Farewell Laura Morris

Whoa. We are almost done. I think almost the entire Kolej left today. Gone. I finished two papers and just have two projects, school here is basically over. For art and arcitecture the other day we walked around, saw "da baby Jesus." There is a church here that has a little wax baby Jesus that the nuns changes it's attire weekly. Strange, I don't really understand why or how so much money can go into his very decadenct, fancy schmancy robes. But I respect and enjoyed it. On our way out a monk stopped us and asked where each student was from and if we were "believers." Suprising, just a catholic and me, the rest of the crew choice to claim agnostic or atheist. The monk did care he said, "It doesnt' matter who you are, or what you believe, or don't believe you still come because you love the baby Jesus." He was so excited to meet us, he pulled us back into another room and gave us little posters of the baby Jesus, then pulled back more and said, " I have something special for you." He have us each postcard size pictures? of Mary and Jesus, made of butterflies by the children in 'Africa!' Wow, strange again, but interesting and just fantastic. For the second half of class we went to a pub, as a class at maybe 11:30am? 11:45am? and had a beer with our teacher! Totally normal, no big deal. Jess and I went to eat and then came back to the Kolej, Kish and Laura were gone and we didn't know where John was either...we get a call from they, they had stumbled upon a small festival with music and locals! We love every chance we get to interact with locals! It was really cool, some guys were doing cool frisbee tricks and another one with a hacky sack, really cool actually. I was very impressed. I had to leave everyone a little early because Thursday night I had an interview with DAVID CERNY!! He is a big deal artist here, and is well known through out Europe. Yea, he is googlable. He is such a strange man, I can't believe I met him, wow. Probably one of the greatest things that have happened here, it really reminded me never to be afraid to ask someone, you really never know. I thought I might get an email interview, maybe, but nope. Roxanne had a beer with David Cerny. bam. wow. phew.

Yesterday was sad, we just ran around did some last minute errands with Laura. The square had a lot going on because of the marathon. We ate at a vegetarian place and then to a concert at the Rudolfinum, it was nice. We were all dressed up and the concert hall is right across the bridge, wonderful view. I love the city at night. It is so beautiful.

This morning Laura left.

Love from Praha,

Roxanne

Morris Family, if you are reading, you raised a fine young lady...we already miss her here, send her back if you could. thank you, that is all.

getting sloppy

This week has been so boring. We have all this entire semester to write these final papers, but of course we all waited until the week before they are due. Being in school mode is a strange place I forgot about.

Wednesday night was major holiday here of "witch burning." The idea is to burn out winter and welcome spring. We went out to a park full of youth, it was so cool. They were twirling fire and had a dj! I was so impressed with these kids, to see that they put the whole thing together themselves!

Thursday, lucky me! Brenna and Becky's good friend from Eau Claire and his friends came here! Since Brooke is gone they are all crammed in her room for the weekend. It is nice to have some Minnesotan/Wisconsins around, they are super sweet and funny kids...they have been studying in Germany and living with host families, and are probably fluent now in German, I would think. We have them until Sunday and are just trying to show them a good time, it isn't hard.

Also, Thursday was May Day and here it is their Labor day. Lots of places were closed and it seemed like Prague had slowed down for the day.

Friday . . .Laura and I walked around a little, but it was hard, the city is packed with tourists so the walk was so and we didn't get far. We came back and worked on some homework. For dinner we all went to the Cafe Louvre after being rejected, because they were full, by 2 other places to eat. The Cafe Louvre is a lovely place and has delicious desserts! When we came back everyone was kind of down, we realized it was our last Friday together...on the downer note everyone started doing homework or just went to bed...lame.

Today we are going to a nature reserve, to sit out and relax, it should be nice...We never made it, the rain is on and off like crazy!

love from Praha,

Roxanne

One month left :(

Yesterday Laura and I went to get new metro/tram passes for these last few weeks. We walked the whole way there, it took much l o n g e r than usual because of all the tourists...they are everywhere. Most of the people who have been here all semester or year hate the tourists, but you know what? I love 'em! I think the tourists are great, really, we are just long term tourists and every weekend we leave we are tourists. So why are we hating other people who love to travel and don't mind waiting in lines? Why are we hating anyone? Europe is one of the only places where you can be stand on a corner and hear 4 or 5 different languages(non of the country you are in) and not be able to find a local, crazy. I don't know, I think I just recongnize that tourism is important to a city and can really make an economic difference. I know the tourists deserve the same respect as anyone else, and if I was lost where I didn't speak the language(most places I seem to end up,) I would love for a student to help me. It does get insane here on the weekends when some trams get super packed, the Charles bridge is loaded and the line in St Vitus is half way to Brno, but I really don't mind, I am glad people are traveling to this city!

