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DRAM 379 The Arts and Culture in Central Europe is a travel class offered by Texas Lutheran University in the Department of Dramatic Media. To check out who we are and what we are up to, click HERE or the “About IAH/PRG” link at the top of the page.

 

The Last Thoughts

The Last Thoughts

I think I have grown up so much in the past month. I learned to be more independent and to tolerate people better. Do not get me wrong, I loved all the people on the trip with me, but I think we can all safely say that after a month in such close quarters, nerves get rattled. I also feel that seeing a completely different culture has taught me to appreciate what we have in America. It also taught me that there may be a few things in my life that I would like to change. I saw in that brief month how lazy we can be, and I rather enjoyed getting off my butt. I think that as much as I love my car, walking can be an extremely relaxing way to get around.

I think that seeing a culture that has just recently escaped communism allowed me to see a completely different life. I thought that Europe was a gorgeous place where everyone walks tall, enjoys life, and the arts are the main attraction, something you might see in a Hugh Grant movie, but when I got there I saw the reality. It’s still an amazing sight and the arts are very much a large part of their culture, but they are all still trying very hard to recover from communism. The velvet revolution has taken its toll and especially in the older crowds, you can still see the pain. I think that, in many ways, Europe has a great idea about how to live life. They have work schedules completely different than our own, and trams and feet to get around. Though it was not what I was expecting, it was still amazing.

I feel that even with all tips we were given in class, we did not blend very well. People notice the language, and people see the cameras. They are not stupid. They knew just who we were, but most of them seemed to find it fun and wonderful to have us around.

One major difference that we became aware of is smiling. Of course, everyone smiles, but you know when you pass someone on the street and you make eye contact so you smile? It’s not like that over there. If you make eye contact, that does not mean you smile. It means you have seen each other. That’s all you need. People do not smile at strangers over there. The streets are really different there as well. Cars have to stay out of the way of the trams so they drive and park up on the sidewalks a lot. It was so scary the first week, but you get used to it.

My views of Central Europe and the U.S. both changed. I know that I really finally realize how lazy and spoiled we can be in America. I loved how in Europe walking was an everyday major part of life. I talked about my new European views earlier. I also really appreciate the smells here. To be honest, Central Europe smelt mostly of B.O., pee, and dog poop. Welcome back exhaust!

As far as fashion, over there they have so many different tastes that I do not think you could really stand out too much. You look around and you see baggy pants, cowboy boots, short skirts, high heels, flats, sweaters, polos, t-shirts, and just about anything you could think of. I think that in the younger crowds you see a lot more color than in the older people. They wear a lot more subtle colors. I thought there would be a huge difference in shoes because the cobblestone can be so difficult to walk on, but I saw women taking those hills like champs. I think it is unfair to claim that Czech people are unfriendly. To generalize would be very wrong. I found that there are people in the Czech republic that do not smile when you make eye contact or say rude things because you are “American Pigs”, but I also found people who would come up and talk for hours to you and ask you questions and wanted to get to know you. I found people very polite. Many men offer their seats up to women and they try very hard to communicate with us. In Poland, people were more likely to crack a smile, but we also saw a few people there that send off that unhappy vibe. It happens. Maybe they were just having a bad day.

In the hotel we were staying in, we ran into some very interesting groups. First, we had one group from Germany. They were extremely loud and rowdy. I do not think it would be fair to characterize Germany by their behavior because they were mostly teenage boys. They do the same thing here. One night, Liz and I ran into some drunk, teenage, Czech boys and they were pretty difficult to deal with, but once again, teenage boys.

The tram was a very difficult thing to get used to. It was easy to point out who was new and who was not because newbies would fall over or squeal every time. Let’s not lie, we did the same. We also saw so many people standing there trying to figure out maps. We did not have that problem very often; we decided that getting lost and trying to find our way back was an adventure on its own. Who needs maps? Running into obese people was extremely rare in the Czech Republic and Poland. It was a little more common in Poland, but still very rare. This is caused by all of the walking done there and the hilly terrain.

I think that the United States is more advanced than Poland or the Czech Republic. Although, I also think we have more pollution. We drive around, each of us in our individual cars. Over there, they take the tram or metro almost everywhere. They still have a bunch of cars there, but I think it is safe to say that most people just tram and walk. They also seem to take a lot more pride in what they have. We take a lot of things for granted over here. I do not think we are that advanced in years, I just think that after the Velvet Revolution, it’s going to take them more time to have money for advancements. Give them some time and they will easily catch up.

I’m going to be honest, I did not learn very much Czech and especially not Polish. Thankfully, almost everyone there speaks English, but that’s no excuse. I did learn how to say “thank you, hello, check, yes, no, and five” in Czech though. Most people seemed to just laugh at you if you tried to speak Czech to them. It was so much easier to just speak English and use a little bit of universal body language to understand each other. The hardest part of not learning the language was ordering. You would think it would be easy because you just point to what you want, and usually that works, but not always. I had a run-in with a woman at a dessert place and when I tried to order something, she just started yelling at me. At the time, I did not know why. Later, another Czech woman came up and explained to me that that was only a portion of the meal. To get the whole thing it cost a lot more money. I wish she would just realize that I wanted that meal and she could charge me the cost as long as I got my dessert.

In the Czech Republic, at least, as far as I could tell, people work longer hours. At our hotel, the shifts would last, I believe, 24 hours most of the time. They would come into work and stay at the front desk until morning. Not even receiving a real meal break. They could eat, but they were not allowed to go out. They had to order in or bring something of their own.

They are also quite a bit more open about sex there. PDA is not uncommon. In the hotel, in front of coworkers and guests, workers would kiss and feel all over each other. This happened on multiple occasions, from more than one worker. At the tram stops, preteens, and teens would be seen doing the same thing. Personally, I would not want to work that way. It would be too hard to work 24 hours straight without being able to have a break. I also feel that there is a strong line between work life and personal life. How can you get any work done when you are kissing a loved one? Now do not get me wrong, I enjoy the visit at work, but making out behind the desk will not get anything accomplished.

I thought that Europe was so beautiful and I enjoyed every second there! I would go back again any time. In fact, I already miss it. I am really glad to be home and with the people I love, but I will never be able to forget the feeling of Europe. The walking, the food, the language, the trams, the people, the crystal, and the feeling of adventure and independence.

I think I have grown up so much in the past month. I learned to be more independent and to tolerate people better. Do not get me wrong, I loved all the people on the trip with me, but I think we can all safely say that after a month in such close quarters, nerves get rattled. I also feel that seeing a completely different culture has taught me to appreciate what we have in America. It also taught me that there may be a few things in my life that I would like to change. I saw in that brief month how lazy we can be, and I rather enjoyed getting off my butt. I think that as much as I love my car, walking can be an extremely relaxing way to get around.

I think that seeing a culture that has just recently escaped communism allowed me to see a completely different life. I thought that Europe was a gorgeous place where everyone walks tall, enjoys life, and the arts are the main attraction, something you might see in a Hugh Grant movie, but when I got there I saw the reality. It’s still an amazing sight and the arts are very much a large part of their culture, but they are all still trying very hard to recover from communism. The velvet revolution has taken its toll and especially in the older crowds, you can still see the pain. I think that, in many ways, Europe has a great idea about how to live life. They have work schedules completely different than our own, and trams and feet to get around. Though it was not what I was expecting, it was still amazing.

I feel that even with all tips we were given in class, we did not blend very well. People notice the language, and people see the cameras. They are not stupid. They knew just who we were, but most of them seemed to find it fun and wonderful to have us around.

One major difference that we became aware of is smiling. Of course, everyone smiles, but you know when you pass someone on the street and you make eye contact so you smile? It’s not like that over there. If you make eye contact, that does not mean you smile. It means you have seen each other. That’s all you need. People do not smile at strangers over there. The streets are really different there as well. Cars have to stay out of the way of the trams so they drive and park up on the sidewalks a lot. It was so scary the first week, but you get used to it.

My views of Central Europe and the U.S. both changed. I know that I really finally realize how lazy and spoiled we can be in America. I loved how in Europe walking was an everyday major part of life. I talked about my new European views earlier. I also really appreciate the smells here. To be honest, Central Europe smelt mostly of B.O., pee, and dog poop. Welcome back exhaust!

