We don't speak no Americano

So I capped off a long Thursday of teaching/tutoring with a conversation lesson with a 17-year old Czech girl. She was showing me her homework for the night: a reading from her textbook about the "Do's and Don'ts of Visiting America." Intrigued, I read it with her, and found it more than interesting to gain an outsider's perspective on my homeland, the land of the Trenta Latte. (still can't believe anyone needs 32 oz of coffee in one cup?! That one will probably go in the new edition of this textbook.)

For example:
1) Americans love to line up.
2) They place a very high value on confidence/self esteem
3) Expect to see flags atop every school, library, gov. building..etc, as Americans have a very high sense of nationalism and are taught from a very young age to say the Pledge of Allegiance and never to let the flag touch the ground

(so yay, these all sound good!)

Until the kicker:

4) Don't expect Americans to know much about your country, or even where it is.

Ouch. I don't even sense any witty irony from that statement; just plain, hard fact in their very serious and not-messing-around textbook. Alright, well this is why I'm here! I'm here to learn about the world, expand my sense of culture, truly understand the geographical differences between the itty bitty European countries, and maybe even learn some Czech while I'm at it...and maybe change this perception of Americans, just a little?

But I won't lie; when I got home, all good intentions of lesson planning went out the window as I did something I haven't done since I've been here, and perused "Texts from Last Night" and "Damn you Autocorrect" (a random website documenting the ridiculous texting typos/auto-corrections on the Iphone.) Laughing my head off in a subconscious need for a warm, fuzzy little bath of ridiculous, crazy (often rather crude) yet lovable American culture, before mentally returning to Czech-land, to learn more about the ways of the rest of the world... in a mission to reduce the population of "ignorant Americans" by at least one.

New Years Resolutions?

So it's been more than awhile!!! I spent Christmas in Greece with 2 of my roommates and 1 other friend, and it is the understatement of the year to say it was amazing! We were based in Athens, and took off for several 1-2 day trips to Delphi and the island of Santorini (um, hello paradise! Like, where is left to go after this, huh??! Kidding, only kidding :) Anyhow, so we returned and it was time for New Years in Prague!! Now I had heard several things about this New Years here, and most of them had to do with Prague being one of the most dangerous places to spend the last/first night of the year! To make a long story short, the "dangers" seemed far less scary and more exciting after a bottle of champagne, so off we went to ring in 2011 in the streets of Prague's center, with fireworks and explosives of all kinds going off all around us in very near vicinities. Good times! And yes, I still have both of my arms and legs, thanks to a good luck charm I bought in Greece that is supposed to ward off the "evil spirits" (or in my case, bouts of extreme klutziness/blondness that lead to lost cameras, mystery bruises and interesting stories.) Thank you, tourist shop lady, for your cunning sales pitch. If anyone needs a good luck charm, it is me.

Anyhow! New Years! I for one, am a HUGE fan of resolutions. I love the idea of making changes, or just starting a new project and sticking with it! I love fresh beginnings! So I am taking a photo every day this year, and have also started a physical "life scrapbook" which sounds completely nerdy, but totally appeals to my artsy side (AKA preschool crafts.) Random happy thought of the day yesterday? I love how my imperative stop on the way home after 3 glasses of wine at happy hour, is at Tesco for glue sticks so I can glue things in my book. Priorities!!!

Also, I love adverbs. I was just thinking about this yesterday. I mean, I am an English teacher, so really is not all that weird to think about parts of speech (except for the fact that I was thinking about it not in the classroom, or during planning, but during my leisurely walk TO happy hour.) No, but really. Adverbs are the winner in the "who is the best part of speech" game (that I'm sure none of you have ever played, but I'm sure it would be a hoot.) Everyone always talks about doing things, doing things, doing things, but what about the way we do them? I mean, it's one thing to "run" but how about to "run adventurously? Or to "run suspiciously"? Alright, enough of this; I just wanted to clarify my current love affair with adverbs, and fully reveal the true dweeb that I have become over 24 years of existance. (Yes, I am bringing "dweeb" back. And don't say it never was!!) Could this be more stream-of-consciousness? Probably. I'm going to get back to lesson planning (catching up on "Pretty Little Liars"), dreaming of finally buying a mattress pad and having my first full nights sleep in 4 months, and laughing myself to sleep to the thought of my preschool kids body slamming each other (and loving it) on the sledding hill.... love. my. job.

