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.

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Dogs don't need leashes.
6. Public restroom doors stretch from cieling to floor, and have their own personal lights to conserve energy.

I love this place. I've spent most of my alone time thinking up ways I can come live here permanently. I love this city. I love Czech people.