It was 70 degrees yesterday, I know, right? Almost hot outside ;)

But then, of course, today is just rainy...we were asking for it after yesterday. Now we are all inside getting work done, infact, I am just avoiding it right now...hmmm, 4 pages on Vladislav Hall! Ooooo another paper on David Cerny! Oh and love all the reading for new media...This has been a nice little break and distraction from the school world...hey, I don't have finals!! Just papers...wait, no finals week? When will I photoshop this semester?!

For the past few weeks Jan Wiener, a Czech national hero (google him,) has been giving lectures in our dorm, he lives here. I have been going on Tuesdays, he is amazing. He has been through so much in his life. He likes to teach history through telling stories, and the man has a lot of stories. When I listen to him speak, I understand how aging creates wisdom...I have a long ways to go!

Love from Praha,

Roxanne

Driving Slow on Sunday Morning, or walking ;)

Yesterday, Saturday, Kish and I went to the flea market. We went through the entire market and were on our last lane and about to go home empty handed, then Kish spotted a red briefcase. Oh but it was no briefcase, it was a travel grill!! He was so excited to find it, all the pieces were there too! We asked the price, then bardered down bought the grill! I don't think I have seen Kish so excited before! We ate lunch at the flea market and then headed home. That night we grilled, and it was so good. He has already made plans for the next few times he is using the grill.

Today Laura came back from Dublin! She brought back plenty of stories, tips and funny postcards. . .Later I went for a walk into more of the residential area near us. I peeked through all the fences to see dads mowing in their old zubaz(normal), kids eating dirt(typical), moms chatting on the phone outside and my favorite was lots of pairs of elderly on their patios sipping coffee and chatting. It is nice to see that Sunday afternoons are valued and spent the same in other parts of the world. It even made me a little homesick for Sunday family habits. I also found a lovely church on the hill that we can always see in the distance. They still use the church regularly and I couldn't get into it today, but I think I will try to go back for mass one of these last Sundays to see it. I walked back and stopped at the grocery store, I have to actually start feeding myself now that Brooke is gone, it should be interesting or just a lot of pasta.

It is getting nicer and nicer outside...I love this great weather, I love SPRING!

Love from Praha,

Rox

goodbye Brooke!

I just realized today, I have been here for more than three months! I can't believe it.

Today has been nothing but rain not just dripping on my window but also inside me. Brooke left today, I am now suitemateless...just me here. I am going to miss her, she was such a little bundle of joy. Brooke leaving just reminds me that everyone is going to be leaving, and in just 2 weeks. I have met some amazing people here. It is strange to think about saying goodbye to them. Even though I have 3 weeks before Ireland and then that week before I go home, I still feel it is ending now for me. I think I am letting the rain get to me a little. It is just strange to think about not living life the way we have started to here, I can't really explain it.

experiences that last

Every 5 years here in Prague, election years, they bring out the crown jewels for the public! So, today, on our way back from class, Jess and I found ourselves in line with another friend Zach...in line for almost 4 hours! I honestly haven't waited in line that long since Disney World. Most of the people in line were Czech, locals. It was really important for them to come see the crown jewels, there is a lot of symbolism and tradition, it was great for us to be in line with them and to get to take part in this. 4 hours is a long time, of course we made friends. We had come from a 3 hours class, and we are American, so we were a little louder than usual. A little girl loved us, she kept trying to get closer and closer to us. Once we all noticed we decided to use our Czech. Our conversation was mostly just..."Dobry den!" "Good day!" I am not kidding, she said it, then we said it, then she ran away...came back and said it again, and we would respond...it was great entertainment. By the end of the line we were sitting with her and counting in Czech...I can't get past 8.

