Dobry den, not Ahoj

on

I've gotten through my first week in Prague. It's been incredible, exciting, confusing, aggravating, mind-boggling, inspiring, and every other emotion in between.

Overview of Prague
I have done more than I thought possible in the last seven days. I have:
The Astronomical Clock
Met my four roommates and bonded
Gone through orientation
Taken a three hour tour through the old city
Figured out the metro
Figured out the tram
Gone to an 80s-90s night club (why does anyone like night clubs again?)
Eaten Czech food
Eaten fresh, real produce for the first time in what feels like forever
Worked out with a personal trainer
Worked out by myself by running along the river
Gotten lost
Gotten REALLY lost
Met my internship bosses
Started my internship
Done grunt work for my internship (which means helping them move their offices upstairs)
Accidentally waved away the metro ticket checker guy thinking he was trying to sell me something (I quickly realized who he was, apologized and showed him my metro pass before he ticketed me)
Fallen in love with the Astronomical clock

My room (with a balcony)
And so, so, so much more. It's been so exhilarating to be on my own taking care of myself for what feels like the first time. At other times it's been incredibly lonely knowing I'm surrounded by a sea of strangers. On those days I prefer to cry it out then find somewhere beautiful to look out and remember how lucky I am to be here.

I don't start classes for another few weeks, which is good. I'm taking time to process everything and take care of myself. There are plenty of other Americans from my program to hang out with, but most days I prefer taking on Prague by myself. Everyone told me it's a very safe city (besides pickpocketing) and they were right. I'm constantly surrounded by crowds and I have yet to be followed, yelled at, or preyed on (which happened to me at least twice in London). I've even found the most perfect Christmas presents for some of my friends (I'm doing Christmas shopping now while everything is so cheap and unique).

The cathedral in the middle of the Castle
One great part about Prague, it really is cheap! Beer is cheaper than coca-cola. However, I have found myself spending more money than I intended. The first week is always hard. I wasn't sure what groceries to get, how to shop for an entire week's worth of food instead of a meal's worth, I needed cleaning supplies and towels and shampoo and conditioner, and so on. I'm hoping my expenses begin to lessen now that I'm more settled in. I've already spent less than most people by eating most of my meals in, ordering beers and ciders instead of expensive cocktails, and choosing tesco for my groceries over the fancy grocery stores. I really should stop buying so much Kinder chocolate, though.

This last week has been about me. For the first time in a VERY long time my life has been about only me and improving myself. I've been walking A LOT, exercising as much as I can (beyond walking), eating healthy(er), and (attempting) to not sleep all day.

I got flowers for my balcony!
I have tried to blend in with the locals as much as possible and avoid the "tourist look". I keep my hand on the zipper of my purse at all times to avoid pickpocketing and have caught on to enough Czech to be polite and buy stuff. The one lesson EVERYONE has told me, though, is NOT to say ahoj (hello) to someone unless I know them well. It's dobry den (good day). This explains why everyone gave me weird looks on day one... Error corrected though. Don't make the same mistake I did.

Potentially the best part about Prague? The dogs! They're everywhere! On leashes, off leashes, in offices, on the tram, in restaurants and theatres. Big ones, little ones, beautiful pure bred ones and adorable mutts. I never thought anyone could understand my love for dogs. Turns out an entire city understands!

As busy as this week has been, it's only the beginning.

the John Lennon wall