I'm going into labor...

No, silly, not that kind. So I officially set out today on my mission to become an employed part of the Czech nation! Yay! I started at the post office, where I felt entirely successful after ordering some sort of Kolek stamp for some application or other... I love how even the simplest tasks result in a feeling of such success, after navigating hurdles of language, location and just plain not knowing what's going on. I couldn't help celebrating with a red-cup Starbucks (uhhh.. what's a Pernikove latte? Gingerbread? AWESOME!) Then it was onto the labor office. Another major success in even finding the place across town! But alas, the girl (who spoke very little English) spoke just enough to hand me a whole new set of applications needing signatures, stamps and additional passport copies. So I set right off to school so my director could sign my papers...another huge trek across Prague, into the suburbs. Managed to get everything signed and stamped, stopped back at my flat to get my passport, and scurried back to the office o' labor for round 2. Problem. The number machine is not giving me a number, but rather a slip with lots of Czech on it that doesn't look promising. I stare at the slip for a few minutes, hoping someone will recognize me as clueless and Czech-less. No go. So I sit, the time ticking away as I'm supposed to tutor in an hour, and finally the last lucky man holding a real number gestures to me until I figure out that yes, the Czech on my slip does indeed say I've lost the labor game and the nice Czech lady who helped me before will have no sympathy that I have been all over town and back today! And that my tourist visa is up in 2 weeks...and I need my work permit ASAP...oh no. They are finished. Closed, before 1:30. And Closed on Fridays, conveniently! Le sigh. I will be returning yet again...and this time I'm getting a double shot Sbux to fuel the intensity.

I tutored the rest of the day, which I'm finding, is always a good time. Private in-home tutoring is not only relaxed, but a great insight into Czech culture that I might not get teaching adults in a school. I worked with my 15-year old girl for a while, and chatted at length with her mother about life in Prague pre- and post-Communism. She also made me some great flat cookies the size of my head that are made with some special water found in a special fountain in the Czech Republic. The cookie even has an imprint of this fountain on it. Then I headed down the road for my 90 minute conversation "class" with a couple of 20 and 22-year old siblings. Honestly, I feel guilty getting paid for these lessons, because we literally just chat about anything and everything for 90 minutes, and occasionally I'll eat things like homemade sushi or the like. And get to play with a really cute dog. They've told me so much about life here and I love learning firsthand how life is different here than at home. I know it sounds obvious, but it's really what makes the experience here so great- is not taking your lifestyle at face value, but realizing how every single thing you do is done differently in every single place around the world. It's fun to get a new perspective from people my age- who I have alot in common with. I was told not to go into work tomorrow, as all the kiddos are sick. :( Sad, because I missed them today running all around town! However, I am very incredibly excited, because I get to plan the entire week for next week, THANKSGIVING week!!! I am supposed to teach them all about America and turkeys and making cool hats and handprint crafts and songs and all this kind of shenanigans. And then I went to Tesco (Europe's Target+Macy's my new happy place) and everything was Christmassy and I just did a little happy dance. It's the MOST- wonderful TIME... of the YEAR!!!

11/11! Today I finally can't mess up the date by writing it American style!

But first, a brief continuation of the segment, "Random Things I Like About Prague" (because they far outnumber the "random (and not-so-random) things I don't like about Prague.")

So anyway, more random things I like.

*Preschool. Okay, on the first day, I thought, 'WHAT did I get myself into? This is not English preschool, this is Czech preschool with ONE English speaker: me! But, by day 2 I found out that these kids are ridiculously adorable and I'm going to know so many Czech kids songs by the end of all this!! Also, free lunch and snacks, heyyy.

*The Astronomical Clock: the tourist attraction which is deemed "the world's biggest disappointment!" Apparently, people come the world over to see the clock "come to life" every hour, and well, you should come see it for yourself! I personally love it. Which leads me to...

*The Trumpet Man who trumpets every hour, and who I also fo

und on the Mala Strana side of the Charles Bridge, tooting away his little tune and waving away..

