Holiday--September 28th

I have written and posted a lot today. It is a holiday (Vaclav Day--Patron Saint of Czech Republic??), so I had some free time. And blogging is how I spent it. However, I did go to check out the aikido class just now. It looks really good, but there is no separate class for beginners, and I am a little intimidated to be thrown in the mix. I probably will do it anyway though. Next meeting is Friday, so we shall see...

BUT I have started planning my first forays out of the country. (You were right, French Connection.) I will go to visit friends in England at the end of next month, and I am working on a short trip before then--perhaps to Germany or Slovakia. Again, we shall see!

Other Events--Prague

So we also visited the US Embassy, or a satellite of the US Embassy, and that was interesting too, but no photos there!=(

I could have, but I just didn't. We spoke with several embassy officials, and learned about what it takes for Czech citizens to get visas for visiting and emigrating to the USA, and all sorts of other issues relating to Americans being here and Czechs being there. I asked a few questions, and I wasn't even nervous, as I usually am in these situations. My voice stayed normal; my heart rate stayed normal. I was cool. Hmm. Hey, I was calm with the Ambassador too. Am I turning over a new leaf?? Good thing, because I found out yesterday that I will be going to another town just before my birthday to speak about my experiences here in CZ. A new phase in life: Kylowna, the public speaker!

On Friday, orientation ended and I had to move on to new things, like getting my hair done...


My braids are out, after 7 grueling hours of work (ending with dead arms), even with help from Michaela (thank you, Michaela!), but here I am wrapped and hatted. As usual, I want NO ONE to see me with my hair down--only those who are in a position where it can't be helped, and even then I am not too pleased.

Martha, a Nigerian lady, is a fast worker, and I am so glad to have been connected with her (thanks again, Michaela!) She put my new braids in in about 5 hours and says she can take my braids out next time, in 90 minutes!! She can have it!! Yes!

We (Michaela and I) are at a shopping mall, killing time--and spending money--until it is time for my appointment at the salon. I was amused by all the kinds of stockings there are here, although I don't think I'd ever wear them!

And here is the new do--which I am not yet used to...perhaps too much blonde for me:


I guess you can't really see it here, but you will. I won't be changing it for at least two months!

I have to run soon. I am scoping out an Aikido class tonight! Photos of my students coming soon!!

After the Opera...

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Originally uploaded by Travelinfool.

This was our waiter, Tomas (Tomash, yes, little mark over the 's'). and this is what he did with my camera after I asked him to take a picture of us!! We all found it hilariously funny. Really. So I kept it--the photo.



So here we are--cracking up!

Orientation Week Continues

Here I am at the opera! (Feeling quite grown-up, I might add.) My first real opera, I think. I mean, I have seen Evita, and Les Mis, and Jesus Christ Superstar type shows, but they aren't really operas, are they? So this was my first. The Bartered Bride (Prodana Nevesta), by Bedrich Smetana, a Czech composer. It was--THANK GOD--a comedy, nothing too heavy or depressing. Perfect. The National Theater was just beautiful! I should have taken more pictures, really. The lobby, walking in on the red carpet. It was really gorgeous. We were seated on the second balcony, and I was smack in the center. I can't imagine a more perfect seat! It was great. The music and voices were fantastic, and although it was in Czech, there were titles in English and German, so it worked out wonderfully.


Good thing I had that black dress for the ambassador's reception, or I would have had nothing to wear!


Beth (on the far left, is another Fulbright exchange teacher, living in Znojmo), and her daughters, Pamela and Gina, and I are enjoying one of the quick intermissions high up in the theater. There was a nice view of the river Vltava, once you look beyond the enormous spiders camped (thankfully) outside the big windows.

We were suitemates in the hotel, and it was a good thing! We had such a great time together. I loved them; they were fab. We laughed so much. I thought Beth was a really serious person when I met her in DC. Wrong! I am sure she can be, but she is also a hoot and a holler (that's for you Pamela). Outstanding people, all of them. I am sure I will see them again.



The National Theater, at night, after the opera. I was so happy I could get my camera to cooperate for these photos. Quite lovely. Ahhh...the beauty of Prague.

