffeine, but I am happy with that. It was in my poetry class that I realized my thoughts are far more abstract than usual. I had a GREAT idea for writing in my journal tonight. I finished my last journal on Saturday night and have been blocked to start my new one. I did not want to start the composition book with simple entries. I wanted a new leaf of writing, renewed inspiration as I've been drained from my efforts during National Novel Writing Month. I feel like an Indian squaw on a fasting vision quest, my coffee is my peyote, the Velvet Underground my spiritual guide. Jeepers, how overdramatic. But, nonetheless I never want to eat again, or at least not until my thoughts can fully flow through my pen and onto paper. I feel like everything around me is begging to be a poem, and pleading to be a metaphor.
"This shaking keeps me steady. I should know."
-Roethke.
I've been repeating that poem to myself every morning for the past two weeks. I adore it.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
On to Other Things
I don't know if anyone will still read this, now that I am no longer chronicling European adventures. But, I am going to continue to write none the less. And that is that.
I'm spending some of my time this summer working at the BlueDog Coffeehouse. However, my hours are very few at the moment, while I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things and go through all the necessary training. So, I have been spending a lot of my free time writing and editing and maybe, eventually submitting things for publication. A scary thought, indeed. But, I thought it might be a good idea to put some of my stuff up here, and if anyone wants to critique it that would be great. If not, whatever.
Here's a poem. It's anti-cat. So, if you are pro-cat, be forewarned. I don't like cats.
I'm spending some of my time this summer working at the BlueDog Coffeehouse. However, my hours are very few at the moment, while I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things and go through all the necessary training. So, I have been spending a lot of my free time writing and editing and maybe, eventually submitting things for publication. A scary thought, indeed. But, I thought it might be a good idea to put some of my stuff up here, and if anyone wants to critique it that would be great. If not, whatever.
Here's a poem. It's anti-cat. So, if you are pro-cat, be forewarned. I don't like cats.
Felinophobia
The whole shebang remains the cat’s damn fault.
Black scraggly beast from down the block, that rogue.
That foolish feline got what he deserved.
At my peaceful window earlier that night,
my hands were wrinkled, wet like paper in rain,
my fingers soapy, slippery, when that brute
appeared and snarled at me, its whiskers wet
from stolen milk. The glass squirmed out of my hand
and fell with a piercing cry, its pieces leapt
about my kitchen floor. With deepening
frustration, I bent, retrieving shards, so sharp
they bit my palms with itchy stings. My skin
was nicked. I didn’t deserve those crimson stains.
So I gave those pestering cuts to the cat
as well. I pitched the glass at his midnight fur.
His mews began to sizzle, boiling like
cold water on a heated pot. I glanced outside
to see my annoyance die upon the lawn.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Back in America
I'm currently sitting in the Portland airport, back from Europe. I'm pretty exhausted but happy to be back. Everyone is so smiley. I forgot about the unspoken rule of smiling at strangers. And I just got my authentic Czech glare down too.
Madrid was amazing and a wonderful way to end my Europe trip. I met Anna and Bobby at my hostel and they were pretty fun. The first night we were there, Real Madrid won the America Cup, so the three of us went to one of the town's main squares to celebrate with the locals. It was INSANE! Everyone was dancing, screaming, smoking joints, hugging, crying. There was music and people were climbing trees and lamposts. Then, the team members showed up and it really got insane. There was a huge fireworks show and everyone was singing Queen's "We are the Champions." However, once the fireworks show was over, it turned into a riot and was kind of frightening. People were running and the cops were charging us with shields while some people were throwing fireworks back at the cops. Crazy!
And last night was a pretty awesome flamenco show. But, i've been up since three Madrid time, and it's weird that 20 some hours later it is still Tuesday. I cannot wait for Seattle and my bed.
Madrid was amazing and a wonderful way to end my Europe trip. I met Anna and Bobby at my hostel and they were pretty fun. The first night we were there, Real Madrid won the America Cup, so the three of us went to one of the town's main squares to celebrate with the locals. It was INSANE! Everyone was dancing, screaming, smoking joints, hugging, crying. There was music and people were climbing trees and lamposts. Then, the team members showed up and it really got insane. There was a huge fireworks show and everyone was singing Queen's "We are the Champions." However, once the fireworks show was over, it turned into a riot and was kind of frightening. People were running and the cops were charging us with shields while some people were throwing fireworks back at the cops. Crazy!
And last night was a pretty awesome flamenco show. But, i've been up since three Madrid time, and it's weird that 20 some hours later it is still Tuesday. I cannot wait for Seattle and my bed.
Friday, June 15, 2007
I Miss Paris
It´s 4:30 in the morning in Barcelona and I am not asleep in bed. I am rooming with three smelly foreigners who have very phlegmy snores. I am going to be one cranky Chrissy tomorrow and that does not make for good sightseeing. Tomorrow Barcie, Sunday train to Mardid. Monday, Mardid and my final night in Europe. Tuesday, fly to Seattle. Wednesday, fly to Reno. Thursday, Sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.
Spain needs to cool the fuck down.
Whoops, I guess I´m already cranky.
Spain needs to cool the fuck down.
Whoops, I guess I´m already cranky.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
As Time Goes By
This phase of my trip is about power-sightseeing. Two weeks and four countries. It's a lot and it's really tough. I really would prefer to live and stay in these places instead of just seeing the major tourist attractions.
I didn't really like London. I was shocked and even a little hurt inside. I'd always wanted to go to London and imagined it being awesome and amazing. I'm not sure if I just had a bad experience or if the city really sucks as much as I think it did. Either way, it was way too expensive, way too big, way too crowded and overall just a major culture shock coming from Prague. I felt like I was back in the US. The highlights of London were going on the eye which was actually really fun, talking to some cockney children who were smoking at the train station, and seeing my dear friend Khyati who I really miss with all my heart. I really want to go back to London in the future and stay there for a while. I think I just needed way more time there to take things in.
The Netherlands were wonderful!! Dawn and I stayed with our friend Simon. I liked it so much more than London because I really feel like even though I only spent two days there, I really got a taste for life there. Um, they put chocolate sprinkles on their bread and sugar on their tomatoes. Surprisingly delicious, indeed. After Amsterdam, Simon let us stay with his parents in Wouw, pronounced Wow! It was wonderful to relax and not be in a hostel. His mother was loverly and did some laundry for me. She also has traveled alone a lot in Europe and gave me a lot of really great advice for Spain and France. I am eternally in her debt.
Now, I am in Paris. It is beautiful, but I haven't gotten to see much. I do love the flower boxes in all the windows though. It is really charming. I got really buzzed just walking the streets and hearing french and smelling fresh bread. I'm pretty excited.
I didn't really like London. I was shocked and even a little hurt inside. I'd always wanted to go to London and imagined it being awesome and amazing. I'm not sure if I just had a bad experience or if the city really sucks as much as I think it did. Either way, it was way too expensive, way too big, way too crowded and overall just a major culture shock coming from Prague. I felt like I was back in the US. The highlights of London were going on the eye which was actually really fun, talking to some cockney children who were smoking at the train station, and seeing my dear friend Khyati who I really miss with all my heart. I really want to go back to London in the future and stay there for a while. I think I just needed way more time there to take things in.
The Netherlands were wonderful!! Dawn and I stayed with our friend Simon. I liked it so much more than London because I really feel like even though I only spent two days there, I really got a taste for life there. Um, they put chocolate sprinkles on their bread and sugar on their tomatoes. Surprisingly delicious, indeed. After Amsterdam, Simon let us stay with his parents in Wouw, pronounced Wow! It was wonderful to relax and not be in a hostel. His mother was loverly and did some laundry for me. She also has traveled alone a lot in Europe and gave me a lot of really great advice for Spain and France. I am eternally in her debt.