*Completely justifying eating croissants/random pastries for breakfast whenever (errrr..often) because it's Europe, and that's what you eat for breakfast in Europe. Duh.

*Mr. Clean is Mr. Proper here. This is sitting on my washing machine.

*Complete lack of awareness of potential lawsuit situations.. let's just plop a 3 year old on a 6 foot high horse and hope he doesn't fall off! More on this later...

*24-hour places are called "Nonstop"..for some reason I like this. Aptly describes life in Prague has been ever since touchdown.

*The way that every single "quick" trip to the grocery turns into 20 minutes of indecision when faced with the 8 zillion types of cheese... I shouldn't be allowed to go to France at this rate.

*The people. On the outside, they are rather gruff; not smiling in the streets, or offering much in the way of false friendliness. But I have started private tutoring for 3 families, and everyone of them is incredibly genuine and hospitable! They go out of their way to make you feel at home, jelly donuts and homemade sushi included!! No, but really, it's not just the food :) Getting to know Czech people is one reason I'm so glad to be teaching English here, and not just solely hanging out with the expat community.

*The Globe- unexplainably delightful to have a bar/cafe/bookstore where by now, I can walk in there at nearly any time of day or night and meet up with someone I know. Practically all TEFL grads hang out there for happy hour, it's our little home base in Prague! Oh and also, it is the only spot that gives you the whole bottle of ketchup for free!!!!(!!!!!)

*Jumping photos. 'Nuff said.

*Free sangria!

*Random ways they help the environment. No, they don't recycle plastic.... But you must bring your own grocery bags or else buy one each time you shop!

*After 2 months and 3 days, I was walking home from my friend's flat and was struck with a new, odd feeling... it took me a minute to pinpoint it, but I realized- this place finally feels like home. Nothing will be home to me like Seattle! (over salmon pasta at school today (first taste of fish in 2 months), it spurred an entire explanation to my Czech coteacher about how much I miss shellfish and the ocean smelling the salty air and watching the big boats go by..) ...so I know where home home is, but I've found my Europe home, for now :)

Uppies and downies

Things I like about Prague:
~How I'm never going to get over the beauty of the architecture/everything about the city, really
~I live in a city with an amazing castle.
~Not driving. I heart metro.
~Beer AND wine are cheaper than water.
~It's happy hour here at the time I'd be on my way to work at home :)
~Playing guessing games about the weird, weird items at the grocery
~Plethora of random parks, and dogs
~Exploring cafes/bookstores/thrift shops..
~The experience of hearing and seeing a foreign language all around me..quite humbling to be the foreigner for once
~Smack dab in the middle of everywhere I want to travel to :)


Things I don't like about Prague:
~The national cuisine is pretty much the opposite of healthy (though come wintertime, goulash won't sound so bad)
~English speakers aren't exactly the most appreciated population by Czechs outside of the school/classroom
~Random, haphazard job search process...
~Terrifying visa process (as of the moment..)
~The number of times I've electrocuted myself (too many.. does that kill brain cells?)

A hunting I will go...