Meetings

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Originally uploaded by Travelinfool.

Here we were having a talk with Radek Spicar (again, little mark on the S, so it's "sh"), the Deputy to the Vice Prime Minister of the Czech Republic. He is only 28 years old! I was amazed. He is, obviously, a very intelligent guy, and he is funny too. He was very positive, hopeful, and upbeat. Loads of personality--I mean, he was talking to us about economics and such, and I didn't even fall asleep! It was quite interesting.

Room with a view?

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Originally uploaded by Travelinfool.

If I opened the window of my hotel room and looked left, this is what I saw. I was in Prague 3, and it is an area named Zizkov (both of the z's are supposed to have little mark on them to make the sound not a "z" but "zh"). Zizkov is the man on the horse (the statue), and I am not sure exactly what he did, but something about being a soldier...I don't think he was a soldier in fact,but in spirit. Hmmm. I should know this before I blog it, but I don't. Sorry. Maybe I will find out and then edit this blog entry, but don't hold your breath! =)

Orientation--Ambassador's Reception

First stop: The US Ambassador to the Czech Republic's residence, for a reception. Quite lovely, I must say. All the Fulbrighters in the Czech Republic: teachers, scholars, lecturers, and Czech Fulbright Alumni, diplomats, their wives, etc--very interesting people. I enjoyed it very much. I was encouraged to speak to the ambassador (Mr. Cabaniss) personally, and despite my shyness, I did it. He was very gracious, very easy to talk to actually. I invited him to come to Zatec and see our school, and he just may do it. He likes to visit schools when he out around the country, so...It would be quite an honor for him to come, truthfully. And, hey, the principal was happy, so I was happy.



Although I talked to the Ambassador, I did NOT take a photo with him, so I took one with his portrait instead.



Here we are--the Zatec group--enjoying the reception. Me, Principal Rebicek, Alena, and Marta. Alena was a Fulbright exchange teacher about 8 or 9 years ago; she spent the year in Houston, Texas. Marta is an English-teaching engine! She never stops: school, then private lessons, and exercising...amazing! She is also Ondra's mom. =)

Heading to Prague

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Originally uploaded by Travelinfool.

My new hobby is taking pictures of myself!

I had just returned on Sunday from a weekend excursion to Prague, and here it was Monday afternoon, and I was headed back for a week of Fulbright activities and more! Stay tuned...



I taught my morning classes that day, then ran home to pack and get ready to go to Prague with Alena, Marta, and Mr. Rebicek, my principal. We were all attending the first event together.



Okay, so I didn't take this picture. Mr. Harajda did. It is s good thing I brought this dress. It came in handy later, as you shall see!

Hops

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Originally uploaded by Travelinfool.

This is what hops look like, and somehow (I don´t yet know how) they are turned into beer. I think the hops are pretty, and I was told that this hop "field" near the center of Zatec is the smallest anywhere.

Zatec is known for having superior hops, and that is why Czech beer is the best in the world. Thatś what I hear. It could be true.

As far as beer goes, I don´t think there is any better than what I have had here--although I must admit, I don´t like them all, and am no beer expert by a long shot. I haven´t tried them all yet, so I will have to postpone my final opinion until I have done more research. I will let you know.

Comments!!

Thanks for the comments, Robin, Mitch, Vojta, et al. I really love them. They inspire me to write more. I am so glad you are reading. Stay tuned!

Talk about efficient!

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Originally uploaded by Travelinfool.

This was the door to my room (office) as I saw it during my first visit to Gymnazium. I was impressed!

Have I mentioned how much I love my schedule there?? It is very flexible. Two long days, two days where I start after noon, and one day where I start at 8am and finish at 9:30am. Thatś Friday. They wanted to make it easier for me to travel. Is that considerate or what?!

The different schedule on each day satisfies me. I hate doing the same exact thing every day--it bores me.

I see most of my students once per week, some once every other week, and one group four days per week. That was an adjustment--still is, actually. I have to think about lessons differently. I am working on it.

