Slowly but surely

So the past two days have been full of adventure, to say the least.


On Tuesday we went to Plzen (prounounced Pilsen) to check out the museum and then the brewery. Before that we went to the synogauge (though the name escapes me right now). If it was a little warmer in there, the trip would have been much more enjoyable. Regardless it was depressing, hearing about how the Jews were oppressed in Plzen centuries before World War 2, and that the people of Plzen were allowed to decide what to do with the Jews. When they finally came back, they built this ridiculous synogauge (I believe the second larges in Europe?!) that was meant for a thousand people... and now only 105 or so Jews go to practice. That bummed me out, for lack of a better word.



The museum was cool... but it got very long. And I got very hungry. And uh CULTURE SHOCK ALERT: they took an hour and a half to get us our food. No exaggeration. Actually 90 minutes. And we made everyone else wait for us. And the food wasn't even that worth it. I was warned about this but as a foodie it's mind boggling and kind of offensive? I guess it's just how these Europeans roll. Also, we were on the lookout for Czech food and this bar served anything but. I got some cheeseburger that included a very overcooked piece of meat topped with cheese and then a whole lot more. I could not finish it. And I was very hungry.

Yesterday was a very interesting. For starters we went to Terezin, which was built long before World War 2 but was used as a transit camp and ghetto during. Most people were transferred to Auschwitz and Treblinka. I was doing well throughout most of the trip throughout the camp (the creepiest experience of my life) but really lost it at the museum. Something about standing alone in a corner, reading through quotes from diaries/letters and looking through pictures... I just lost it. It was brief and quiet, but there were tears.

"Work makes you free."

These were actual showers. I thought they were fake and got really uncomfortable but they were in fact real. Five people to a shower head, women got hot water, men got cold water, Jews got nothing.

I didn't include pictures of extermination sites because I couldn't take them. I felt wrong about them and when the tour guide pointed the places out it was nearly impossible not to reenact it all happening. Horrible.

Swimming pool made by Jews for the Germans

Original ovens from the crematorium.

We ended up getting back around and a couple of the girls and I decided to go get our tram passes for the next three months. I wanted to buy a one-way pass for the tram but it was already coming and the other girls told me to hop on. And we experienced the dreaded ticket-checker. They do not lie, they really do check for tickets. To make a long story short, we were all out 700 crowns a piece. Very awkward/embarrassing.

We finally figured out where the tram passes were being sold and once Lauren was first in line, the women closed the window and directed us to the sign that allegedly said that she takes a break for the next 30 minutes. Luckily there was a supermarket (in the subway?) and we were able to stock up on groceries. I made a joke about how I hope that they teach us food vocabulary in the Czech intensive classes... as I 'm nervous that I'm eating the wrong part of the pig. I don't see turkey anywhere and have come to terms with the fact that I might gain some weight from this influx of pork in my system. Sorry mom!

We got back in line and eventually all three of us got our passes. Finally! Now I can feel alright with traveling anywhere around Prague. The subways here are great though, so clean!

Then last night we went to Mecca and I'm pretty sure it was American Study Abroad Student Night because the downstairs was completely packed with Americans. I had a decent time, despite my non-clubbing attire. And mom, if you're reading this, can you send me some more clothes?! And socks! I was told to bring socks and I guess I really overestimated.

Anyway I had an okay time, the music was a bit too loud, the drinks were weak and expensive, and I eventually started to sweat given the amount of people packed together. I talked to an American and Australian, both either rude or very drunk. Regardless, no Prince Charming at Mecca. At least not last night.

S