Now, I am in Paris. It is beautiful, but I haven't gotten to see much. I do love the flower boxes in all the windows though. It is really charming. I got really buzzed just walking the streets and hearing french and smelling fresh bread. I'm pretty excited.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Homesick
I would like to warn everyone that when I get home. I will be annoying. I have only been out of Prague for 5 hours and I am already annoying myself. Everything I do: "In Prague, it's cheaper." "Well in Prague, the streets are prettier." "You know in Prague, they have better pastry stands." "Prague is better than here."
I am currently in London, and pretty happy to be here, although I really have yet to go out and do anything. But as soon as I got to the airport and found out it was going to be 15 pounds to get just from the airport to the city. I missed the hell out of Prague. It doesn't help that yesterday was one of the most pleasant days I have spent in the city of a hundred spires. Class got out at 1, so we all went to Letna Park's beer garden and drank cold, delicious beer while laying in the sun and looking out over the city. I got three beers and an ice cream for a little over 100 crowns or five dollars. Fuck the pound, that's all I gotta say.
I am currently in London, and pretty happy to be here, although I really have yet to go out and do anything. But as soon as I got to the airport and found out it was going to be 15 pounds to get just from the airport to the city. I missed the hell out of Prague. It doesn't help that yesterday was one of the most pleasant days I have spent in the city of a hundred spires. Class got out at 1, so we all went to Letna Park's beer garden and drank cold, delicious beer while laying in the sun and looking out over the city. I got three beers and an ice cream for a little over 100 crowns or five dollars. Fuck the pound, that's all I gotta say.
Monday, June 4, 2007
I am Tired.
I woke up Friday morning to catch a train to the lovely little town of Cesky Krumlov. I had to wake up at 6:30AM which sucks because I was out till 2 in the morning the night before with a bunch of Irish poets (loooooong story). So, I dragged myself into the shower and tried to think of when the next time I will get to sleep in will be. Not until June 21st when I am in Reno at my parent's house. I am tired. But, who has time to sleep when Europe is just outside your door?
Monday, May 28, 2007
Cool Slang
My classes this quarter are in a language center in downtown Prague. They mainly teach English here. I'm currently in the free computer lab which is the easiest place for me to access the internet. While writing an e-mail I looked up and noticed a poster of English slang which I think is pretty awesome. I've never used most of these words. But, I would like to start.
- pants- adj. very bad The concert was pants.
- shedload-n. a lot of something They've got shedloads of stuff for sale.]
- snaffle- v. to take something quickly I managed to snaffle a couple of biscuits.
- sorted- adj. provided with the things you want Are we sorted for alcohol tonight.
Maybe this is British slang that I am just not hip to. But snaffle is one of my new favourite words.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Anti-America
I had a particularly lovely day today. I walked through all the Mala Strana gardens and went to the Kampa Museum next to the Vltava. Today was a particularly hot day outside so I headed toward Cafe Slavia to get an ice cream Sundae. As I was about to cross the street, some police officers cut me off telling me I could not cross.
Around the corner came a flood of people waving flags, blowing whistles, and shouting a variety of things in Czech. Things I could not understand. Most of the flags said peace, but a few had pictures of missiles with X's through them. I shivered. I knew this was about me and my country.
Bush wants to build a radar site in the Czech Republic. The administration claims it is innocent enough. They just want to expand their positioning through Eastern Europe. But Eastern Europe knows better. The CR has a perfect positioning between Russia and Iran. The positioning of a radar base here is nothing more than a power play telling these two ever-threatening powers that America will still kick your ass if you try anything. It's all a big power play and the CR is nothing but a pawn.
It is completely understandable why the Czechs are so up in arms as well. This country has been bullied around by its fair share of world powers. The Austro-Hungarian empire set up shop in Prague Castle. Western powers essentially handed over a huge chunk of Czechoslovakia to Hilter without consulting any Czechs and then the Nazis marched right into the rest of the country a few months later. Soviet tanks periodically drove in and out of Prague to remind everyone that they were in charge. So, yeah, maybe this country is a little sick of being pushed around by big bully countries which is all America seems to be lately.
With so many problems within our own country, it seems illogical for our leaders to be spending almost all their time intimidating and invading sovereign nations. American imperialism is way out of hand and all in the name of freedom. What the fuck is that anyways? Just some people talking, right? But, at the same time, it is not necessarily fair for Czechs to walk down the streets with American flags that read "We Hate You" on the back side. I didn't vote for Bush. I don't support America's actions in the CR, in Iraq, etc. In fact, it seems that most Americans are not with our president. Our media lies to us about situations abroad, people's homes are illegally searched in the name of patriotism, in anyone should understand our frustrations Eastern Europe should.
Instead, Bush arrives in a week, and I find myself in situations like the one today where I am made to feel ashamed of my homeland which I do miss dearly. I would love to stand with the Czechs in Wenceslas Square and protest the Bush visit. But, frankly, I'm a little scared to.
Around the corner came a flood of people waving flags, blowing whistles, and shouting a variety of things in Czech. Things I could not understand. Most of the flags said peace, but a few had pictures of missiles with X's through them. I shivered. I knew this was about me and my country.
Bush wants to build a radar site in the Czech Republic. The administration claims it is innocent enough. They just want to expand their positioning through Eastern Europe. But Eastern Europe knows better. The CR has a perfect positioning between Russia and Iran. The positioning of a radar base here is nothing more than a power play telling these two ever-threatening powers that America will still kick your ass if you try anything. It's all a big power play and the CR is nothing but a pawn.
It is completely understandable why the Czechs are so up in arms as well. This country has been bullied around by its fair share of world powers. The Austro-Hungarian empire set up shop in Prague Castle. Western powers essentially handed over a huge chunk of Czechoslovakia to Hilter without consulting any Czechs and then the Nazis marched right into the rest of the country a few months later. Soviet tanks periodically drove in and out of Prague to remind everyone that they were in charge. So, yeah, maybe this country is a little sick of being pushed around by big bully countries which is all America seems to be lately.
With so many problems within our own country, it seems illogical for our leaders to be spending almost all their time intimidating and invading sovereign nations. American imperialism is way out of hand and all in the name of freedom. What the fuck is that anyways? Just some people talking, right? But, at the same time, it is not necessarily fair for Czechs to walk down the streets with American flags that read "We Hate You" on the back side. I didn't vote for Bush. I don't support America's actions in the CR, in Iraq, etc. In fact, it seems that most Americans are not with our president. Our media lies to us about situations abroad, people's homes are illegally searched in the name of patriotism, in anyone should understand our frustrations Eastern Europe should.
Instead, Bush arrives in a week, and I find myself in situations like the one today where I am made to feel ashamed of my homeland which I do miss dearly. I would love to stand with the Czechs in Wenceslas Square and protest the Bush visit. But, frankly, I'm a little scared to.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Beer: A Love Story
My experience with beer has overall been negative. Up until a few months ago, beer brought to mind high school parties with warm PBR, college keggars with sticky floors, and overall a watery substance that makes me have to pee and feel a little bit fatter the next morning. I was not a beer girl. Vodka is the name of my game.
Things have changed though. In this country, beer is always the cheapest beverage on the menu. Costing usually between 75 cents and a $1.50. It is also just a part of the culture to sit down in a restaurant and wave off the waitress with "Pivo." You don't need to specify what kind. They will just bring you the cheapest they have on tap. And while in the States this usually means something horrifically watery and disgusting. Here, it's usually Budweiser Budvar or Pilsner Urquell both of which are rich and nourishing. Beer is like water here. Refreshing, cool, and plentiful.