Yesterday, before I left to come to Prague, where I am as I write this, I was observed by some school inspectors. Right before the class began, I was asked if it would be okay for them to come and watch my lesson. I was a bit nervous, but of course I said yes.

I did my best, despite the nerves. Itś all I could do. It seemed to go well. The feedback I got was positive, and the principal was happy. So, I was happy about it (after it was over).

Now in Prague for the week for Fulbright Orientation. Will write about THAT later!

KM

So European!

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Originally uploaded by Travelinfool.

This is a typical scene at a pub. Everyone sits down, pulls the phones out of the pockets and puts them on the table. Always on, of course. Heaven forbid one misses a phone call from a friend--or more likely, the ubiquitous text message!

I am afraid I have quickly "joined the club." Unfortunately, my phone is out of order right now =(. Maybe it will be in working order again by Monday. I can´t even imagine what it will be like to pass the whole week without being able to use my phone!!!

KM

Maybe

Seems to me to be a typical Czech response to all manner of questions!

Is this what you want? Maybe.
Would you want to do this if you could? Maybe
Do you like this? Maybe
Have you ever thought of doing something like this? Maybe
Is that how you feel then? Maybe

I'm sometimes astounded by the absence of definite answers to seemingly yes or no questions. If I press, I sometimes get a simple yes or no, but more often, I find people reluctant to assert an opinion or desire or wish. It seems that they (and I am speaking mainly of my students, but there are others as well) are worried about making a definite statement because maybe it won't actually happen that way or maybe they will change their minds in the future...I don't know.

They say they don't know what the future holds, so they don't like to say what they would want to do...I say how will you ever do what you want if you don't acknowledge it and point yourself toward it.

If something MAY not happen the way you'd like, does that mean it is bad to say what you want, would like, or wish for? Is it better to always just wait and see? Take what you get because maybe you can't get what you want???

Again, I don't know, but it is . . . INTERESTING. I will probably revisit this topic in the future.

KM

Nice feet!

I had a full pedicure today. It was good. The first time I tried to get one, I discovered that the place that did my manicure didn't do pedicures, despite having a sign outside advertising them. Sarka, the manicurist tried to explain it all to me, but since I don't yet speak Czech...

After she finished my nails (great job, by the way), she walked me around the corner, down the street, into a courtyard to a lady who DID do pedicures. Great! Then... uh-oh--maybe I don't want a pedicure after all. First, the room was divided into curtained-off areas like in a hospital ward. Hmm. Nice basin though. Then I saw the tools, and I was a little afraid. I thought, "either I am going to have the best pedicure of my life or I will be bleeding and crippled for life." Thankfully, it was the former. The best ever! It WAS kind of medicinal. Very thorough. But she didn't do polish, which brings me to the place I went to today. Also very thorough, AND I got my first French paint job on my toes! Niiiiice.

These little things make me happy. Big things do as well, but lots of little things work wonders on me.

Next up...MASSAGE!!!

O! The Shame! The SHAME!!!

I caved in. I was weak. I can't believe it! What is happening to me?!

I have done the unthinkable! I...I...don't even want to admit it. I ...............ate at McDonald's today!

The day started innocently enough. Up at 6, messing around the house for a few hours, then a nap. Ondra rang to say we were going to Prague, and I could buy a coat there. Great! Off we go. When we got to the mall, I was hungry. What could I do? I hadn't eaten since the crack of dawn! We were heading in to see a movie. There were a few other choices, and I seriously considered them, but then...I went for the filet of fish meal! Why? I don't know. Has my will power taken a leave of absence???

It was a good filet of fish too. They called it the Mc Fish, I think. I think it was smaller than those in the US--no surprise there--and it was made to order, hot, and didn't give me a stomach ache--or did it? I tend to forget my pain as soon as it subsides...

Anyway, I never did buy a coat. I left the mall with only a shirt (and a bit of guilt). I HAVE to have a real coat, and you know what they say in America: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"

I intend to. =)

KM

Calming down???

So I am hearing--and have been for some time--that after Beerfest is over there will be nothing else to do around here...
I don't believe it. Maybe I am just a Doubting Thomas, but I somehow just don't believe it, and I hope I am not proven wrong! Of course there are plenty of things for me to do myself...write on my blog, keep in touch with loved ones, finish my photography course, study Czech, travel to other cities and countries...