As far as fashion, over there they have so many different tastes that I do not think you could really stand out too much. You look around and you see baggy pants, cowboy boots, short skirts, high heels, flats, sweaters, polos, t-shirts, and just about anything you could think of. I think that in the younger crowds you see a lot more color than in the older people. They wear a lot more subtle colors. I thought there would be a huge difference in shoes because the cobblestone can be so difficult to walk on, but I saw women taking those hills like champs. I think it is unfair to claim that Czech people are unfriendly. To generalize would be very wrong. I found that there are people in the Czech republic that do not smile when you make eye contact or say rude things because you are “American Pigs”, but I also found people who would come up and talk for hours to you and ask you questions and wanted to get to know you. I found people very polite. Many men offer their seats up to women and they try very hard to communicate with us. In Poland, people were more likely to crack a smile, but we also saw a few people there that send off that unhappy vibe. It happens. Maybe they were just having a bad day.

In the hotel we were staying in, we ran into some very interesting groups. First, we had one group from Germany. They were extremely loud and rowdy. I do not think it would be fair to characterize Germany by their behavior because they were mostly teenage boys. They do the same thing here. One night, Liz and I ran into some drunk, teenage, Czech boys and they were pretty difficult to deal with, but once again, teenage boys.

The tram was a very difficult thing to get used to. It was easy to point out who was new and who was not because newbies would fall over or squeal every time. Let’s not lie, we did the same. We also saw so many people standing there trying to figure out maps. We did not have that problem very often; we decided that getting lost and trying to find our way back was an adventure on its own. Who needs maps? Running into obese people was extremely rare in the Czech Republic and Poland. It was a little more common in Poland, but still very rare. This is caused by all of the walking done there and the hilly terrain.

I think that the United States is more advanced than Poland or the Czech Republic. Although, I also think we have more pollution. We drive around, each of us in our individual cars. Over there, they take the tram or metro almost everywhere. They still have a bunch of cars there, but I think it is safe to say that most people just tram and walk. They also seem to take a lot more pride in what they have. We take a lot of things for granted over here. I do not think we are that advanced in years, I just think that after the Velvet Revolution, it’s going to take them more time to have money for advancements. Give them some time and they will easily catch up.

I’m going to be honest, I did not learn very much Czech and especially not Polish. Thankfully, almost everyone there speaks English, but that’s no excuse. I did learn how to say “thank you, hello, check, yes, no, and five” in Czech though. Most people seemed to just laugh at you if you tried to speak Czech to them. It was so much easier to just speak English and use a little bit of universal body language to understand each other. The hardest part of not learning the language was ordering. You would think it would be easy because you just point to what you want, and usually that works, but not always. I had a run-in with a woman at a dessert place and when I tried to order something, she just started yelling at me. At the time, I did not know why. Later, another Czech woman came up and explained to me that that was only a portion of the meal. To get the whole thing it cost a lot more money. I wish she would just realize that I wanted that meal and she could charge me the cost as long as I got my dessert.

In the Czech Republic, at least, as far as I could tell, people work longer hours. At our hotel, the shifts would last, I believe, 24 hours most of the time. They would come into work and stay at the front desk until morning. Not even receiving a real meal break. They could eat, but they were not allowed to go out. They had to order in or bring something of their own.

They are also quite a bit more open about sex there. PDA is not uncommon. In the hotel, in front of coworkers and guests, workers would kiss and feel all over each other. This happened on multiple occasions, from more than one worker. At the tram stops, preteens, and teens would be seen doing the same thing. Personally, I would not want to work that way. It would be too hard to work 24 hours straight without being able to have a break. I also feel that there is a strong line between work life and personal life. How can you get any work done when you are kissing a loved one? Now do not get me wrong, I enjoy the visit at work, but making out behind the desk will not get anything accomplished.

I thought that Europe was so beautiful and I enjoyed every second there! I would go back again any time. In fact, I already miss it. I am really glad to be home and with the people I love, but I will never be able to forget the feeling of Europe. The walking, the food, the language, the trams, the people, the crystal, and the feeling of adventure and independence.

Tammy

 

Central Europe Opened My Eyes

Central Europe Opened My Eyes

In the past month I have eaten way too much chicken, have had my fill of pasta to last me a lifetime, have had to foil my own pickpocket on the tram, have gotten lost in the middle of nowhere, got sick, lost my luggage for a week, was the only boy for a month surrounded by a group of five girls, and would do it all over again at a moment’s notice. Being able to experience the Czech Republic (it’s not Czechoslovakia) and Poland is something that I would not have given up for anything. Cliché, I know, but it’s the truth and I highly recommend that anyone ever given the chance to go out of the country to seize it and go.

When I first decided to go on the trip I didn’t really have an opinion of the Czech Republic or even of Central Europe. It was somewhere foreign that sounded exciting and exotic to me – Immersion in Art and History, the Czech Republic, and Central Europe! As we spent more time in class discussing the area and its history I slowly started to grasp what the area had to offer. Here was a place that could offer anyone willing to look around an amazing amount of knowledge and beauty, not just about the arts and history but about humanity itself. Soon before school was even out for the semester I was counting down the days.

When we arrived in Prague it was painfully obvious to everyone around us that we were not from around there. We wobbled on the trams, we looked out of place with our cameras, our look of “What the hell do we do now?” on our faces, and our smiles. That’s one of the biggest things we had to change in order to fit in. We couldn’t smile as much as we do over in the States. It helped us blend in a little bit. Once we got the basics down on how to travel around the city using the tram and metro (subway) and how to stand on them without falling completely over we started to blend in a little bit more. I felt that I was able to blend in better when I spoke a few Czech words when buying something, such as Dobry’ Den (Hello or Good Day), Prosim (Please) and Ano (Yes) or Ne (No).  It was fun to mess with someone who was obviously not from the Czech Republic and start speaking a little bit of Czech if they were in your way. They believed you were Czech! The ruse was up, though, when you met a real person who lived in Czech, most of the times before we even spoke they would ask us where we were from. It wasn’t hard getting into the day-to-day life of the area, we would just have to keep our mouths shut, chill on the trams, and look like we knew what we were doing, which after a while we started to.

It wasn’t easy trying to figure everything out. The hardest barrier wasn’t language, as some would think, though. In fact, I found that to be one of the easiest things to get past. It was really the cultural things that made it hard to get used to it all. As mentioned earlier, the no-smiling policy that everyone was aware of but us was something very difficult to get used to. It was just something I wasn’t used to doing. When I’m happy, I smile. When I find something funny, I smile. When I am walking around, I smile. When they are drunk, they smile. Not everyone, of course, we did meet a few people who smiled quite often, one being one of the men who worked at our hotel, but for the majority of the time we saw closed lips. The other thing that I had to get used to (very easily, I might add) was the amount of beer drinking that they do over there. It felt like it was heavily encouraged to drink beer in the Czech Republic because of the small sizes of the other drinks offered. For less than what you could get a soda for which only gave you 0.2l, sometimes 0.255l, you could get 0.5l of beer. Good beer, too. Great beer, and since we were all of age over there it wasn’t an issue for any of us. It felt incredibly natural and not taboo at all. The main one that really got me though, was the food that they ate. Breakfast was heavily bread oriented, with cheeses and jams along with meats being the main staple. At our hotel they included a light salad with juices being a very big part of the breakfast. The cups, once again, were very tiny for the drinks. In Texas, where everything is bigger, it was difficult getting used to not being given a lot to eat in meals sometimes and very little cups to drink out of. And beef? Expect to pay handsomely for it. Lots of chicken, pizza, and pastas.

Being over there has opened my eyes to some things, though. We met a man in a park one of our very first days in Prague that spoke about the US and the difference between the US and the Czech Republic. He said that one of the main differences was the placement of flags in both countries. In America, the American flag is something that is constantly flown, in our homes, our businesses, and basically anywhere we can put it whenever we can put it up. In the Czech Republic? Not so much. One of the reasons the man gave was that the people of this area tried to have a much more global sense of the world instead of just their country. This was repeated with the fact that most of the people we met who were Czech or from Europe and just traveling knew more than one language. That alone was such a humbling experience. Not knowing another language made you feel a little bit inadequate. But, even though we didn’t know much of the language, I didn’t feel like we were discriminated at all for it.