My trip to the Pilsner brewery is also a highlight of my life with beer. The guided tour of the brewery is very informational and fascinating. But, by far, the best part is the cup of beer they give you in the end. Unpasteurized, unfiltered, amazing. It's rich, has a mixture of flavors and an almost sweet aftertaste while still holding onto the classic bitterness that one associates with a fine brew. Why can't all beer be like that? Well, it goes bad quicker. So for the sake of preservation, they take all the good stuff out. Beer at its core is far greater than we in America are led to believe.
Czechs are the number one consumers of beer in the world and they take the beverage seriously. It's a fundamental part of social life, meals, and czech culture in general. Today, I visited a brewery in Prague called Pivovarsky Dum (Brewery House). I sampled sour cherry flavored beer, coffee flavored beer amongst a variety of other beers and beer related food. It was so pleasant and already such a part of my life. I've never sat around drinking beers with friends so much in my life. The large beers don't even affect me anymore. I just LOVE the taste.
Beer needs a serious revamping in the States. We need to get rid of all these silly watery beers aimed at underage drinkers and embrace the flavor and culture that can be associated with fine beers. Most of all, the US needs to legalize drinking in public. Having a cool glass of beer in the park on a sunny day is by far one of the most pleasant summer activities and completely harmless. C'mon America, wake up and smell the beer.
Things have changed though. In this country, beer is always the cheapest beverage on the menu. Costing usually between 75 cents and a $1.50. It is also just a part of the culture to sit down in a restaurant and wave off the waitress with "Pivo." You don't need to specify what kind. They will just bring you the cheapest they have on tap. And while in the States this usually means something horrifically watery and disgusting. Here, it's usually Budweiser Budvar or Pilsner Urquell both of which are rich and nourishing. Beer is like water here. Refreshing, cool, and plentiful.
My trip to the Pilsner brewery is also a highlight of my life with beer. The guided tour of the brewery is very informational and fascinating. But, by far, the best part is the cup of beer they give you in the end. Unpasteurized, unfiltered, amazing. It's rich, has a mixture of flavors and an almost sweet aftertaste while still holding onto the classic bitterness that one associates with a fine brew. Why can't all beer be like that? Well, it goes bad quicker. So for the sake of preservation, they take all the good stuff out. Beer at its core is far greater than we in America are led to believe.
Czechs are the number one consumers of beer in the world and they take the beverage seriously. It's a fundamental part of social life, meals, and czech culture in general. Today, I visited a brewery in Prague called Pivovarsky Dum (Brewery House). I sampled sour cherry flavored beer, coffee flavored beer amongst a variety of other beers and beer related food. It was so pleasant and already such a part of my life. I've never sat around drinking beers with friends so much in my life. The large beers don't even affect me anymore. I just LOVE the taste.
Beer needs a serious revamping in the States. We need to get rid of all these silly watery beers aimed at underage drinkers and embrace the flavor and culture that can be associated with fine beers. Most of all, the US needs to legalize drinking in public. Having a cool glass of beer in the park on a sunny day is by far one of the most pleasant summer activities and completely harmless. C'mon America, wake up and smell the beer.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
28 Days Later...
I will be back in the US. I cannot believe that I only have two weeks left in Prague. This trip has gone by sooo fast. I definitely feel like I just got here. I'm not too worried though, because I definitely think that I will be back at some point in time. It is really sad though that everyone in the program is starting to report on the things that we will all inevitable miss: drinking in public, pastry stands in the subway, GOOD beer, trams, etc.
However, I would like to take this opportunity to do a little "God Bless America" rant. Last night as I was struggling to survive another bipolar shower of either scalding water or freezing water, I enumerated in my mind some of the things that I really do miss from home.
- Free ice water at restaurants. This is the most obvious and what everyone says they miss about the US. But, it is true. Having to constantly pay for water sucks and seems really unfair for some reason.
- Being able to communicate. I will LOVE being able to go into a restaurant and actually understand the menu, to go into the bank, post office, anywhere really and be able to voice what I need.
- Smiling people. Czechs do not smile at one another or at all really. I cannot wait for all the superficially happy American faces that will embrace me when I disembark the train.
- Internet. Not having Wikipedia access within my living space is unbearable and also makes doing homework rather difficult.
- Spicy Food. Although kebabs in both Vienna and Krakow were pretty spicy, they still do not compare to fire cheetos, jalapeno poppers, etc.
And, I miss my people. Mostly when I daydream about home, I think about my family, my friends, my apartment, and how awesome I anticipate summer to be.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Young and Stupid
Sunday morning, 6AM, I got out of bed and got ready to take a three and a half hour train to Sokolov to willingly throw myself off a bridge. So goes the idiocy of extreme sports.
Ten of us decided to go bungee jumping off the tallest bridge in the Czech Republic. When the idea came up, my thoughts were "Sure" and "Sounds like fun." But, as I walked out to the middle of the bridge and looked down, my thoughts were mainly "Shit" and "No fucking way." The only other person as terrified as me was Max who happens to be terrified of heights. We were eighth and ninth to go, so we spent a lot of time trying to console one another. It didn't help that the contracts we signed were in Czech and all the people running it were also speaking rapid Czech.
Bungee Jumping is stupid. Why throw yourself off a bridge? It is one of the most counterintuitive things imaginable? Your entire body and mind is just saying "No, don't do this. You are going to die." But, I had paid 800 crowns ($40) so I had to go.
I don't even know how I did it. The guy behind me counted down, and I closed my eyes as tight as possible and just went. You are supposed to dive head first, but for anyone who wasn't on swim team with me or hasn't heard the story, I suck at diving and definitely usually kind of hop in instead of diving. So that is what I did. I jumped off and the world completely fell away. My eyes were closed, I couldn't hear anything besides the wind blowing past me, and I felt nothing but wind in my face. I had no thoughts. My head was completely clear. It also felt like I was falling for at least 5 or 10 minutes instead of 2 seconds. I didn't scream until I felt the bungee pulling me back. I only opened my eyes once I started heading back up. I opened them in time to see the bridge coming at me. I really thought I was going to hit it and die. But, alas, I did not. Instead, I hit the rope smack in the face. Basically, it was like jumping off a bridge and immediately being punched in the face for it. Then comes the spinning. I was trying to enjoy the view but could not because I was just spinning in circles very very fast. Being pulled back up was by far the best part. The view was pretty crazy and my heart was pounding and the adrenaline rush was a little overwhelming. When I reached the top, Raijan was taking pictures of me, Max was hugging me, some girl was giving me a certificate and I couldn't even thing straight. It was like I wasn't there. I felt like I had actually died and was now just walking around as a ghost. But eventually I remembered my lip was bleeding, my nose was bleeding, and I was really tired.
I slept very very well last night. I don't know if I will ever do that again. I'm really glad I did it, but I do not feel the need to ever repeat that action again.
Here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpgjR5afc6k
Ten of us decided to go bungee jumping off the tallest bridge in the Czech Republic. When the idea came up, my thoughts were "Sure" and "Sounds like fun." But, as I walked out to the middle of the bridge and looked down, my thoughts were mainly "Shit" and "No fucking way." The only other person as terrified as me was Max who happens to be terrified of heights. We were eighth and ninth to go, so we spent a lot of time trying to console one another. It didn't help that the contracts we signed were in Czech and all the people running it were also speaking rapid Czech.
Bungee Jumping is stupid. Why throw yourself off a bridge? It is one of the most counterintuitive things imaginable? Your entire body and mind is just saying "No, don't do this. You are going to die." But, I had paid 800 crowns ($40) so I had to go.