I guess I will be OK, regardless of what happens or doesn't happen in Zatec. =)

Just plain ol' hanging out with people here is nice too. My favorite part of travel, really. Getting to know people, building friendships. Can't beat it. I am enjoying it immensely.

-KM

Ooops!

Have I mentioned that I am the worst typist west of the Mississippi? And now I am far west (or east??) of it! Please pardon the mistakes. Spell check doesn't work, and I don't see all the mistakes until after I publish--and then I just don't care. It's a quirk of mine. Character, yeah. =)

KM

Beerfest!

No late nights this weekend. Home by midnight both nights. I will let the photos speak for me. Okay, maybe not!


The guys, of course--usual and unusual suspects both. =)



Honza (Secret Agent--I'm blowing his cover again) and Bo!



Tomas and Alena. Great people. Been very good to me!



Meat, meat, and more meat...roasting. A festival staple as far as I've seen.



Czech (or Zatec) Bread! I love it!



Atmosphere=Carnival. Much fun!

School's In!

I started teaching today. I was a little nervous because I still don't feel as if I know what I am doing!
I wanted to see what the kids were like, but I also wanted to look like I knew what was going on (impossible). I am sure I was nothing like what a Czech teacher would have been. Well, what can I do?

Three of the classes went pretty well; I was pleased. One was like pulling teeth! Thankfully, the schedule is flexible, and I don't have to see all of the students tomorrow--in fact, I won't see some for a week, and others for two weeks! So I have time to get ready to make the class meetings better, now that I see how it is. I am sure though that it will improve from here.

I wasn't surprised, but somehow still amazed that the kids stand up when a teacher walks into the room (silent!), and they waited for me to tell them to sit down. That's wild. One student waited in the front of the room to tell me that the class was ready for its English lesson and to report to me who was absent, so I could record it in the class book. I had been told these kinds of things would happen, but experiencing them is something else entirely. A trip!

Tomorrow, my first class starts at 12:40, so that's a different kind of workday. A different kind of work week! I love my schedule.

Prague Blog

I spent the day in Prague yesterday with Michaela (Jiri's sister-in-law), Dinara (Michaela's friend), and some people from the USA--Peter, Paul, Linda and Susan. It was fantastic! We had a blast, really.

Jiri and I met Linda and Peter in Los Angeles, two days after we arrived there from DC, at my second Czech Lesson. They talked a lot to Jiri because they were planning to travel here...one thing led to another... Jiri gave them Michaela's contact info...

So there we were hanging out in Prague! The two of them (Linda and Peter) were accompanied by Peter's brother, Paul, and his wife, Sue. We all got along great. It was so much fun talking to each of them. NICE people. We walked quite a bit--my legs were tired when I got back to Zatec! We visited Prague Castle, The Squares again (Old Town and Wenceslas) took more pictures of the modern art--some fun pictures. This time we got "involved with the art." I got my refrigerator magnets from Prague, finally, to add to my collection! I rode the metro, and Michaela and I had taken the bus there from Louny (not far from Zatec), so I saw how easy it is to get to Prague and back!

We ended the day with a typical Czech dinner. Dumplings--of both potato and bread variety-- two kinds of pork, plus sausage and cabbage. Well, that's what three of us had. The others had some other Czech delights. It was my first time having real Czech food, I guess, and I can say it wasn't bad. I prefer the bread dumplings to the potato, and did not care much for the cabbage because it was kind of pickled, but I am glad I tried it. If I would cook, I could adjust to my own taste, and I would love the food a lot. I really love the bread here. I'm not sure if it is typical Czech or typical Zatec, but it is kind of dense and brownish, and it is quite satisfying. Not just satisfying; it complements other foods well. I particularly enjoyed it at Zatec Beerfest--I even took a picture of it!