Whenever we would order food or have to buy something or even just talk to people it was a very different experience. Why? Because at first glance you feel that the people view you in a bad light. It wasn’t like that at all, though. When at first you feel that they are being hostile or cold towards you, you would just have to take a step back and say, “That’s how they are.” Alone, I met many people who at first glance seemed like they couldn’t care if you were still breathing, but upon talking with them opened up and had a great conversation. Happened both in Poland and the Czech Republic, however it seemed that once we got out of the city and went to Olomouc and Krakow, Poland, people opened up a bit more upon first glance. I never felt that anyone was down right rude to me, though. We all just approached each situation a little differently. The difference, I think, wasn’t helped by the fact that there were some long work days it seemed like. Especially at the hotel, it seemed like the people who worked their shift were there for hours upon hours upon hours. At least twelve or longer, but they didn’t seem to work that many days.

There were, however, people who were rude on the trip when we were there. They were German and they were French and they were staying at the same hotel that we were. They were loud, obnoxious, and not courteous to the hotel staff or to the other guests. We just tried to not be around them, because they were incredibly annoying. I wouldn’t hold it against all Germans or French, though. Just as I don’t want everyone to think that all Americans are the same, I’m not going to hold a group of people against an entire country. It was, however, funny to see them get on the tram when they first arrived. They were falling all over themselves. You couldn’t help but laugh.

The one thing that bothered me, though, was the amount of obese people in the Czech Republic and Poland. There were barely any. It bothered me because of the large amount we have in the US. When I first got there, I was shocked and a little weirded out by not seeing as many obese people. It was definitely culture shock at its finest. I don’t think that anyone could say that either culture was better than the other, though. There are many differences, such as the obesity, the smiling, and other aspects throughout each one, but each one has its pluses and minuses if we were to put them down on paper. One big difference though, that should be noted is the clothing. Man-pris anyone? I do have to hand it to them, though. They knew how to wear their shoes. Sliding leather shoes that they wore with jeans. You see it over the in the States, but it’s much more prevalent in the Czech Republic. And they didn’t wear 10-gallon hats. I know! I was shocked, too.

I miss it already. The moment I got on the plane I wanted to get off and stay there. I already loved traveling before I went, but now I want to go to even more places. The first item on my to-do list? Learn a new language. Though, I can say this, I certainly am glad I’m not being woken up at 5 in the morning because of construction.

In the past month I have eaten way too much chicken, have had my fill of pasta to last me a lifetime, have had to foil my own pickpocket on the tram, have gotten lost in the middle of nowhere, got sick, lost my luggage for a week, was the only boy for a month surrounded by a group of five girls, and would do it all over again at a moment’s notice. Being able to experience the Czech Republic (it’s not Czechoslovakia) and Poland is something that I would not have given up for anything. Cliché, I know, but it’s the truth and I highly recommend that anyone ever given the chance to go out of the country to seize it and go.

When I first decided to go on the trip I didn’t really have an opinion of the Czech Republic or even of Central Europe. It was somewhere foreign that sounded exciting and exotic to me – Immersion in Art and History, the Czech Republic, and Central Europe! As we spent more time in class discussing the area and its history I slowly started to grasp what the area had to offer. Here was a place that could offer anyone willing to look around an amazing amount of knowledge and beauty, not just about the arts and history but about humanity itself. Soon before school was even out for the semester I was counting down the days.

When we arrived in Prague it was painfully obvious to everyone around us that we were not from around there. We wobbled on the trams, we looked out of place with our cameras, our look of “What the hell do we do now?” on our faces, and our smiles. That’s one of the biggest things we had to change in order to fit in. We couldn’t smile as much as we do over in the States. It helped us blend in a little bit. Once we got the basics down on how to travel around the city using the tram and metro (subway) and how to stand on them without falling completely over we started to blend in a little bit more. I felt that I was able to blend in better when I spoke a few Czech words when buying something, such as Dobry’ Den (Hello or Good Day), Prosim (Please) and Ano (Yes) or Ne (No).  It was fun to mess with someone who was obviously not from the Czech Republic and start speaking a little bit of Czech if they were in your way. They believed you were Czech! The ruse was up, though, when you met a real person who lived in Czech, most of the times before we even spoke they would ask us where we were from. It wasn’t hard getting into the day-to-day life of the area, we would just have to keep our mouths shut, chill on the trams, and look like we knew what we were doing, which after a while we started to.

It wasn’t easy trying to figure everything out. The hardest barrier wasn’t language, as some would think, though. In fact, I found that to be one of the easiest things to get past. It was really the cultural things that made it hard to get used to it all. As mentioned earlier, the no-smiling policy that everyone was aware of but us was something very difficult to get used to. It was just something I wasn’t used to doing. When I’m happy, I smile. When I find something funny, I smile. When I am walking around, I smile. When they are drunk, they smile. Not everyone, of course, we did meet a few people who smiled quite often, one being one of the men who worked at our hotel, but for the majority of the time we saw closed lips. The other thing that I had to get used to (very easily, I might add) was the amount of beer drinking that they do over there. It felt like it was heavily encouraged to drink beer in the Czech Republic because of the small sizes of the other drinks offered. For less than what you could get a soda for which only gave you 0.2l, sometimes 0.255l, you could get 0.5l of beer. Good beer, too. Great beer, and since we were all of age over there it wasn’t an issue for any of us. It felt incredibly natural and not taboo at all. The main one that really got me though, was the food that they ate. Breakfast was heavily bread oriented, with cheeses and jams along with meats being the main staple. At our hotel they included a light salad with juices being a very big part of the breakfast. The cups, once again, were very tiny for the drinks. In Texas, where everything is bigger, it was difficult getting used to not being given a lot to eat in meals sometimes and very little cups to drink out of. And beef? Expect to pay handsomely for it. Lots of chicken, pizza, and pastas.

Being over there has opened my eyes to some things, though. We met a man in a park one of our very first days in Prague that spoke about the US and the difference between the US and the Czech Republic. He said that one of the main differences was the placement of flags in both countries. In America, the American flag is something that is constantly flown, in our homes, our businesses, and basically anywhere we can put it whenever we can put it up. In the Czech Republic? Not so much. One of the reasons the man gave was that the people of this area tried to have a much more global sense of the world instead of just their country. This was repeated with the fact that most of the people we met who were Czech or from Europe and just traveling knew more than one language. That alone was such a humbling experience. Not knowing another language made you feel a little bit inadequate. But, even though we didn’t know much of the language, I didn’t feel like we were discriminated at all for it.

Whenever we would order food or have to buy something or even just talk to people it was a very different experience. Why? Because at first glance you feel that the people view you in a bad light. It wasn’t like that at all, though. When at first you feel that they are being hostile or cold towards you, you would just have to take a step back and say, “That’s how they are.” Alone, I met many people who at first glance seemed like they couldn’t care if you were still breathing, but upon talking with them opened up and had a great conversation. Happened both in Poland and the Czech Republic, however it seemed that once we got out of the city and went to Olomouc and Krakow, Poland, people opened up a bit more upon first glance. I never felt that anyone was down right rude to me, though. We all just approached each situation a little differently. The difference, I think, wasn’t helped by the fact that there were some long work days it seemed like. Especially at the hotel, it seemed like the people who worked their shift were there for hours upon hours upon hours. At least twelve or longer, but they didn’t seem to work that many days.

There were, however, people who were rude on the trip when we were there. They were German and they were French and they were staying at the same hotel that we were. They were loud, obnoxious, and not courteous to the hotel staff or to the other guests. We just tried to not be around them, because they were incredibly annoying. I wouldn’t hold it against all Germans or French, though. Just as I don’t want everyone to think that all Americans are the same, I’m not going to hold a group of people against an entire country. It was, however, funny to see them get on the tram when they first arrived. They were falling all over themselves. You couldn’t help but laugh.

The one thing that bothered me, though, was the amount of obese people in the Czech Republic and Poland. There were barely any. It bothered me because of the large amount we have in the US. When I first got there, I was shocked and a little weirded out by not seeing as many obese people. It was definitely culture shock at its finest. I don’t think that anyone could say that either culture was better than the other, though. There are many differences, such as the obesity, the smiling, and other aspects throughout each one, but each one has its pluses and minuses if we were to put them down on paper. One big difference though, that should be noted is the clothing. Man-pris anyone? I do have to hand it to them, though. They knew how to wear their shoes. Sliding leather shoes that they wore with jeans. You see it over the in the States, but it’s much more prevalent in the Czech Republic. And they didn’t wear 10-gallon hats. I know! I was shocked, too.