I don't even know how I did it. The guy behind me counted down, and I closed my eyes as tight as possible and just went. You are supposed to dive head first, but for anyone who wasn't on swim team with me or hasn't heard the story, I suck at diving and definitely usually kind of hop in instead of diving. So that is what I did. I jumped off and the world completely fell away. My eyes were closed, I couldn't hear anything besides the wind blowing past me, and I felt nothing but wind in my face. I had no thoughts. My head was completely clear. It also felt like I was falling for at least 5 or 10 minutes instead of 2 seconds. I didn't scream until I felt the bungee pulling me back. I only opened my eyes once I started heading back up. I opened them in time to see the bridge coming at me. I really thought I was going to hit it and die. But, alas, I did not. Instead, I hit the rope smack in the face. Basically, it was like jumping off a bridge and immediately being punched in the face for it. Then comes the spinning. I was trying to enjoy the view but could not because I was just spinning in circles very very fast. Being pulled back up was by far the best part. The view was pretty crazy and my heart was pounding and the adrenaline rush was a little overwhelming. When I reached the top, Raijan was taking pictures of me, Max was hugging me, some girl was giving me a certificate and I couldn't even thing straight. It was like I wasn't there. I felt like I had actually died and was now just walking around as a ghost. But eventually I remembered my lip was bleeding, my nose was bleeding, and I was really tired.
I slept very very well last night. I don't know if I will ever do that again. I'm really glad I did it, but I do not feel the need to ever repeat that action again.
Here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpgjR5afc6k
Friday, May 18, 2007
A Walk to Remember
I got back from Berlin yesterday. That city is massive. Germans really value space. There are extensive gardens and parks everywhere and all the large and grandiose buildings are well spaced out. Although Berlin is the fourth largest city in Europe and packed with tourists, I never felt cramped or overwhelmed by all the people. My trip was overall really relaxing. Tuesday night was probably the most memorable.
In the morning we drove the bus throughout the city while Vera told us about the different sights and the history of the city. We only covered a tiny little area of the city in two whole hours. In the afternoon we went to the "Story of Berlin" museum which was sooooo extensive. The first room was empty with huge screens on the wall with fish. I guess that was Berlin a couple million years ago?? I really meant extensive. At the end was an uber-kitsch gift store where I got a snap bracelet with East Berlin traffic signals on it. Everyone was really jealous.
Afterwards Mike and Vera took us to "the best ice cream place in Europe." It was in the Sony center and was pretty impressive. Our sundaes were very large and really good. We all kind of had sugar comas when we were done. So a few of us wanted to go to the McDonalds downstairs to get something really quick and cheap. Some people in the group scoffed. But whatever. I had my first big Mac ever. Kinda gross. The not-too-cool-for-McDonald's group ended up being yours truly, Sarah, Sheila, Shaunna, Raihann, Iris, Rachel, Sick Matt, and Andrew. We were in West Berlin and kind of far from our hostel. But, our tram tickets had expired and were 2 euros which is way too expensive. So we walked.
As we turn the corner leaving the Sony center. Sheila's eyes got huge as she pointed in the distance and yelled "What are those?" Those were very very large metal see-saws in the middle of a hilly park. We ran over and rode them for about half an hour while taking pictures and laughing.
We continued walking and found the heart of the Sony center which is architecturally fascinating and the sun was setting directly behind. We took a lot of pictures jumping in the sunset. A little further on we found some remnants of the Berlin wall. There was gum all along the side and we decided to also donate our saliva to Berlin. I have spit sitting on the Berlin wall now. I left a piece of me in the motherland.
I'm now realizing that this isn't too amazing a story unless you were there. We eventually walked from west to east under the Brandenburg gate and saw some futuristic cars and laughed a lot and had a good time eventually having beers at the hostel bar and meeting some American soldiers on leave from duty in Iraq.
A good night, but yeah. You had to be there.
In the morning we drove the bus throughout the city while Vera told us about the different sights and the history of the city. We only covered a tiny little area of the city in two whole hours. In the afternoon we went to the "Story of Berlin" museum which was sooooo extensive. The first room was empty with huge screens on the wall with fish. I guess that was Berlin a couple million years ago?? I really meant extensive. At the end was an uber-kitsch gift store where I got a snap bracelet with East Berlin traffic signals on it. Everyone was really jealous.
Afterwards Mike and Vera took us to "the best ice cream place in Europe." It was in the Sony center and was pretty impressive. Our sundaes were very large and really good. We all kind of had sugar comas when we were done. So a few of us wanted to go to the McDonalds downstairs to get something really quick and cheap. Some people in the group scoffed. But whatever. I had my first big Mac ever. Kinda gross. The not-too-cool-for-McDonald's group ended up being yours truly, Sarah, Sheila, Shaunna, Raihann, Iris, Rachel, Sick Matt, and Andrew. We were in West Berlin and kind of far from our hostel. But, our tram tickets had expired and were 2 euros which is way too expensive. So we walked.
As we turn the corner leaving the Sony center. Sheila's eyes got huge as she pointed in the distance and yelled "What are those?" Those were very very large metal see-saws in the middle of a hilly park. We ran over and rode them for about half an hour while taking pictures and laughing.
We continued walking and found the heart of the Sony center which is architecturally fascinating and the sun was setting directly behind. We took a lot of pictures jumping in the sunset. A little further on we found some remnants of the Berlin wall. There was gum all along the side and we decided to also donate our saliva to Berlin. I have spit sitting on the Berlin wall now. I left a piece of me in the motherland.
I'm now realizing that this isn't too amazing a story unless you were there. We eventually walked from west to east under the Brandenburg gate and saw some futuristic cars and laughed a lot and had a good time eventually having beers at the hostel bar and meeting some American soldiers on leave from duty in Iraq.
A good night, but yeah. You had to be there.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Doctor Doctor
I went to the doctor on Friday to beg for some drugs to cure this incurable sore throat. The doctor was Czech and the doctor's office was actually a little office where I was extensively interviewed about my ailments. After a while I hopped up on the examining table where I was told he was about to take my temperature. Then, the doctor lifted my arm and stuck the thermometer in my armpit. It really bothered me. I think that the armpit is one of the most inappropriate places to take a temperature in the sense that it doesn't really give a very good indicator as to the body's temperature not like the ear or throat would. And it wasn't a disposable thermometer either. He merely rinsed it under water when he was done. Ew. How many armpits has that thing seen? It's like that sex ed. theory that when you sleep with someone, you have inadvertently also slept with everyone they slept with. I feel like such an armpit slut.
Anyways, I was proscribed an antiobiotic throat spray called "Fusafunginum." Say that word out loud right now. Do it! It'll make your day that much better.
Anyways, I was proscribed an antiobiotic throat spray called "Fusafunginum." Say that word out loud right now. Do it! It'll make your day that much better.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Cultural Differences Part Deux
I am really starting to enjoy the entirety of my program group now. I was very hesitant at first seeing as how 10/22 of them are Greek system people. Yikes! But, stereotypes have been broken down and I actually really enjoy them. However, it is like a whole new world. Their ways are strange to me. The main thing is the whole music thing. The Greek system soundtrack, apparently, consists of bad rap and dorky hip-hop. I do love my En Vogue, Salt-n-Peppa, Kanye West, etc. But, that's about as far as my knowledge of the genre really goes.
When we go out to clubs, we usually end up going to clubs that play this type of music. And then there is the dancing. To me, it is not really dancing as much as undulations and groping. Sheila taught me to "break off" which is a dance move I will only do when drunk although I end up feeling absolutely rediculous doing it. I'm too ashamed to explain the details. This whole hip-hop dancingness just plain makes me homesick for our good old fashioned Seattle dance parties which I've come to appreciate as wonderfully unique. Two instances in the past few days made me realize this.
