i think this didn't get to rachael and tanya. did everyone get it?
Greetings from Prague!
The city: I've been in Prague for two weeks and absolutely LOVE it! It's been snowing for the past few days, so the city is stunning. Whether it be the cobblestone roads, the magnificent cathedrals, the river which divides the city or the beautiful bridges, the city is breathtaking, magical and unlike anything I have ever seen. The city is very easy to navigate and we take trams and metros everywhere.
The classes: Dr. Stary, the director of the program is great, (he has a dog named Beef Eater (like the gin) who he is slightly obsessed with) and Alzbeta, the program director is very organized (and attractive! all the boys on my program think she's hot). I'm taking Czech class, a European art history course, a course that examines Judaism, Christianity and Islam and a class that focuses on the Czech Republic's economics and the EU enlargement. The teachers speak english well, and like the director of the program, give us enough support without restricting our trip. I'm relieved that my Czech professor is so supportive, a welcome change from my Chinese teacher last summer, who questioned my competency in languages and life in general...(hah, I'm still bitter about that)
Czechs and the language: The Czech people are fairly tolerant of the massive amount of American college students and European tourists who live in the city (partially because Prague is cheap!) In comparison with the Chinese from last summer, they seem less interested in Americans. The Chinese we met were all animated and full of energy while the Czech's demeanor is more reserved. An American we met suggested it was because, while it was easy for us to come to Prague (we don't even need Visas) the Czechs have much more trouble with ours. The city is modernized, with many restaurants, cafes and stores carrying American products. Sometimes, with the exception of dogs in restaurants and Prague's frequent horrific service, I feel as though I could be home in a small cafe. In this sense, the transition here was mild in comparison to China. In the beginning of my trip to Qingdao, without any familiarity with Chinese, we weren't always sure what we ate, had trouble asking for directions, and used squatters for restrooms.
The people: There are about 40 students on my program and given the small number of people on the trip, it's lucky our group gets along so well. We spent a lot of time together cooking meals together, wandering through the city and usually getting lost, and watching movies together (lots of 24, entourage, and sex in the city). I'm REALLY happy with all my classmates and have made some wonderful friends. Everyone is just crazy and happy to be here which makes for many fun nights.
Social: My classmates and I have been to hockey games (CRAZZY!!), 5 story clubs, hookah bars, jazz clubs, live music shows, american bars, operas.. and it's only been the first two weeks. The social life here is amazing and not limited to weekends. I've definitely been out Friday, Monday, Wed and Thur which believe me is hard on your body. Beer (Pisner) is cheaper than water and EVERYONE, including the Czech, are willing to drink a beer or smoke a cigarette during dinner. We're all still getting used to smelling like smoke all the time. The clubs are incredible and our group has had some crazzzy nights out together.
Travel: Many of the classes take field trips so I've had chances to see sites all over Prague. In addition there are planned weekend trips to Budapest, Southern Moravia (wine!) Cesky Krumlov etc. FIve of my friends are in the process of planning three weekend trips: this weekend to Krakow, in February to Berlin, Spring break to Greece and Rome/Instanbul? and the final trip to Vienna. Afterwards I hope to travel with my lovely and crazy parents to Spain, Morocco and Paris!? We'll see how much I can do before running out of euros..
Anyways, I wish you all happiness and in the best health. Many of you are traveling around the world, beginning new semesters at school, or working, all with many stories and exciting news. Please let me know how you are doing!!
Stephanie
P.S There are numerous individuals who I still haven't responded to. I'm sorry I've taken so long to get back to you. I'll be sending you an email soon, don't worry I didn't forget!
The city: I've been in Prague for two weeks and absolutely LOVE it! It's been snowing for the past few days, so the city is stunning. Whether it be the cobblestone roads, the magnificent cathedrals, the river which divides the city or the beautiful bridges, the city is breathtaking, magical and unlike anything I have ever seen. The city is very easy to navigate and we take trams and metros everywhere.
The classes: Dr. Stary, the director of the program is great, (he has a dog named Beef Eater (like the gin) who he is slightly obsessed with) and Alzbeta, the program director is very organized (and attractive! all the boys on my program think she's hot). I'm taking Czech class, a European art history course, a course that examines Judaism, Christianity and Islam and a class that focuses on the Czech Republic's economics and the EU enlargement. The teachers speak english well, and like the director of the program, give us enough support without restricting our trip. I'm relieved that my Czech professor is so supportive, a welcome change from my Chinese teacher last summer, who questioned my competency in languages and life in general...(hah, I'm still bitter about that)
Czechs and the language: The Czech people are fairly tolerant of the massive amount of American college students and European tourists who live in the city (partially because Prague is cheap!) In comparison with the Chinese from last summer, they seem less interested in Americans. The Chinese we met were all animated and full of energy while the Czech's demeanor is more reserved. An American we met suggested it was because, while it was easy for us to come to Prague (we don't even need Visas) the Czechs have much more trouble with ours. The city is modernized, with many restaurants, cafes and stores carrying American products. Sometimes, with the exception of dogs in restaurants and Prague's frequent horrific service, I feel as though I could be home in a small cafe. In this sense, the transition here was mild in comparison to China. In the beginning of my trip to Qingdao, without any familiarity with Chinese, we weren't always sure what we ate, had trouble asking for directions, and used squatters for restrooms.
The people: There are about 40 students on my program and given the small number of people on the trip, it's lucky our group gets along so well. We spent a lot of time together cooking meals together, wandering through the city and usually getting lost, and watching movies together (lots of 24, entourage, and sex in the city). I'm REALLY happy with all my classmates and have made some wonderful friends. Everyone is just crazy and happy to be here which makes for many fun nights.
Social: My classmates and I have been to hockey games (CRAZZY!!), 5 story clubs, hookah bars, jazz clubs, live music shows, american bars, operas.. and it's only been the first two weeks. The social life here is amazing and not limited to weekends. I've definitely been out Friday, Monday, Wed and Thur which believe me is hard on your body. Beer (Pisner) is cheaper than water and EVERYONE, including the Czech, are willing to drink a beer or smoke a cigarette during dinner. We're all still getting used to smelling like smoke all the time. The clubs are incredible and our group has had some crazzzy nights out together.
Travel: Many of the classes take field trips so I've had chances to see sites all over Prague. In addition there are planned weekend trips to Budapest, Southern Moravia (wine!) Cesky Krumlov etc. FIve of my friends are in the process of planning three weekend trips: this weekend to Krakow, in February to Berlin, Spring break to Greece and Rome/Instanbul? and the final trip to Vienna. Afterwards I hope to travel with my lovely and crazy parents to Spain, Morocco and Paris!? We'll see how much I can do before running out of euros..
Anyways, I wish you all happiness and in the best health. Many of you are traveling around the world, beginning new semesters at school, or working, all with many stories and exciting news. Please let me know how you are doing!!
Stephanie
P.S There are numerous individuals who I still haven't responded to. I'm sorry I've taken so long to get back to you. I'll be sending you an email soon, don't worry I didn't forget!