I miss it already. The moment I got on the plane I wanted to get off and stay there. I already loved traveling before I went, but now I want to go to even more places. The first item on my to-do list? Learn a new language. Though, I can say this, I certainly am glad I’m not being woken up at 5 in the morning because of construction.

Justin

At the Playground

Talking With a Local Resident

 

Departing Remarks on Prague

Naomi Urquiza

Departing Remarks on Prague

Last Response

The experience I had in Central Europe cannot be easily dismissed as a “fun summer“ or just another “cool experience”.   I began the trip with much apprehension and a feeling of hesitation down to the core.  I had never left the United States before, I wasn’t sure how I would be accepted into the culture, since there was no way I could be mistaken for being European and still didn’t know very much about the language.  However, from this experience I feel that I have been able to lay the foundation of stepping out of my own comfort zone, taking a chance at something new, and learning what it means to wisely let your curiosity guide you and challenge your intellect and abilities.

The only experience of Europe I had prior to this trip was what I saw on television. I kept recalling episodes of Oprah spotlighting European cultures and the people  who walked everywhere and savored every taste of their food, thus keeping them from being like those “obese Americans,” and how we should all learn from them. I started off annoyed that I would be spending a month in a place that would  be more inclined to deem me over weight than in America.  However, I also wondered if I wouldn’t shed a few pounds and become more image conscience.  I learned that my annoyance and discomfort were short lived. The opportunity to eat and exercise all depends on the individual. No one really forces their lifestyle on you.  Granted, you do have to walk to a tram stop to get just about anywhere of interest, a few steep hills and busy sidewalks, but for the most part the trams do the work.  Also, servings aren’t much smaller than those in the United states, given the exception of the beverages which are noticeably smaller.  The people there don’t exhibit quite as much Southern Hospitality but given the fact that I’ve never traveled too far up north it could very well just be a big city thing that I would noticed in the United States.

Upon arrival, the tram systems were, by far, the most intimidating things.  Figuring out where to go, memorizing all of the foreign names, figuring out what place were which and where you wanted to go, and remembering how to get off and never letting go of something solid to hold onto was a huge challenge. After my 5th time on the tram, it became easier and transportation around the city was not a problem at all.  Once I got the hang of it it seemed easier to blend in with locals. Trams are also sources for laughter.  The easiest way to spot the new kids in town is on the tram system, they’re usually the ones falling over and taken aback at the jerk of the tram pulling away from their stop.

The Czech Republic differs in so many ways, and yet shares similarities with the United States. The difference however were in some of the small things:

First: Czechs really love their dogs.  Just about every person has a dog on a leash, and for those that aren’t on leashes they’re usually well trained.  The parks are full of dogs running around and the owners look extremely comfortable.  I don’t think I heard a dog bark for the entire month that I was there, though I had to avoid evidence of their passing as it laid on the sidewalks, streets, and alley ways.  They are very generous with their surprise gifts!

Also, I noticed that in Poland you can spot a nun or  priest every few seconds. Given the majority Catholic population, it seems like a given, but it still never ceased to amaze how frequently one is able to see them there.

Lastly, Prague is one of the cities that seems to be very comfortable with sexuality and expression using the human body.  In advertisements it is much more common to see more revealing billboards and posters as a part of the every day society.  No surprised looks accompany, nor is much attention given to it at all.

The Czech Republic really lives up to the Bohemian stigma.  The fashion is colorful, bohemian and very free spirited.  There is a much more welcoming atmosphere to color and vibrancy than say Poland. Poland seems to be more apt to earth tones and dark gray tones as far as fashion goes.  In Poland I also saw many adults and children wearing sandals with socks. It was interesting to see, just because the priest from my home parish is actually from Poland and wears the same fashion even as he stays in Texas.  The fashion, I think, it revealing of their disposition to be free of the conventional.

I maintain that  people don’t get much friendlier than good ‘ol Texans and taking me to Europe would not be the wisest way to try and prove me wrong on that one.   The people of Prague and Poland were not unfriendly or outright rude; That is not what I mean to imply, however, if there ever was a smile or friendly  greeting it was usually at a restaurant or place of business where pleasantries tend to be a requirement.  In Poland I felt that people were actually a bit friendlier. It may have been due to tourists season and having mistaken other tourists for locals, but it felt as if the people  I passed on the streets were more inclined to smiling and starting conversation than those of Prague.

If I had the opportunity to discuss the Czech Republic with people who were Czech and lived in the States I think I would describe their homeland as a place rich with history, preservation, self awareness, and with much emphasis and pride in the power of the mind and intellect. I think that in just about every conversation I had with a local, they were always able to refer to specific experiences in the countries history, and political era to support their opinions and could tell me much about American history as well.

During the stay at the hotel, immediately you figure out that you will get to know your neighbors well. That includes the noisy kids from Germany who are staying a floor above you and seem to be throwing around boulders at 3 a.m. right above your head.  In no way did the kids from Germany influence my opinion of Germany. I took into

I feel that as far as the level of advancement goes, it is hard to say. Living in the United States I have every convenience that I can think of . Prague was also able to maintain every luxury and piece of technology that I brought with me.  What impressed me so much in Prague was how culturally aware most of its citizens showed to be.  I would meet people who could speak multiple languages including: English , Spanish, Czech, Polish, German, French,  Dutch,  and Russian.  I met people who could speak 5 or 6 of the above and thought nothing of it. I felt relieved to know the small amount of Spanish that I did because it actually did give me a broader scope of people to converse with. I think that Europeans and perhaps even non-Americans have a great understanding of the importance of communication and taking the extra step to meet somewhere where they are.  I know that the difficulty I felt learning Spanish seemed well worth it as I met others who put their multiple languages to use.

I felt that the pace of Prague really complimented the pace of things in Seguin. I never really traveled faster than 30 MPH while in Europe because most of the transportation was by tram.  However, when getting into a taxi you can feel how urgent the flow of things are, and that was the only time I would say it was too fast paced for me.  For the most part, walking everywhere seems to cause people to slow down and take a look around them. I know that as I walked to a majority of my destinations I learned to really appreciate the scenery and the  conditions. It’s also hard to miss how vulnerable you are to the conditions when it starts pouring down on rain on you and you wish you could get under that roof a bit quicker.  I think now that I’m home I appreciate the chance to drive myself around and not have to wait for a tram to come or figure out which one will take me where. I can just hop into my truck and go. The pace I feel is the same though.

I came home amazed that I didn’t learn too many Czech words by heart. I was able to use my phrase book often enough to feel like it was worth what I paid for it, however, I only came home knowing around 4-6. I learned to say Thank You, Please, Yes, No, Good Day, and Excuse Me ( a must on the tram system).  The first time I wanted to use it I was extremely nervous so it took 4 more stops at restaurants for me to attempt saying Thank you, and I got a response back in English.  Later, some of the others informed me that I was pronouncing it wrong and though I was embarrassed I was relieved that I at least knew how to pronounce it like the locals. It was very easy to pick up on Dobry Den or “Good Day.” For the most part I think locals appreciated my vain attempts and it made me feel like I was at least doing a small part to  reach out to them in their own language, however basic and introductory it was.

I was blown away by the hours that our hotel desk persons kept.  I do not think that most Americans would be able to work 36 hour shifts.  From what I observed the requirements of working a hotel desk are so much more demanding than in America. At our hotel a person would have to know at least 5 or 6 different languages, stay for 36 hours while still continuing to be pleasant and aware enough to help hotel guests.  As impressed as I am by the work ethic, the American 8 to 5 works well for me.

Overall, I would say that the trip to Prague proved to be much different than I expected.  Apart from meeting locals I was also able to meet people who were also locals but not natives of the country.  I met some from Bulgaria, Egypt and  even Morocco. It was very interesting to hear their perspective and what kind of journey had brought them to Prague. While the Architecture, rich history, immense focus on fine arts and performances was an incredible experience I highly value the personal conversations and experiences I shared with other people.  Each one had so much to add to my experience just by sharing some of their own history.  I also hope that I was able to leave a positive influence on the people that I spoke with and provided for  them a more informed perspective of the United States and an open door.