Instance 1:
Before class yesterday, Alex was playing some music on his laptop. Good music, if I may add. Music I actually recognized. I asked him if he had "Don't Stop Believin.'" He rolled his eyes at me saying that of course he would have that timeless Journey classic. He played it and I couldn't stop myself from singing along and swaying. Matt turned to me and said "I cannot believe you like Foreigner."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," I nearly had a heart attack. "First off this is Journey. Second, this song is AMAZING and the best mid-party tune ever." Everyone looked at me like I was crazy. Apparently none of them play the likes of Journey at their parties in Seattle (with the exception of Alex, I'm assuming.) I ask you, have these people not lived???
Instance 2:
Last night, for Brandon's birthday, everyone was going to go downtown to a hip-hop club called Chateau. I would normally go, but I have developed a nasty sore throat and really want to get better before we go to Berlin on Monday. I did hang out for a while in Max, Brandon, and Raijan's apartment though where I had a rather strange conversation with Sarah who is also getting sick. I explained to her why I could not be accompanying them.
"I totally get that. But it's a hip-hop club. So, I have to go," she told me.
"I guess I've just never been that into hip hop."
"Well, I just love to dance, ya know."
"Oh, I mean I really like to dance to," I explained in earnest. "I really really love to dance. I'm quite the dancing fool. But, just not to this kind of music. I'm not used to it at all."
"So you're into techno?" she grasped to understand my non-Greek ways.
"No, more like poppy dancy fun stuff. I don't know how to explain it."
"So dancing for you is like that jumping up and down stuff?"
How could I explain to her that it is so much more? That our dance parties in Seattle are the best in the world? Moral of the story, I felt the most homesick I have yet to feel on this trip. And, it made me anticipate summer sooooo much and our wonderful dance parties where Journey is not just embraced. It is adored.
When we go out to clubs, we usually end up going to clubs that play this type of music. And then there is the dancing. To me, it is not really dancing as much as undulations and groping. Sheila taught me to "break off" which is a dance move I will only do when drunk although I end up feeling absolutely rediculous doing it. I'm too ashamed to explain the details. This whole hip-hop dancingness just plain makes me homesick for our good old fashioned Seattle dance parties which I've come to appreciate as wonderfully unique. Two instances in the past few days made me realize this.
Instance 1:
Before class yesterday, Alex was playing some music on his laptop. Good music, if I may add. Music I actually recognized. I asked him if he had "Don't Stop Believin.'" He rolled his eyes at me saying that of course he would have that timeless Journey classic. He played it and I couldn't stop myself from singing along and swaying. Matt turned to me and said "I cannot believe you like Foreigner."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," I nearly had a heart attack. "First off this is Journey. Second, this song is AMAZING and the best mid-party tune ever." Everyone looked at me like I was crazy. Apparently none of them play the likes of Journey at their parties in Seattle (with the exception of Alex, I'm assuming.) I ask you, have these people not lived???
Instance 2:
Last night, for Brandon's birthday, everyone was going to go downtown to a hip-hop club called Chateau. I would normally go, but I have developed a nasty sore throat and really want to get better before we go to Berlin on Monday. I did hang out for a while in Max, Brandon, and Raijan's apartment though where I had a rather strange conversation with Sarah who is also getting sick. I explained to her why I could not be accompanying them.
"I totally get that. But it's a hip-hop club. So, I have to go," she told me.
"I guess I've just never been that into hip hop."
"Well, I just love to dance, ya know."
"Oh, I mean I really like to dance to," I explained in earnest. "I really really love to dance. I'm quite the dancing fool. But, just not to this kind of music. I'm not used to it at all."
"So you're into techno?" she grasped to understand my non-Greek ways.
"No, more like poppy dancy fun stuff. I don't know how to explain it."
"So dancing for you is like that jumping up and down stuff?"
How could I explain to her that it is so much more? That our dance parties in Seattle are the best in the world? Moral of the story, I felt the most homesick I have yet to feel on this trip. And, it made me anticipate summer sooooo much and our wonderful dance parties where Journey is not just embraced. It is adored.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Dreams Can Come True
This past weekend, the majority of the group went on a 70 mile bike trip throughout Southern Bohemia. It was absolutely beautiful and turned out to be a lot of fun. Czech people in the country side are so much nicer than the ones in Prague. Every once in a while we would pass other bikers and they would wave and say "Hello" which in Czech is "Ahoy!"
We got to spend a lot of quality time with our teachers Mike and Vera who are really interesting and all around great people. They are also married. Mike is a half-Taiwanese American and Vera is a born and raised Praguer. So it has constantly plagued my thoughts what their love story might be. Did they meet in Prague, America? Did she learn English for him? I was so curious, and finally this weekend I got answers. And it was better than I could have ever dreamed.
Vera is aside from being the coolest woman in the history of the world also the founder of the UW Prague program, and Mike was a student on the first year's program. Before you get weirded out, they are not too far apart in age. Their age difference is in fact very similar to the age difference between me and a certain teacher I recently had. They weren't involved at all during the program, it was only years later when she was visiting America to earn her PhD that their love was rekindled. They eventually married in Old Town Square Prague underneath the Astronomical Clock (an awesome sight indeed.) And now they have two of the greatest kids I've ever met. Sebastian (Sebi) a rambunctious 2-year-old and Tobias (Tobi) a delicate little pre-me at only one month old. They are the greatest family ever, and I absolutely adore them.
Their story gives hope to me and hopefully to all of you that student-teacher romances can happen and can be great. Just a lovely thought I wanted to share.
We got to spend a lot of quality time with our teachers Mike and Vera who are really interesting and all around great people. They are also married. Mike is a half-Taiwanese American and Vera is a born and raised Praguer. So it has constantly plagued my thoughts what their love story might be. Did they meet in Prague, America? Did she learn English for him? I was so curious, and finally this weekend I got answers. And it was better than I could have ever dreamed.
Vera is aside from being the coolest woman in the history of the world also the founder of the UW Prague program, and Mike was a student on the first year's program. Before you get weirded out, they are not too far apart in age. Their age difference is in fact very similar to the age difference between me and a certain teacher I recently had. They weren't involved at all during the program, it was only years later when she was visiting America to earn her PhD that their love was rekindled. They eventually married in Old Town Square Prague underneath the Astronomical Clock (an awesome sight indeed.) And now they have two of the greatest kids I've ever met. Sebastian (Sebi) a rambunctious 2-year-old and Tobias (Tobi) a delicate little pre-me at only one month old. They are the greatest family ever, and I absolutely adore them.
Their story gives hope to me and hopefully to all of you that student-teacher romances can happen and can be great. Just a lovely thought I wanted to share.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Cultural Seminar
For my classes here, we occasionally have excursions to various cultural hubs in the city. These little events are known as cultural seminars.
Today we went to the museum of Communism, which yes, is as awesome as it sounds. I bought my Dad a Stalin candle. Afterwards we started walking across town to see the memorial to the victims of communism. Today is a Labor Day so most of the streets were pretty deserted. As we approached the bridge that crosses the Vltava we notice that it is completely blocked off by police and there is smoke rising on the other side. Our cultural leader Misa ran over to ask a police man what was going on. She later informed us that there was an anarchist protest over by the memorial.
After a while they allowed us to cross the bridge, but we were still far from the memorial. What was in our way? Two tanks and about 50 police officers dressed in full swat team uniforms with Darth Vaderish helmets. Misa found out that the protest was anti-war on terrorism and mostly anti-American democracy. My friend Alex and I started practicing Scottish accents on the spot.
The tanks cleared, and Misa persisted to take us to the memorial. She calmed us saying that the anarchists were relatively peaceful and we should be thankful that we weren't near the Neo-Nazi rally which was taking place at Namesti Miru (peace square). Approaching the memorial was one of the most peculiar sites I've ever seen. The memorial itself is a series of large concrete stairs upon which were the Anarchists just hanging out with scarves tied around their faces. Facing them were about 20 Vader Cops, shields up and ready to go. But no one moved a muscle. It was a motherfucking staredown.