Anyway, Prague was great, and I found out some places for Ondra to take me shopping next week! =)

--KM



Here I am with Michaela in Prague Castle courtyard--if that's what they call it. =)

Technical difficulties

Something is going on with my server here in CZ. I can't always access the internet--at least for the past few days. It may be difficult to answer emails, etc. I am told that they are upgrading the system to make it faster, so it is unavailable at times. A lot of times, in my view. Frustrating, but it will be better soon, I hope. Anyway, I will do my best to get back to people asap. I am at a internet shop right now doing just that.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to those who have posted nice comments about my blog so far--especially those who don't even know me (Coolest Guy on the Planet, and Raw Food Diet Dude). I appreciate your input.

Well, I have to get my nails done again. I broke one! And I must go to my usual pub for lunch first. =) Later.

KM

Centrifugal!

Here I am with Bo, before the loop-the-loop. No idea how I am about to feel! It was fun for a while though. I don't think I'll be riding anything like that at Beerfest!

Prague Art #2 Iron Man

This one I actually kind of "get"! The description said something about the effects on the human (individual) of totalitarianism and industrialism. The individual is lost, becomes indistinguishable from all others, serves similar function, and is, in effect, turned into no more than a machine--a man of iron, a tool. Hmmmm.

Prague Art #1--The Kiss

Kiss equals connection, crossing boundaries...fine, fine, I can accept that. It's kind of obvious, logical. No big leaps. It photographed well too, I might add.

KM

The Usual Suspects

Here they are at the Caesar Festival in Kadan last weekend. Honza and Bo are making funny faces, as usual. Ondra, as usual, is on his cell phone (handy, as they call them). This was a neat town! I liked the main square and the old fortified walls. It was beautiful really--for as far as I could see. Kadan sits on the same river (Ohre) that runs through my town (Zatec). The festival: a parade of Charles the 4th (??), more meat, more beer--only one!--and a walk through the tunnel that was used by the executioner to enter the main square to...well I don't know the method of execution, and I didn't ask! Bo said he (the executioner) wasn't allowed to live within the town, so the tunnel was made for him to come and go. Gruesome. We could see his house just outside of the old city walls, so he was never THAT far away.

There were game booths, where Ondra and the Secret Agent (Honza) won me more prizes with their superior shooting skills, and carnival rides, which apparently I am not tough enough to handle any more. After one spin with Bo on a loopy wheel of upside-down revolutionary whirlybob (just one big circle, really), I was a bit wobbly, headache-y, and needed, yes, a NAP! Good thing I had one too because we went out that night and came home at 6 am! That was even later than the first weekend. I wonder when I will get home after Beerfest...

Another fine day...

[I wrote this yesterday, but couldn't post due to technical difficulties=) ]

Day 12, and I still like Zatec! Haha! I walked along the river today with Jana, a former student of my exchange partner. It was good. She is a lovely girl--young lady--studying to be a dentist.

My day started in the usual way: I woke up very early (we'll see how long I keep THAT up) and after I spent some time on the computer, I went to work for a few hours. I was in a good, happy mood all day. I have moments of worrying what I will be able to accomplish in my classes, but they don't get me down, really. I get up early, and I am OK with that, but after I come home from school, I have to have a nap--for which I am being teased on a daily basis. But I'll have you know i am NOT the only napper in Zatec (am I Bo?). And I hear my exchange partner, Jiri, was quite the napper as well. I am filling his shoes admirably!

I saw some of the usual suspects (Ondra, Bo, and two others whose names I don't remember. Sorry) in the usual place for lunch (I already have a usual place hehehe), and afterward went on my walk with Jana. It was another hot day, and I was dressed inappropriately, again. She was really sweet, and being a girl, gave me the skinny on some of the places to go for nails, waxing, etc. VERY important stuff!

I spent the evening with my exchange partner--Okay everyone has to remember his name JIRI, so I can stop writing "my exchange partner"--Jiri's parents, and THIS time I remembered to bring my dictionary, so I am sure we understood each other much more than previous visits. We ate outside in the garden, and talked a lot. I even played with the dog, Sara, who is really sweet (despite my usual aversion of pets).

Overall, a very pleasant day right from the start. School starts tomorrow...and only 2 more days 'til Beer Fest! More photos coming soon; I think I'll show you some Prague Modern Art! =)

KM