The experience I had in Central Europe cannot be easily dismissed as a “fun summer“ or just another “cool experience”.   I began the trip with much apprehension and a feeling of hesitation down to the core.  I had never left the United States before, I wasn’t sure how I would be accepted into the culture, since there was no way I could be mistaken for being European and still didn’t know very much about the language.  However, from this experience I feel that I have been able to lay the foundation of stepping out of my own comfort zone, taking a chance at something new, and learning what it means to wisely let your curiosity guide you and challenge your intellect and abilities.

The only experience of Europe I had prior to this trip was what I saw on television. I kept recalling episodes of Oprah spotlighting European cultures and the people  who walked everywhere and savored every taste of their food, thus keeping them from being like those “obese Americans,” and how we should all learn from them. I started off annoyed that I would be spending a month in a place that would  be more inclined to deem me over weight than in America.  However, I also wondered if I wouldn’t shed a few pounds and become more image conscience.  I learned that my annoyance and discomfort were short lived. The opportunity to eat and exercise all depends on the individual. No one really forces their lifestyle on you.  Granted, you do have to walk to a tram stop to get just about anywhere of interest, a few steep hills and busy sidewalks, but for the most part the trams do the work.  Also, servings aren’t much smaller than those in the United states, given the exception of the beverages which are noticeably smaller.  The people there don’t exhibit quite as much Southern Hospitality but given the fact that I’ve never traveled too far up north it could very well just be a big city thing that I would noticed in the United States.

Upon arrival, the tram systems were, by far, the most intimidating things.  Figuring out where to go, memorizing all of the foreign names, figuring out what place were which and where you wanted to go, and remembering how to get off and never letting go of something solid to hold onto was a huge challenge. After my 5th time on the tram, it became easier and transportation around the city was not a problem at all.  Once I got the hang of it it seemed easier to blend in with locals. Trams are also sources for laughter.  The easiest way to spot the new kids in town is on the tram system, they’re usually the ones falling over and taken aback at the jerk of the tram pulling away from their stop.

The Czech Republic differs in so many ways, and yet shares similarities with the United States. The difference however were in some of the small things:

• First: Czechs really love their dogs.  Just about every person has a dog on a leash, and for those that aren’t on leashes they’re usually well trained.  The parks are full of dogs running around and the owners look extremely comfortable.  I don’t think I heard a dog bark for the entire month that I was there, though I had to avoid evidence of their passing as it laid on the sidewalks, streets, and alley ways.  They are very generous with their surprise gifts!
• Also, I noticed that in Poland you can spot a nun or  priest every few seconds. Given the majority Catholic population, it seems like a given, but it still never ceased to amaze how frequently one is able to see them there.
• Lastly, Prague is one of the cities that seems to be very comfortable with sexuality and expression using the human body.  In advertisements it is much more common to see more revealing billboards and posters as a part of the every day society.  No surprised looks accompany, nor is much attention given to it at all.

The Czech Republic really lives up to the Bohemian stigma.  The fashion is colorful, bohemian and very free spirited.  There is a much more welcoming atmosphere to color and vibrancy than say Poland. Poland seems to be more apt to earth tones and dark gray tones as far as fashion goes.  In Poland I also saw many adults and children wearing sandals with socks. It was interesting to see, just because the priest from my home parish is actually from Poland and wears the same fashion even as he stays in Texas.  The fashion, I think, is revealing of their disposition to be free of the conventional.

I maintain that  people don’t get much friendlier than good ‘ol Texans and taking me to Europe would not be the wisest way to try and prove me wrong on that one.   The people of Prague and Poland were not unfriendly or outright rude; That is not what I mean to imply, however, if there ever was a smile or friendly  greeting it was usually at a restaurant or place of business where pleasantries tend to be a requirement.  In Poland I felt that people were actually a bit friendlier. It may have been due to tourists season and having mistaken other tourists for locals, but it felt as if the people  I passed on the streets were more inclined to smiling and starting conversation than those of Prague.

If I had the opportunity to discuss the Czech Republic with people who were Czech and lived in the States I think I would describe their homeland as a place rich with history, preservation, self awareness, and with much emphasis and pride in the power of the mind and intellect. I think that in just about every conversation I had with a local, they were always able to refer to specific experiences in the countries history, and political era to support their opinions and could tell me much about American history as well.

During the stay at the hotel, immediately you figure out that you will get to know your neighbors well. That includes the noisy kids from Germany who are staying a floor above you and seem to be throwing around boulders at 3 a.m. right above your head.  In no way did the kids from Germany influence my opinion of Germany.

I feel that as far as the level of advancement goes, it is hard to say. Living in the United States I have every convenience that I can think of . Prague was also able to maintain every luxury and piece of technology that I brought with me.  What impressed me so much in Prague was how culturally aware most of its citizens showed to be.  I would meet people who could speak multiple languages including: English , Spanish, Czech, Polish, German, French,  Dutch,  and Russian.  I met people who could speak 5 or 6 of the above and thought nothing of it. I felt relieved to know the small amount of Spanish that I did because it actually did give me a broader scope of people to converse with. I think that Europeans and perhaps even non-Americans have a great understanding of the importance of communication and taking the extra step to meet somewhere where they are.  I know that the difficulty I felt learning Spanish seemed well worth it as I met others who put their multiple languages to use.

I felt that the pace of Prague really complimented the pace of things in Seguin. I never really traveled faster than 30 MPH while in Europe because most of the transportation was by tram.  However, when getting into a taxi you can feel how urgent the flow of things are, and that was the only time I would say it was too fast paced for me.  For the most part, walking everywhere seems to cause people to slow down and take a look around them. I know that as I walked to a majority of my destinations I learned to really appreciate the scenery and the  conditions. It’s also hard to miss how vulnerable you are to the conditions when it starts pouring down on rain on you and you wish you could get under that roof a bit quicker.  I think now that I’m home I appreciate the chance to drive myself around and not have to wait for a tram to come or figure out which one will take me where. I can just hop into my truck and go. The pace I feel is the same though.

I came home amazed that I didn’t learn too many Czech words by heart. I was able to use my phrase book often enough to feel like it was worth what I paid for it, however, I only came home knowing around 4-6. I learned to say Thank You, Please, Yes, No, Good Day, and Excuse Me ( a must on the tram system).  The first time I wanted to use it I was extremely nervous so it took 4 more stops at restaurants for me to attempt saying Thank you, and I got a response back in English.  Later, some of the others informed me that I was pronouncing it wrong and though I was embarrassed I was relieved that I at least knew how to pronounce it like the locals. It was very easy to pick up on Dobry Den or “Good Day.” For the most part I think locals appreciated my vain attempts and it made me feel like I was at least doing a small part to  reach out to them in their own language, however basic and introductory it was.

I was blown away by the hours that our hotel desk persons kept.  I do not think that most Americans would be able to work 36 hour shifts.  From what I observed the requirements of working a hotel desk are so much more demanding than in America. At our hotel a person would have to know at least 5 or 6 different languages, stay for 36 hours while still continuing to be pleasant and aware enough to help hotel guests.  As impressed as I am by the work ethic, the American 8 to 5 works well for me.

Overall, I would say that the trip to Prague proved to be much different than I expected.  Apart from meeting locals I was also able to meet people who were also locals but not natives of the country.  I met some from Bulgaria, Egypt and  even Morocco. It was very interesting to hear their perspective and what kind of journey had brought them to Prague. While the Architecture, rich history, immense focus on fine arts and performances was an incredible experience I highly value the personal conversations and experiences I shared with other people.  Each one had so much to add to my experience just by sharing some of their own history.  I also hope that I was able to leave a positive influence on the people that I spoke with and provided for  them a more informed perspective of the United States and an open door.

In Prague

 

Prague, Praha, Prage…

Prague, Praha, Prage… a place graced with a collection of pronunciations, I find myself calling it a second home. I feel that of all my experiences traveling abroad have benefited me greatly, but none of the others begin to compare to my trip to Central Europe. I have found a new respect and love for the country I live in, I can’t explain how thrilled I was when the welcome back to America was a police officer joking with me. I was just humble as to know that I live in a country where studying abroad is an open opportunity for many people, and that I am one of the lucky people that has been able to do it on more than one occasion. With the research done on communism prior to my trip and then actually experiencing the aftermath of it, I found myself thanking God that I have the privilege to have not had to experience the kinds of things they had to.

Going to Central Europe I didn’t have many expectations of the people there, I really didn’t have much knowledge of the culture there. Having that slight ignorance going into this trip actually assisted me in becoming willingly engaged into their culture. I was treated with respect from all the people I met there, and I felt like I wasn’t being judged every second like I sometimes feel in the states.