The past few days, I have been taking my job hunt rather literally, by switching from "mass-emailing CV" mode to the "stake out and attack" approach. Okay, I might be a little dramatic, but it helps me maintain my aggressive mentality. :) Now, job hunting in Prague is very different than it ever was at home. In Seattle, I'd contact various employers and meet at their office, or sometimes a coffee shop or some other sophisticated locale. Right, we've all done this. But job searching here, in keeping with the whole reason I left my life at home to come here, is adventurous and incredibly random. I've found myself sprinting for metros, buses and trams, completely windblown by the time I arrive for my interview at... a construction site outside of the Klementinum (enormous, beautiful library built in 1232...picture below.) Anyway, what I thought was an interview for a very part-time nanny position (stop laughing) turned out to be a recruiter who posted my profile on a couple of random job sites, all in Czech of course. Hoping it turns out to be fruitful.. other random interviews of the day included sprinting through a rainstorm to meet up at a McDonald's and taking a metro, tram and bus 2 hours away to meet a potential tutoring student... when a road sign informed me I was 34 km outside of Prague, I silently prayed that my wacky directional skills could get me home! Also, while it's easy to get by within the city, nobody speaks English past the last metro stop. Nobody. Let alone 30 km away from the last metro stop. Anyhow, the next day, I ventured to some actual preschools, taking the direct attack approach I mentioned earlier. This turned out to be rather lucrative, and lots of fun, as I was able to see areas of Prague I may not have ventured to yet, and of course I love visiting preschools because they are adorable, incredibly brightly colored and have the most adorable names such as Beehive, Panda and Magic Rainbow :) I ran into a random food market at the JZP metro stop, and postponed my shameless self-marketing to sample gingerbread cookies, sausages, cheese and ciders! This was also the day I sat next to a dog on the metro that looked like this:
Now I may have mentioned about the dogs here in Prague; they are the object of a very serious obsession. They are allowed absolutely anywhere- restaurants, stores, public transportation, the works. Which makes for a TON of "awwww, puppyyyyy!" moments, and this straight-up ponytailed pooch was no exception.
So while I'm still getting accustomed to the random, somewhat hap-hazard job search process here in Prague, I've got a few actual interviews scheduled for next week, at preschools (no, I didn't plan on working at a preschool when I came here, but for some reason working with the little ones is just calling my name right now! The plan is to do that most of the time and fit in private tutorings on the side.) Prague has a national holiday on Thursday, so most things will likely shut down from Wed-Friday (if not earlier.) That's the thing about Europe- people take their vacations seriously. I mean, you would never hear of someone skipping a vacation day to go into work. Most people take off for the weekends here regularly, anyway. They have this whole, crazy mentality that maybe you should actually enjoy what you do, and work so you can live. Spend time with your family, visit new places, the whole nine yards. I know. Wild. :) So, in order to stick with our new style of European living, we're taking off for Cesky Krumlov on Wednesday, a picturesque village about 2.5 hours out of Prague. Sometimes in my zest for European travel, I forget that there are so many beautiful towns to visit in the Czech Republic itself! Well, the rest of the day is for reading, coffee drinking and baking with some girlfriends- miss everyone at home tons, and if anyone is itching for a Prague trip...our current couch-surfer, Sarah, can vouch for the hospitality of our little abode :) till next time, nashledanou!

Back home- and home is Prague- and I love that!

.


Wow, it's been awhile since I've been around here! The last few weeks have been madly busy, with working hard to graduate TEFL, actually graduating TEFL, and packing up to travel through Vienna and Budapest with 4 other girls this past week. It was nice to get out of the city for a few days and have some adventures! We stayed at a pretty nice hostel the first 3 nights in Budapest, walked all over, saw castles, did a free walking tour, took a day trip to Szentendre where we saw a marzipan museum, ate at some great cafes including the best dessert in Budapest, and explored the markets! We had 2 days in Vienna, where some girls graciously opened their apartment right in the city center for us to stay! Again, we hit all the major sights, another fabulous outdoor food market, and one of the largest flea markets I have ever seen! I got some neat old letters that I plan to make into some sort of collage, and bartered for some old sheet music with an artsy cover, but the lady wouldn't budge! I found her rather mean. It's a flea market!!! You come here to haggle. And I really wanted old sheet music from Vienna..... but alas. I will settle for my old letters. We returned late last night from our bus from Vienna, to home sweet Prague! How funny that returning "home" from a trip is actually returning to the greatest city of them all (so far!) I love Prague! Although it has its quirks, which I think I will save for another post. Now that life is more settled, I'm going to update this more often, just with thoughts on daily life in Prague, and whatever comes to mind. Some friends of mine are attending a swing dancing class tonight, which I unfortunately am going to have to miss since it begins earlier than I thought, and I didn't wear a skirt to the coffee shop.... but this is my lesson to stop wearing sweats. Even though it's laundry day. It's EUROPE!! People dress cute here. Alright, that's my life lesson for the day. Next plans of action: decorate my room on an unemployed budget, (ambiance is everything; how can I be productive without an inspired environment?!) and fixing said unemployed situation. Hopefully ASAP. Interview at a preschool on Thursday- I'm excited!! Until later... Nashledanou!