Cau Czech Intensive, Ahoj... Everything Else

I did a lot of drinking this week... sorry, mom.

I went to U Fleku, Prague's oldest pub, with a friend I made on the flight back to Prague from London. Armed with a map, I was actually able to make it from the Marriott. And then I rewarded myself by drinking two of the most expensive beers I've had in Prague.. at a hefty 60 crowns each (less than $3). The place was cool albeit a bit of a tourist trap: long wooden tables, a couple of dudes playing the accordion and a tuba? trombone? Why do I not remember what either look like? Regardless, this place had some tasty homemade beer and I enjoyed drinking it (and the conversation) in a building dating back to 1499. You'll be hard pressed to find that in the USA...

Anyway, I had to call it a (relatively) early night because I had my Czech final on Thursday. It was harder than I expected but I made out just fine. I got an A, Ma. Overall the class wasn't too bad but I'm really glad it's over. I'm interested to see what "real" classes will be like. Tomorrow I have my first two (of three... I'm really working hard this semester) classes: one is a class showing films by women directors and the other is called Anthropology of the Image. I've never taken an art class before but I was told good things about the professor.

Back to my weekend. On Friday I met up with said friend again and we went out to this bar called Tretter's. According to the website it's a New York bar and overall it was absolutely fantastic. The drinks are pricey for Prague standards, starting at 135 crowns for a Cosmo but man these bartenders mean business. They are artists of alcohol and each drink was absolutely fantastic... all 5 or 6. I may have lost count. It was an older crowd, many foreigners all ready to drop some dough on some well crafted cocktails. It was standing room only at first but we eventually got a seat next to a very uh, friendly Swiss man.

On my way to Tretter's (again, using a map... I'm getting really good), I discovered that my school is in an absolutely amazing location. Just behind Charles University is Paris St., which I guess is equivalent to the 5th of New York. I can't wait to show my family. I also passed the Old Jewish quarter and I am so excited to check it out once the weather gets a little bit nicer. It's been rainy and drab and not okay.

Prague is absolutely magical at night.

Nicole, Kelly (one of my roommates), and I at U Sudu

Saturday night I met up with my roommates and other friends at U Sudu and the only way to really describe this place is... the past home of dragons. Dungeons galore. After making our way downstairs I was relieved to see tons of tables and tons of people hanging out, drinking some Pilsner. You know, the usual. I brought my friend again as he wanted to have a good time for his last night in Prague and he was not disappointed. It was overall a fantastic night except this Czech girl that came to meet with us got her purse stolen... I ended up finding it in the bathroom but everything improtant was taken out. I was really sad for her. She left her purse on the floor underneath her chair and still some ass managed to take it and rob her. I guess that's as dangerous as Prague gets, but still... that really blows. I would sob. I would sob uncontrollably if my stuff got stolen. This explains why I try not to make any eye contact with people (namely men) when I'm on the metro or the tram. It's been engrained in my head to keep my stuff safe so I don't take any chances and hold my purse to me like it's a child I'll one day have.

That was a really deep simile.

Aside from that, things are good. Unfortunately my Vienna trip was cancelled so I'll be in town next weekend while essentially everyone else will be traveling. I suppose it's not the worst thing, Rome is quickly approaching!

Oh and I've been getting really crafty with my food here. I made chicken cutlets last night without the handy help of a meat tenderizer and bought some limes to make a sort of citrus-y sauce. I really miss having an oven. And you know, Peapod. This whole process of carrying all my groceries back with an unsexy backpack is kind of exhausting. But I'm kind of roughing it here in Prague.

And it's all good.

Here's to a good first week of classes, and whatever this weekend brings.

S.