After the oh-so-awkward tourist group gatherings I found myself wandering the streets of Prague, sometimes by myself and sometimes just accompanied by another person. I found myself wanting to do more and more outside of group work, because it felt as if the city had something to give me, something that I had to make sure I found while I was there. I felt the stares suddenly subside and the rhythm of a daily life begin to take for as I continued on these ventures. I remember one day specifically, I was the only healthy one that day (I bet it’s cause I didn’t eat the bacon), so I went out and bought everyone’s new tram tickets. Then I went about the city, shopping, taking pictures, eating, all the normal things one might do on a simple day in Prague, but this day was different, the sun had finally shown itself after all the wind and rain. It was like this day was meant for me to take on the city, and really enjoy the time I had there.

Central Europe had many differences to adapt to, for example, in Krakow, Poland we found out that not many people like to smile. Another example of different behavior was that many of the males would flat out hit on girls, no discreteness or anything. One other difference in the culture was that beer was consumed as a casual type thing, with most meals and on the streets.

The attire of the Czech Republic people is somewhat different from the United States; they dress up a little bit more than we do here. For instance, you see more men dressed in button downs and slacks, and women in dresses and panty hoes. The color choices were a little more subtle and simple with very little patterns. They wore shoes that weren’t very good for your feet given the cobblestone everywhere; flats and flip-flops were really popular. I think that the differences in style for example the simple colors reflect the simplicity of Europe that they can simply dress nice without going overboard.

I found that Czech people are very friendly and nice; I didn’t meet one Czech person that I didn’t like. They may not smile nearly as much as we do, but I believe it has something to do with the communism that was once there. I also felt like the Polish people were the same way, friendly when they needed to be, and never rude. One thing I did notice a great difference was that it was harder to meet people, there were no simple conversations started with strangers. And if there was it was usually younger men trying to hit on women, who showed the difference in the way they grew up. Many Polish men would not talk or look at younger women, I’m not very sure how this came about but it was quite interesting. One good example of this was when we went to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp our tour guide, whenever talking to the group, always look at Justin (the only male in our group).

If I had to describe the Czech Republic to someone I would tell them of the beautiful greens that spread across the lands, of the breathtaking cathedrals and the extravagant details I couldn’t even begin to describe. I would also tell them of the kindness you receive from the people there, and the simplicity of their lives. I would paint them a picture of words that show a place that you can only really feel it’s stunning existence by visiting it.

We found that the loudest people we met were either German or French, we would wake up to them screaming in the halls. They were quite annoying, so I personally walked out my door and asked them to be quiet. But there was only one occasion that I needed to do that, most of the other times when they were loud was when they were in groups and were talking together. I felt like was somewhat disrespected by the way they acted in the hotel, because I felt that they didn’t have much concern for the other people there. However, I looked past that and saw the cultural difference that rested between us and manage to make the best of it. I am not sure how normal loud speech is in those countries, but I’m pretty sure that it was normal if the desk clerks didn’t get upset with them.

You could easily point out new tourist, the easiest way was on the tram, most would stumble when the tram started and stopped. Other ways were their large luggage, the groups of people wear sneakers, and when they talked in another language other than Czech.

I felt like in The Czech Republic and Poland that the people there looked healthy and not overweight, this most likely had to do with how much most people walk in Central Europe. As well as the smaller portion sizing of meals, which sometimes had us buying 6 meals a day. But overall the Central Europeans were fit and trim, making us look quite lazy.

I would say it’s hard to say if Poland or The Czech Republic was more advanced, because we did visit many tourist areas which are forced to become advance to host tourists. However, I felt that socially The Czech Republic was more advanced and economically Poland was more advanced, but these opinions are based on very little time spent in Poland.

The rhythm set in Prague and Krakow was a very fast one, an in-and-out kind of thing. I felt compelled to do many things and to always be going. I feel that this motivation and fast pace life will affect my life back home, because it really made me realize how productive I can be constantly. 

I learn a handful of Czech phrases and words, but very few Polish words. The amount of English speaking people there was high in number, which made ordering, shopping and conversations quite easy. However, when one would try to learn or say a new Czech word the locals were more than willing to help.

The Czech work ethic was demanding in hours, weeks, everything, but the people seemed to not mind. They wanted the money, so they thought nothing of the work they had to do to earn it. I feel like more people should be willing to do things 110%, and if I was in the situation where I had to work like they did I would.

Overall, my experiences in The Czech Republic and Poland really opened my eyes to new things, and very different cultures. I felt alive when I was there, unstoppable, and I can’t wait to go see what the rest of Europe has to offer.

Elizabeth

(Click on an image to see the full-sized picture)

 

Final Impression of Central Europe

I feel that from my experiences in Central Europe, I have changed for the better. By exposing myself to different cultures, way of lives, and atmospheres, I am becoming a better-rounded person. One can never truly appreciate the things that they have until they have something to compare it to. I now appreciate even more than I already did, that I am an American and I have been lucky enough to live in the US. Things like not having to pay money to go to a public restroom or having to not pay for an individual packet of ketchup. I used to take those kinds of things for granted.

Going into this trip I didn’t already have an opinion formed about Central Europe because I was not sure what exactly it would be like. I did not want to create preconceived notions about a place that I was ignorant about. I did, however, expect that there would be people much like myself, interesting architecture, and a lot of walking. I did come away with an overall good opinion, especially about the architecture, the history, and the food.

I was able to blend into the daily life of a Prague-ian by taking the tram, metro, and walking. I love my car but since I did not have it with me I had to use other means of transportation. This was definitely something completely different than what I was used to, but because I have been in the subway system before in New York, I caught on quickly. I also blended in by always having my ipod and headphones. It seemed like a lot of people would listen to music while on the tram, metro or walking around. I also tried many different foods like dumplings and a Czech lasagna and lots of pastries.

Here in Texas everything is spread out and far away and having a car is a necessity. In Prague however, the majority walks or uses public transportation to get to where they are going. And when there are cars in Prague, they all seem to park on the sidewalks, which we do not do. Also, the architecture is different in Prague. In Texas we have suburbs and houses, but in Prague there are just apartments and all the buildings are connected to each other. There is a much bigger sense of history there because so much has happened there. Another difference is how everyone drinks beer. Beer in Prague is cheaper than soda or tea. They do not have fountain drinks, but they do have beer on tap. That’s completely different than in Texas. Going to a bar in Texas costs a lot more.

I did not change my views of Central Europe because I had not really formed any opinions about it until I went. All I really wanted was to experience a lot of plays and see interesting architecture. My views of the United States changed though because I appreciate being an American much more and do not take my advantages for granted.

People in Prague wear the same styles and shoes as Americans. They mostly wore tennis shoes, but I did see a lot of people wearing sandals too. I did notice a lot of faux mohawks, which I don’t see that often in America. A lot of Czech men had lines or designs shaved into their hair.

I think that the Czech people are friendly they just don’t smile. They are not rude. They just look busy. They have manners and say “you’re welcome they just do not smile while they are doing it. For example, while I was at Einstein’s pizza, the waitress always looked like she kind of harsh but she did not look mean.

If I were to describe to Czech Americans what their homeland looked like, I would be completely positive. I would tell them there is a sense of history there that you don’t here in USA. I would say that the buildings are beautiful and the transportation is convenient. The food is good, the beer is cheap, but it rains a lot.

The loudest people I observed were these two men in their 50’s from Manchester, England. I was really nice to them because they kept buying me beer. But my opinion didn’t change about England because I have no idea what life is like there because I have only ever had a lay over there so I have not experienced it. I didn’t care if they were loud because they were friendly. I don’t know if they represented the social norm, that’s a good question.

You could tell someone was new to the metro if they almost fall over when it started, or if they don’t know where to stamp their ticket, or if they don’t get up for the handicapped people.

Prague people seemed to be a little less fat then the people in America because they tend to walk everywhere. I mostly saw skinny and average sized people in both Poland and Czech Republic.

Although it depends on your definition of advanced, I think politically the United States is more advanced, religiously I think that Poland is more advanced, and I think that Czech Republic has a more advanced way of transportation.