"But, they're so peaceful," I said quietly to myself. A nearby Czech overheard me and proceeded to explain to me that anarchists like to throw shit (literally) and would procede to do so once the police left. I didn't know whether this is true or not, but I decided to leave the memorial and get lunch at Bohemia Bagel nevertheless. About half an hour later all the police had left and the anarchists started walking home and my bagel was delicious.
Today we went to the museum of Communism, which yes, is as awesome as it sounds. I bought my Dad a Stalin candle. Afterwards we started walking across town to see the memorial to the victims of communism. Today is a Labor Day so most of the streets were pretty deserted. As we approached the bridge that crosses the Vltava we notice that it is completely blocked off by police and there is smoke rising on the other side. Our cultural leader Misa ran over to ask a police man what was going on. She later informed us that there was an anarchist protest over by the memorial.
After a while they allowed us to cross the bridge, but we were still far from the memorial. What was in our way? Two tanks and about 50 police officers dressed in full swat team uniforms with Darth Vaderish helmets. Misa found out that the protest was anti-war on terrorism and mostly anti-American democracy. My friend Alex and I started practicing Scottish accents on the spot.
The tanks cleared, and Misa persisted to take us to the memorial. She calmed us saying that the anarchists were relatively peaceful and we should be thankful that we weren't near the Neo-Nazi rally which was taking place at Namesti Miru (peace square). Approaching the memorial was one of the most peculiar sites I've ever seen. The memorial itself is a series of large concrete stairs upon which were the Anarchists just hanging out with scarves tied around their faces. Facing them were about 20 Vader Cops, shields up and ready to go. But no one moved a muscle. It was a motherfucking staredown.
"But, they're so peaceful," I said quietly to myself. A nearby Czech overheard me and proceeded to explain to me that anarchists like to throw shit (literally) and would procede to do so once the police left. I didn't know whether this is true or not, but I decided to leave the memorial and get lunch at Bohemia Bagel nevertheless. About half an hour later all the police had left and the anarchists started walking home and my bagel was delicious.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Vienna
Rachel, Iris, and I went for two days and two nights to lovely Vienna. We stayed at this hostel called Believe it or Not. We thought it was a strange name until we got there. It's in this random building down a random alleyway. We walked into the building which was all but abandoned and the hostel turned out to be an apartment on the second floor. We "checked in" via a phone on a table. Our beds were elevated about 10 feet in the air and we had to climb a rickety ladder to get there. But, it was safe and relatively clean so no complaints. We met two boys from Madrid who are studying abroad in Sweden and decided to ditch school for a week to travel around. Their names were Ivan and Miguel and they were fun. I talked Iris into going out on the town with them. They took us to a nearby bar and then took a cab to a club down by the river. I'm not really a fan of European clubs but it was okay. I don't understand how Europeans classify bouncing back and forth to be dancing. At four, we said goodbye to our Spanish friends and headed home. Iris informed me that she had never really drinken before and proceeded to hug me a lot and tell me how much fun she was having.
I decided that cabs are for the weak and so help me God I was going to find my own way back to the hostel. We walked around for about and hour and saw some amazing buildings. Vienna at 4 in the morning. Yeah. We stopped at a kebab place to buy some water and snacks. The guy selling kebabs was really awesome and was yelling "I love America!!!!" as he gave us our food. Austrians are the most pro-American Europeans I have met so far. All of them had little American flag pins and upon learning where we are from would all yell "America!!! I love it!!!" Eventually we got back to the hostel, about an hour and a half later. The next morning Ivan and Miguel were shocked and astounded that we dared to walk home from the Danube.
The next two days were awesome as we say some of the major sites of the city. Everything was beautiful and grand, but by far the best time was relaxing with our feet in a pond outside Karlsplatz while an accordian played behind us and puppies froliced in the water in front of us. It's moments like that that I love about being here.
I decided that cabs are for the weak and so help me God I was going to find my own way back to the hostel. We walked around for about and hour and saw some amazing buildings. Vienna at 4 in the morning. Yeah. We stopped at a kebab place to buy some water and snacks. The guy selling kebabs was really awesome and was yelling "I love America!!!!" as he gave us our food. Austrians are the most pro-American Europeans I have met so far. All of them had little American flag pins and upon learning where we are from would all yell "America!!! I love it!!!" Eventually we got back to the hostel, about an hour and a half later. The next morning Ivan and Miguel were shocked and astounded that we dared to walk home from the Danube.
The next two days were awesome as we say some of the major sites of the city. Everything was beautiful and grand, but by far the best time was relaxing with our feet in a pond outside Karlsplatz while an accordian played behind us and puppies froliced in the water in front of us. It's moments like that that I love about being here.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Kavarna Slavia
I love the transition that happens when a place becomes home. It took years with Reno, months with Seattle, and a few weeks with Prague. I'm starting to slip into a cozy love affair with the cobblestone streets, the fruit stand outside my apartment, the psycho cats in the courtyard of my building.
Yesterday, we read a short story in class called Cafe Slavia. My roomate Rachel and I have heard a lot about this coffeeshop in every tour book so after class we decided to go. It was ideally situated between the National Theatre and the Vltava river. The tables were cherrywood and the floors onyx. Best of all, I couldn't spot a single tourist.
Our waiter came up to us and he was smiling!! He was happy to see us! Czech servers are traditionally evil and all but throw your food in your face. So, to see a happy (and hot) waiter was a pleasant surprise. He asked us if we wanted anything to drink. I accidentally said "Un Minut." A bizarre combination of Czech and Spanish. I quickly corrected myself, "Jedna minut, prosim." He again smiled and laughed.
I eventually ordered the house drink: Kava Slavia. One part foam, one part latte, and one part absinthe. Mixing alcohol in coffee is really common here and a genious concept. Rachel got a mocha and an awesome ice cream thing. I got a vegetarian sandwich which was amazing! All I could think about was how Rilke and Kafka used to hang out here and think about poetry and literature. This was the place were Vaclav Havel and the Charter 77 dissidents would discuss how to topple communism. This was another ordinary corner or Europe where incredible things took place and the coffee was excellent.
As we left, I turned to Rachel and said "This might be the absinthe talking, but I love that place more than anywhere else in Prague."
The absinthe has worn off (I hope), and Cafe Slavia is still one of the best places I've been in Prague.
Yesterday, we read a short story in class called Cafe Slavia. My roomate Rachel and I have heard a lot about this coffeeshop in every tour book so after class we decided to go. It was ideally situated between the National Theatre and the Vltava river. The tables were cherrywood and the floors onyx. Best of all, I couldn't spot a single tourist.
Our waiter came up to us and he was smiling!! He was happy to see us! Czech servers are traditionally evil and all but throw your food in your face. So, to see a happy (and hot) waiter was a pleasant surprise. He asked us if we wanted anything to drink. I accidentally said "Un Minut." A bizarre combination of Czech and Spanish. I quickly corrected myself, "Jedna minut, prosim." He again smiled and laughed.
I eventually ordered the house drink: Kava Slavia. One part foam, one part latte, and one part absinthe. Mixing alcohol in coffee is really common here and a genious concept. Rachel got a mocha and an awesome ice cream thing. I got a vegetarian sandwich which was amazing! All I could think about was how Rilke and Kafka used to hang out here and think about poetry and literature. This was the place were Vaclav Havel and the Charter 77 dissidents would discuss how to topple communism. This was another ordinary corner or Europe where incredible things took place and the coffee was excellent.
As we left, I turned to Rachel and said "This might be the absinthe talking, but I love that place more than anywhere else in Prague."