The daily rhythms of Prague is relaxed and laid back. They seem to take their time. That differs from America because we are always rushed and hurrying to get everything done. We are faster paced. I personally am already laid back so when I am at home I always try to be relaxed and lazy. When I was in Prague at first it was reversed. I was usually on my own and not with the group so I wanted to always be on guard about my surroundings so that I would be safe. I’m not really concerned about that when I am in my hometown.

I didn’t learn any Polish but I did learn three Czech words. I learned how to say beer, thank you, and your welcome. I used pivo, which means beer everyday. I never used any of the words.

The Czech work ethic was long, long hours. The people who worked at the hotel would work like 15-hour shifts it seemed like. The waitress at the pizza place by the hotel was always working. She must have worked everyday all day. I would hate to work the same. I already hate working as it is even if it’s only a 4-hour shift. To me that’s too long, so I can’t imagine working like they do.

Jennifer

(Click on an image to see the full-sized picture)

Lunch

Playtime

In the Metro

 

The Changing Face of Žižkov

When we arrived in Prague on our first day of being in the Czech Republic, we all made our way to our home for the rest of the month, Hotel Prokopka – located in what some call the quiet part of Praha 3, the Žižkov quarter. As soon as we neared the hotel, there was a definite feeling that it was going to be an interesting month living in this neighborhood.

The first thing that will be noticed when you arrive in the neighborhood by Tram (at the Lipanska stop) is the construction. While it isn’t very prevalent at the tram stop, there were a few spots here and there that let it be known that this is an area that is being rebuilt in some places or renovated. It isn’t being done because of damages, but because of the changing times. As you made your way down to our hotel from the tram stop you had to pass more construction, this time it was the construction of a building right next door to the hotel. As the month went by, we soon learned that construction began at 5 in the morning (sometimes sooner) and ended very late at night. This was something to be expected. When we talked with students who went on the same trip last year, they spoke of a building across the street from the hotel being built the same time they were there. That building has now since then been completed and we were able to see the end result.

Compared to the neighborhood around it, the building that the students from last year saw being built is quite contradictory. While the neighboring buildings are very classically Czech built, with their stone or earthy looking fronts and natural looking finishes, the building that was completed has a very modern look and feel to it. Its front is very metallic, going so far as to have metal bars as barriers for some of the balconies. It houses a café, offices, and a few apartments and it speaks to the changing times of this neighborhood.

When this neighborhood began, it was a poor neighborhood. There were not many restaurants, bars, or big shops, and there was a lot more crime that happened here than there is today. When speaking with one of the hotel staff, he told us about cars being broken into sometimes and valuables being stolen. While it wasn’t a ‘crime center’ of Prague, there was definitely a lot of crime being done in this neighborhood. However, I cannot name a time when any of us traveling felt a threat of crime inside the neighborhood while we were there. Just up the hill from the hotel, after passing through a little statue park that was home to many dog walks, was a police station with cops coming and going from it constantly. The neighborhood felt safe.

It has not stayed a poor neighborhood, however. As with any place, as time changed so did the neighborhood. As can be seen from the building across the street from the hotel, this area was becoming more and more touristy by the moment. Hotels began springing up, restaurants popped out of the buildings, and bars and pubs started supporting a small nightlife, be it local or foreign. A lot of change has been done to the neighborhood that many feel is an improvement. This is not only echoed in the people who work here but also by many of the people who do make this place their home. One thought as to why it is an improvement is because once there are more new buildings, new people, and new things coming into the neighborhood then perhaps the street crime will end. The thought is that people will start paying more attention to their cars and their things and that the people who are committing the crimes will have to find somewhere else to go.

One aspect of the neighborhood that damages it is the graffiti that is placed all around it. While out walking one night we saw a few people up on a building spray painting graffiti onto another building. It’s not uncommon to see graffiti on every single building you pass by, and it is not liked. However, it is not something that is only located in this neighborhood. As you walk around all of Prague, you see graffiti all around the area.

This area is not without historical significance. Around 300 meters from the hotel, some 600 years ago, a Czech Warlord Žižkov fought off crusaders from the First Crusade, which allowed Prague to not be taken over by crusaders. The surrounding area was then named after Žižkov. The battle only included a few hundred people, but has had a lasting effect on the neighborhood.

The area around the hotel is constantly changing and evolving and it looks like the only direction it has to go is up.

Justin and Naomi

(More information about the Žižkov district can be found HERE. Information about the Žižkov television tower, including pictures can be found HERE.)

(Click an Image for a Larger Picture)

Rezidence Prokopova

New Hotel On Prokopova

Colorful Artists’ Studio/Apartments

 

Final Thought about Central Europe

The month long excursion to Central Europe has been a fulfilling yet exhausting trip. While it opened my eyes to the way others think and how other countries ‘operate’ it has not altered me, personally. When I signed up for this class, I was expecting to see the beautiful city and landscapes that were littered with jolly beer drinkers but, when in Prague, where we spent the majority of our time (not in Poland or Olomouc per say) it was like trying to interact with rushed, stoic mannequins most of the time. So, to avoid looking like a dumb tourist (there were so many there!) I kept my head down and mouth shut when exploring by myself. No one really paid attention to me just as they would with anyone else on the side walk that isn’t drawing attention to themselves. I also managed to not completely fall over on the metro like the other ‘newbies’ did usually – but I did have a few close calls resulting in entertainment for my peers and a few older women on the tram.

When our small group arrived in Prague, I was not surprised to see how everyone walks everywhere because everything within the city is usually within walking distance but the way the women could power walk up the cobblestone covered hills in four inch heels past the street vendors (which was another new experience) did surprise me. Of course, the language was a huge leap for me and I wish I had actually studied my phrase books a bit more so I didn’t have to feel awkward when buying something in a store or ordering at a restaurant. I, along with everyone else in my group, usually resorted to the ‘look and point’ method with the people in the restaurants. Speaking of which, the portions were a lot smaller than they are here in Texas so it was not surprising to see that the majority of the people of Prague were quite skinny but in Olomouc and Krakow, they were only slightly bigger.

Walking down the sidewalks in Wenceslas Square it would not be too far-fetched to compare it to the crowded sidewalks of New York City with the different fashion stereotypes and styles. Of course, because Prague is closer to the fashion capitals of the world (Paris, Madrid, Etc.), they are slightly more fashion-forward. I felt only slightly out of place in my scruffy jeans and my hair up in a messy bun. But advanced fashion is one of the few things that the Czech Republic has that the United States doesn’t, along with the Metro system. But my holding of the United States in a higher regard is probably a personal bias and I full-heartedly suggest anyone reading this to go to Central Europe and experience it first hand to form your own opinions of these countries and our homeland.

Although the citizens of Prague seemed a bit put off on a daily basis, the people in Olomouc and Krakow more than made up for it. They seemed to have the same ‘Southern Hospitality’ that most people here in Texas have and that I’ve grown so fond of after being an outsider myself. They always seemed to be smiling and had time to joke around with each other in the middle of the Town Square. For example, there was a group of teenaged girls who were covering their friend with pigeon feed and letting the birds crawl all over her while they squealed with laughter. But, maybe I am overplaying that fact after I felt completely out of my element in Prague, surrounded by people who are too similar to me: angry and rushed. The people of these three cities did all give me some sort of entertainment everyday. But, my weakness is people-watching. It was interesting to sit on a bench and watch the people in Prague power walk up to Starbucks with their shiny shoes, the people in Olomouc stroll with their children with ice creams in hand and the people in Krakow meander through the old buildings with their friends.

Hotels and Hostels became our homes for a month during this trip. Especially the hotel we stayed at in Prague. We almost became like permanent residents of the place. The clerks at the counter knew which rooms were ours and knew our faces and how we would use the lobby’s computers at ridiculous hours of the night. They eventually stopped asking us if all of our hundreds of postcards were going back to the United States too. But being around the hotel so often showed us that the ‘working day’ is different. They, the clerks, would work for a solid twenty-four hours before being relieved of their shifts and another worker would come in. There was not a night shift and a day shift. We would see each worker only a few times during the week.

Prague, like most other large cities, is a large tourist attraction. I am sure that I heard more languages than I remember. There were people from China, Germany, Great Britain (a few Londoners and Scots to be precise), India, Egypt, Spain and an adorable couple from Japan who noticed I had Japanese writing on my wallet. But the group from France who stayed at ‘our’ hotel for a while were the loudest most annoyingly rambunctious group I have ever seen. They ran up and down the stairs screaming something. They made a mess of the breakfast room. Quite a few times they misplaced their key and had to run downstairs to get the skeleton key from the clerk. Then, when they were trying to check out, they confessed to actually losing one of their keys then tried to wiggle out of paying for the new key. But I am not saying that all French people are like this. Teenagers are meant to be obnoxious at points but our group – apparently – was very quiet and courteous. I just hope that those students wised up for the next time they stay in a foreign country and actually attempt to respect the other tenants in the hotel.

But along with a large tourist city comes the lights and the glitz and all the sparkly things in the souvenir shops. A lot of shops, restaurants and bars proudly display their ‘Open 24 Hours’ signs. But, that can also be accredited to how the sun sets around ten o’clock at night and rises sometimes at four-thirty in the morning (at the hotel we had to deal with construction on the outside of the building starting at four). It would be a common site to see people talking as the walk down the streets at three or two in the morning there or to have people trying to get you to come into their club around one. A member of our group told me that it felt strange not being woken up at four by some construction worker pounding on the side of the building. Frankly, I don’t miss it at all.

The memories of the trip that kicked off my Summer vacation will always be in the back of my head and will probably make me laugh at things people say: “You stepped in it!” But would I ever trade those memories? No. Would I want to hop on the next plane back and move there? Probably not. But, if someone asked me what I though of the Czech Republic I would probably give a vague answer like: “A beautiful country with interesting people” because I wouldn’t be able to put into words how much I enjoyed being there and how wrong I was about the jolly beer drinkers but I full heartedly suggest finding out for yourself.

Tess

(Click Image for Full-Size Picture)

Tess With Human Statue

 

Religion In the Czech Republic

Before communism the Czech Republic had a high percentage of peoples whom practiced Catholicism. This is seen throughout the country through its large amount of churches and cathedrals, along with statues and relics. These architectural monuments are full of symbols that represent the churches devotions to God, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and several saints. Once entering one of these cathedrals you will discover the breathtaking details and unfathomable art displayed amongst this place of worship. These unique displays of adoration throughout these churches and cathedrals, show in depth the strength of the Czech peoples religion. Unfortunately, the era of communism soon came and would destroy much of the people’s faith, but would leave behind the churches and cathedrals maybe as a sign of power.

As communism was forced upon the Czech people there was many new rules, new jobs and all together new lives for the people. Not only was faith questionable throughout the country due to hardships, but the communist rule forbid almost all religious practices. The church lost its institutions, power and belongs all to the communist. The Greek Catholic Church was stripped of its title and became a part of orthodoxy. The communist desire to bring down the Catholic Church soon succeeded by penalizing religious acts such as organized Catholics group meets. Any Catholic meetings held to educate the youth in religious practices were actually considered to be “conspiracy against the state” and condemned.  Clearly, this would play a large role in the future of the Czech Republic’s religious views.  Children growing up could not learn the way they wanted to and had to formulate and guess their beliefs due to their households and the communist ways around them.  With such uncertainty in the household many people began to feel that God was not around, and this furthered the decline of Christianity in the Czech Republic.

Communism finally fell twenty years ago, but the devastating effects of its reign are long lasting. The many architectural beauties still stand today, but they are viewed in a different way for many people.  The country is extremely touristy and the main attractions are the cathedrals, some of which no longer hold worship or any religious activities. However others are still used for Catholic services, and help reunite the Catholic religion with the once prominent believers who were overturned by communism. These buildings left are also what tell the story of a countries struggle against communism and their faith. Even if one chooses not to believe they still have the ability to experience the authentic Catholic cathedrals that were built for the worship of God.

Over fifty percent of the Czech Republic claims to be Atheist when asked about their religion.  Digging deeper, you will find that even with these claims, if the time is taken to talk to the people of the country, they will tell you that they believe in a higher power, in fact, many of them believe in God, but they do not adopt a religion.  The next highest percentage is Catholic, followed by an about two percent protestant country.  The overwhelming amount of Atheist amongst the Czech is obviously due to the communist rule, and has in some ways begun to define the country.

(Tammy, Liz)

 

Changing Governmental Forms in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has had its fair share of different governments. But throughout history, the Czech people seem to have recovered time and time again from the changes in political power.

In the 9th century it was declared a unified country and then subsequently became a predominant ruling power. But then the crown was seized and bounced around under other large empires: Holy Roman Empire, House of Luxembourg and the Habsburgs. It wasn’t until 1918, after World War I, did the Czechs and the Slovaks united did they finally get out from under the Austro-Hungary Empire. In World War II, it was under Nazi occupation and had to be subjected to that torment until Hitler’s fall.

But after the Nazis left, the Soviets took over and set up a ’satellite government,’ using Czechoslovakia as a ‘buffer zone’ against the Western capitalist powers. For forty-one years it was a Communist state in the Eastern Bloc. Protests, both violent and non-violent, against the ruling powers erupted and continued through the majority of the time period. In 1989, the Velvet Revolution occurred and Czechoslovakia returned to a democratic state. In 1993, the country peacefully split into the countries now know as the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The Czech Republic is now a parliamentary representative democracy. It has a prime minister, president and parliament which is divided into the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. The first President of the Czech Republic was Havel and held his position for over a decade. When asked about their opinion on the first president, a young Czech-native stated that she respected how he constantly pushed ”morals and principles” and Havel was her ”original good president”. The second and current president, Klaus, is seen as ‘’similar” to Havel as they were ”their own people” meaning that they were not another person or government’s puppet.

The Czech Republic joined the European Union, EU, in May of 2004 and is the currently the President of the Council of the European Union for the beginning of 2009. There have been some disagreements on some of the EU’s regulations such as on agricultural and economical issues but it otherwise ‘happy’ with its current position. Although, the current prime minister was ”not so experienced” (when compared to the Presidents) and is said to have ”made a big mess” in the political arena. But the interviewed person said they think that the Prime Minister ”grew into his position” and is ”learning”.

The future seems bright. The young people of this nation are seeking to keep the right people in office and a firm grip on their rights. Hopefully, their tumultuous history of passing through the hands of other governments and nations stopped in 1989 and they will continue to be their own country.

Sources:

Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_republic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_the_Czech_Republic

(Tess)

(Interview video to follow)

 

Nicolaus Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473 in Torun and after his father’s death his uncle Lucas Watzenrode took care of him and his three siblings.

Since his uncle was a prince bishop governor of Warnia, he was able to help Copernicus by getting a good education in astronomy. He went to Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. After school he met the famous astronomer, Domenico Maria Novara da Ferrara, and studied even more astronomy.

Copernicous was also named a canon at Frombork Catherdral by his uncle in 1500.

Copernicus contributed many theories such as heliocentric theories, ideas about the movement of the Earth, theories of the ptolemaic system, ideas about stars and planets axis’, and then created his own Copernican theory. His theory correctly listed the planets in order closest to the Sun and that they revolve around the Sun, the correct distance of the Earth to the Sun in relation to the surrounding stars, the causes of the annual cycle of the Earth in relation to the Sun, and finally the retrograde of the planets as it is caused by the motion of the Earth. Overall Copernicus had an impact on science, astronomy, mathematics, cosmology, and philosophy.

Since he graduated from Jagiellonian University, a statue of him was erected in front of the Collegium Novum at the university in Krakow, Poland to remember is contributions to the world.

Nicolaus Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473 in Torun and after his father’s death his uncle Lucas Watzenrode took care of him and his three siblings.

Since his uncle was a prince bishop governor of Warnia, he was able to help Copernicus by getting a good education in astronomy. He went to Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. After school he met the famous astronomer, Domenico Maria Novara da Ferrara, and studied even more astronomy.

Copernicous was also named a canon at Frombork Catherdral by his uncle in 1500.

Copernicus contributed many theories such as heliocentric theories, ideas about the movement of the Earth, theories of the ptolemaic system, ideas about stars and planets axis’, and then created his own Copernican theory. His theory correctly listed the planets in order closest to the Sun and that they revolve around the Sun, the correct distance of the Earth to the Sun in relation to the surrounding stars, the causes of the annual cycle of the Earth in relation to the Sun, and finally the retrograde of the planets as it is caused by the motion of the Earth. Overall Copernicus had an impact on science, astronomy, mathematics, cosmology, and philosophy.

Since he graduated from Jagiellonian University, a statue of him was erected in front of the Collegium Novum at the university in Krakow, Poland to remember is contributions to the world.