The absinthe has worn off (I hope), and Cafe Slavia is still one of the best places I've been in Prague.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Poland/Plzen
Last week we went to Krakow which was pretty great. Tuesday we did a bike tour of the city. The weather was perfect, and it was a ton of fun. I got super sunburnt. Wednesday was really cold and drizzly. Appropriate for the trip to Auschwitz. It was pretty much what one would expect, really sad and relatively hard to believe or comprehend. Thursday, we went to the Salt mines outside of Krakow which were beautiful and amazing. There are entire chapels built out of rock salt down deep in the Earth. Then, we drove home. Driving into Prague and recognizing the streets and squares made it feel like home. This city is incredible. On Friday, some different people in the program all went to the small town ofPlzen in the Czech countryside where they brew Pilsner-Urquell beer. We went on a tour of the factory more affectionately known as Beer World and got to taste some unfiltered, unpasteaurized, traditionally fermented Pilsner. It was delicious. The best beer I have every had.
Apologies for the bare bonesness of this, but I'm using a computer at the school and the spacebar blows and is pissing me off.
Apologies for the bare bonesness of this, but I'm using a computer at the school and the spacebar blows and is pissing me off.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Sad Face
I rolled my ankle yesterday. It hurts a lot. It was Friday the 13th, and I blame it on that.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Great Day!
Today was wonderful for a number of reasons:
- I found Thai Food in Prague!!! It was nowhere near as good as the thai food one might find in Seattle, but still. I had Phad Thai with Tofu and put a shitload of chili sauce in it. It was wonderful. I inhaled it.
- We went to a photography exhibition by the river. It was "Skin of the Nation" by Shomei Tomatsu. It documents life throughout the 20th century in Japan. It was beautiful, and I had a lot of deep thoughts.
- I bought a great collage thing on the Charles Bridge
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Livin' La Vida Potato
Love Prague. Love it. But, the food..........not my favorite. I'm going to go as far to say it kind of sucks. Yesterday, I was wandering around Nove Mesto trying to find a restaurant the served something beside pork tongue and gouhlash. I found this cute "cafe" (Czechs don't understand the concept of coffee). Their menu outside mentioned their special of the day....a veggie burger!!! I rushed in immediately. I ordered some peach juice which was excellent and excitedly awaited my veggie burger while reading a bit. It was a wonderful day. Then, the plate is thrown in front of me. "Prosim," the cute waiter says. I was needless to say, psyched. I look down to find a plate of sweet pickles, pea and carrot latkas (sp?), and potatoes in plain yogurt. What the fuck? I wasn't really surprised, all the food here is random and stupid. But, why get my hopes up, you know?
Anyways, I'm at Mon Ami, the internet restaurant across the street from my apartment and I ordered the Mexican pizza. It was egg on it. But, more importantly I bit into what I thought was a tomato and felt a familiar and pleasant stinging sensation. A pepper!! A hot pepper!!! Thank you, Mon Ami!! For this spicy offering you have given me, I will forgive you for playing YMCA by the Village People ALL THE TIME.
Anyways, I'm at Mon Ami, the internet restaurant across the street from my apartment and I ordered the Mexican pizza. It was egg on it. But, more importantly I bit into what I thought was a tomato and felt a familiar and pleasant stinging sensation. A pepper!! A hot pepper!!! Thank you, Mon Ami!! For this spicy offering you have given me, I will forgive you for playing YMCA by the Village People ALL THE TIME.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Babel
Yesterday, the complications in language came to a head. I went to Prague Castle and told the people in my group that I wanted to be alone. I really just wanted to experience the Castle on my own terms. I also just wanted some time to think to myself. So, I wandered around and saw all the relics. Really, it was incredible. I closed my eyes a few times and pretended that I was a Queen and this was my castle. DORK AM I.
It got really frustrating with all the tourists around. About 100 different languages swarming around me, and every once in a while I'd spot some Brits. I wanted to pounce on them and say big words, really fast, knowing that they would understand me and that I wouldn't need goofy gestures. Being amongst so many foreign languages really puts you in a bubble which is nice at some times, and terrifying at others.
When I got back from the castle, my roomates and I decided to go see a movie. We looked through the Prague Post (an English newspaper) and found some different American movies. Raleigh and I had been discussing Gael Garcia Bernal the night before so when we saw Babel was playing we pounced. BAD IDEA. The three of us got into the theatre only to realize that the movie has a lot of foreign languages and of course the subtitles are in Czech. So, when Morrocan, Japanese or Sign Language was used, I would frantically try to translate the subtitles in my head as fast as I could, and when Spanish was spoken I tried desperately to recall a language I haven't used in months. And, then all of a sudden, something would make sense and I would realize it was English. Basically, we experienced the movie to a degree that very few others could really understand. I lived the tower of Babel story in that two hour span. My head hurt so bad from trying to pick out the different languages.
P.S. The priest at Easter mass this morning was hot. Lustful thoughts on a Sunday Morning. Shameful.
It got really frustrating with all the tourists around. About 100 different languages swarming around me, and every once in a while I'd spot some Brits. I wanted to pounce on them and say big words, really fast, knowing that they would understand me and that I wouldn't need goofy gestures. Being amongst so many foreign languages really puts you in a bubble which is nice at some times, and terrifying at others.
When I got back from the castle, my roomates and I decided to go see a movie. We looked through the Prague Post (an English newspaper) and found some different American movies. Raleigh and I had been discussing Gael Garcia Bernal the night before so when we saw Babel was playing we pounced. BAD IDEA. The three of us got into the theatre only to realize that the movie has a lot of foreign languages and of course the subtitles are in Czech. So, when Morrocan, Japanese or Sign Language was used, I would frantically try to translate the subtitles in my head as fast as I could, and when Spanish was spoken I tried desperately to recall a language I haven't used in months. And, then all of a sudden, something would make sense and I would realize it was English. Basically, we experienced the movie to a degree that very few others could really understand. I lived the tower of Babel story in that two hour span. My head hurt so bad from trying to pick out the different languages.
P.S. The priest at Easter mass this morning was hot. Lustful thoughts on a Sunday Morning. Shameful.
Friday, April 6, 2007
A Whole Mess of Stupid
Let me preface this by saying that everyone in my group here is really kind and inviting. These are good people. However, over the last couple days, I have heard some of the stupidest things imaginable.
The first day of class, we watched Kolja, an amazing Czech film about this man who ends up taking care of a little Russian boy. It is about the relationship between the two cultures during the communist period. After the movie, our professor a Czech woman, Vera, who specializes in gender studies especially women's rights asked the class if we had any questions about the different aspects of communism we saw in the film. Tim, a white boy with a backwards hat, hot pink polo popped collar and all raises his big douche hand and asks: "So, are all Czech women promiscuous?" All his bros laughed, because yes the main character of the film slept with two married women. But, as for Tim, Mr. Living-the-American-Frat-Stereotype, waited for our Czech teacher, who was no doubt deeply offended, to respond. She let him have it and all his friends took offense. Why on Earth he would ask such a question bothers me to my very core.
At the National Museum, a few of my friends and I were talking about Vaclav Havel, the first president of the Czech Republic. Shanelle mentioned to us that he was nominated for the nobel peace prize twice.
"So was Hitler," Matt mentions to her.
"Yeah, but was that before or after the war?" Shanelle asks. We all pause for a moment.
"Hitler died at the end of the war." Matt calmly reminds her.
Today was a special meeting of students to learn some Czech bases. Everyone promised they would show up, but of course a handful weren't there. Mainly, the sorority girls that live together. We thought nothing of it until the end of class when one of the frat boys mentioned that they had called them complaining that they had locked themselves inside their apartment and needed someone to come help them out. Needless to say on the metro home, my friends and I laughed quite heartily.
Sorry that there isn't more about Prague in here. It's still beautiful....in case you were worried.
The first day of class, we watched Kolja, an amazing Czech film about this man who ends up taking care of a little Russian boy. It is about the relationship between the two cultures during the communist period. After the movie, our professor a Czech woman, Vera, who specializes in gender studies especially women's rights asked the class if we had any questions about the different aspects of communism we saw in the film. Tim, a white boy with a backwards hat, hot pink polo popped collar and all raises his big douche hand and asks: "So, are all Czech women promiscuous?" All his bros laughed, because yes the main character of the film slept with two married women. But, as for Tim, Mr. Living-the-American-Frat-Stereotype, waited for our Czech teacher, who was no doubt deeply offended, to respond. She let him have it and all his friends took offense. Why on Earth he would ask such a question bothers me to my very core.
At the National Museum, a few of my friends and I were talking about Vaclav Havel, the first president of the Czech Republic. Shanelle mentioned to us that he was nominated for the nobel peace prize twice.
"So was Hitler," Matt mentions to her.
"Yeah, but was that before or after the war?" Shanelle asks. We all pause for a moment.
"Hitler died at the end of the war." Matt calmly reminds her.
Today was a special meeting of students to learn some Czech bases. Everyone promised they would show up, but of course a handful weren't there. Mainly, the sorority girls that live together. We thought nothing of it until the end of class when one of the frat boys mentioned that they had called them complaining that they had locked themselves inside their apartment and needed someone to come help them out. Needless to say on the metro home, my friends and I laughed quite heartily.
Sorry that there isn't more about Prague in here. It's still beautiful....in case you were worried.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Cultural Differences
I've only been here a few days, but there are a few very obvious differences (most of which are great!) between Czech and American culture.
- On public transportation, young people give up their seats to the elderly or disabled. This is acutally just common knowledge here. You just do it. No fuss, no thank you for the gesture. It's just courtesy. Even yesterday, a guy on the bus gave his seat to my roomate Raleigh because she was carrying a heavy bag.
- People here are generally just more polite. Upon meeting everyone, you must say "Dobry Den" which is a formal hello. It's great because it is an easy phrase to day to anyone.
- They don't smile. When you make eye contact with someone or even when you are talking to a waitress or the such you don't smile. It is thought to be superficial here. But, it feels soooooo counterintuitive to make eye contact with someone on the subway and not smile. This is the easiest way to by identified as an American by seeing who smiles.
- They are behind in their American music trends. The keyboard player at the restaurant I'm at right now has played both "Wind beneath my wings" and a slow emotional version of "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica.
- Dogs don't need leashes.
- Public restroom doors stretch from cieling to floor, and have their own personal lights to conserve energy.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Vitam Vas V Praze
Prague is beautiful. I don't really know if that emphasizes it enough, because every corner, every nook of this town is gorgeous. Every street is amazing and every building is adorable. I'm been freaking out a bit the last couple days. I didn't have keys to my apartment, my phone here wasn't working, and I couldn't get Internet. But, now things seem to be falling into place, and I'm really starting to love this city. The language barrier is so strange. I've never experienced anything like it before. The dilemma becomes should I try to say something and risk it being wrong, say nothing at all and risk being rude, or should I speak in English and risk being a tourist. Hand gestures have become my best friend.
I'm at an internet cafe at the moment, and by internet cafe I mean bar. My beer was 75 cents, and absynthe is on the menu for about $2.50. I haven't had much of an opportunity to go out because of the overwhelming exhaustion that comes with the jetlag and with the constantly getting lost on the maze like streets here. But, yesterday after class, my roomates and I walked around Stare Mesto which is the big tourist area. Plus, since it is the week before Easter, there are booths lining the streets selling painted eggs, puppets, and hot dogs, amongst other things. We eventually ran into the river and could see the castle across the way. Nothing has actually sunk in yet. I just keep thinking that I'm stuck in Epcot center.
I'm at an internet cafe at the moment, and by internet cafe I mean bar. My beer was 75 cents, and absynthe is on the menu for about $2.50. I haven't had much of an opportunity to go out because of the overwhelming exhaustion that comes with the jetlag and with the constantly getting lost on the maze like streets here. But, yesterday after class, my roomates and I walked around Stare Mesto which is the big tourist area. Plus, since it is the week before Easter, there are booths lining the streets selling painted eggs, puppets, and hot dogs, amongst other things. We eventually ran into the river and could see the castle across the way. Nothing has actually sunk in yet. I just keep thinking that I'm stuck in Epcot center.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Somnambulism
I'm sitting in Portland waiting for my flight to Frankfurt. Nothing feels real this morning. Walking through the airport, handing my passport to the official people, boarding the small jet to Portland. I kept expecting a big burly Customs guy to grab me by the shoulder and escort me out, laughing at my attempt to finally go abroad. But, it hasn't happened. They just made an announcement in German. Au Weidersein.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Pre-Departure Preparations
I leave for Prague Saturday morning. I am so incredulous and excited that every once in a while I'll burst into fits of giggling. I actually whistled in the shower this morning. That's excitement.
Something I have thought a lot about is eating meat in Europe. I have not eaten meat in six years. At first, I was certain that while in Europe I would just figure out a way to stay a Vegetarian in central Europe. However, the more and more I thought about it, the more I worried that I would one day regret not trying the Czech national dish veproknedlozelo which contains pork. I also felt like I was going to be disgracing the very German blood that runs through my veins if I did not have a Bratwurst when I go to Berlin. So, the decision is made. Yes, I will eat meat in Europe. BUT, this does not mean
a.) I am no longer a Vegetarian. Upon my return to America, I fully anticipate returning to a completely meat-free diet. In contemplating the whole meat-eating decision, I've discovered I love being a Vegetarian. I love tofu, veggie burgers, and I was never a big meat-eater anyways. The meat industry is something to be despised.
b.) Meat will become a large part of my diet over the next few months. Again, I don't like meat. I've decided to try some of the local dishes and have an occasional Frankfurter on a Prague corner. But, blech, I will for the most part still avoid meat.
So, yeah, be happy, be mad, be condescending, be ambivalent. Tomorrow night is my big meat debut. I am going to test drive some pork in my stomach and see if I barf! I'd rather barf in Seattle than in Prague. I do believe the big event will take place at a Greenlake eatery known as Diggety Dog. How appropriate. I would rather not have pictures taken, though. I don't want to document infamy.
Something I have thought a lot about is eating meat in Europe. I have not eaten meat in six years. At first, I was certain that while in Europe I would just figure out a way to stay a Vegetarian in central Europe. However, the more and more I thought about it, the more I worried that I would one day regret not trying the Czech national dish veproknedlozelo which contains pork. I also felt like I was going to be disgracing the very German blood that runs through my veins if I did not have a Bratwurst when I go to Berlin. So, the decision is made. Yes, I will eat meat in Europe. BUT, this does not mean
a.) I am no longer a Vegetarian. Upon my return to America, I fully anticipate returning to a completely meat-free diet. In contemplating the whole meat-eating decision, I've discovered I love being a Vegetarian. I love tofu, veggie burgers, and I was never a big meat-eater anyways. The meat industry is something to be despised.
b.) Meat will become a large part of my diet over the next few months. Again, I don't like meat. I've decided to try some of the local dishes and have an occasional Frankfurter on a Prague corner. But, blech, I will for the most part still avoid meat.
So, yeah, be happy, be mad, be condescending, be ambivalent. Tomorrow night is my big meat debut. I am going to test drive some pork in my stomach and see if I barf! I'd rather barf in Seattle than in Prague. I do believe the big event will take place at a Greenlake eatery known as Diggety Dog. How appropriate. I would rather not have pictures taken, though. I don't want to document infamy.
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