And behind us was a man who left work early to come see these jewels, he was really nice and explained some things to us and helped out us inside. There were guards all over, official and non official. I always love to see the guards, they are in full attire for show, but don't smile and have strict rules, it's great fun. Where the jewels were, the hall in the castle, was amazing...and we had just learned about in class that day. People of all ages were there to see the crown and what not. They are on display for only 11 days, I am so glad we went. Yea, I thought it was all beautiful and wonderful(everything inside was older than anything in America!), but what I loved was that the Czech people were all there to see this. That every 5 years is a big deal, to see people bring their children and hear them tell stories about it all, like if anyone but the king wears the crown...they die in exactly a year, and it has been true each time! okay, the one time. I love the pride the people have. Our friend behind us had never been, but made a joke about going every time, but then said seriously that it was a big deal to see the crown jewels, it was really important to come in these 11 days.

Most lines here in Prague are just global tourists, but this line had more importance, it was different. This tradition and these jewels had meaning to the people, importance that I can't understand. I am really glad I had this experience today, I am going to miss these days so much.

Love from Praha,

Roxanne

trying not to count the days

Hmmm, it is getting to be crunch time for school work. I have lots of papers due soon and projects as well. It is a hard time right now. People are leaving in a few weeks, Brooke leaves on Friday! :( It is going to be so hard to say goodbyes, not just to the people, but to this city. The weather is nicer every day, but each day I have to work on papers..it is so conflicting. Time management is key right now, so key. I am writing a paper about the work of David Cerny, he is an artist, sculptor, provoker here in Prague. He has some amazing work, most of which is very controversial. I might have a chance to interview him tomorrow, which would be amazing...keep your fingers crossed, it woul truly be a high light of my semester.

Since getting back from Barcelona, I have just had time for classes and homework. Tomorrow is a light day, good deal, I need to walk around again, embrace Prague spring.

Love from Praha,

Rox

Adios Barcelona!

On Friday I was offered a plane ticket to Barcelona for a fraction of what is was worth and couldn't reject it. So, bam, in 20 minutes, I bought the ticket, changed, packed, tried to make arrangements in Barcelona with Alex and said my goodbyes..I was off in the taxi to the airport.

Problems....I never made full contact with Alex, she didn't know if I was truly coming, and we never properly exchanged numbers....my phone has been acting extra cheeky lately....I don't speak Spanish.....I had no where to sleep...

Okay....of course it all worked out, no worries. When I got to Barcelona, I took the bus to the city center and then the metro to a univeristy, not Alex's that would be too easy, when I got there in mass confusion of communication a girl brought me to their computer lab. She signed in her name and password and let me use the computer to figure things out! Too kind. I let Alex know I was in Barcelona and was on the hunt for her, I found a hostel and tell everyone back in Prague know I was safe. After that I hopped back on the metro and into the city to find my hostel. It took forever, it was getting dark and I had a hard time figuring out the street numbers/signs without light. I finally asked someone for help and they pointed me in the right direction, muchos gracias! The hostel was perfect, it felt like I was staying with family. I was exhausted, strange, I think being spontaneous makes me sleepy! I took a shower and looked over my now 3 maps to see what I wanted to do the next day.

Saturday morning I ate breakfast at the hostel and packed up, I used their computer to try Alex one more time. ...I ended up on La Ramblas! What a street, it is full of flower and bird vendors and lined with people painted up as statues and packed with tourists. I walked La Ramblas a few times and then I went through a market and bought some fresh fruit and as I sat down to eat I got a text message from Alex! She was freaking out thinking about me alone in the city...eventually I found a phone and called her and we met...She was so excited! We walked all around and she showed me and told me all the facts she knew we had lunch and sangria and played catch up. After we walked down to the beach, the sea, I love the sea.

Sunday I was on my own. Alex had finals to study for since she is in her last week of her 'study abroad adventure.' I was wandering practically lost most of the day. It didn't matter, the best way to see a city is to do it lost. Barcelona is such a beautiful city, even in the rain the sun was shining, strange. And wow, that Gaudi, fancy stuff. I love him, his arcitecture and use of colors is amazing! Later I met back up with Alex and we walked through the park, I couldn't believe how green it was! There are palm trees all over Barcelona and in the park there are even parrots up in the trees!

Monday I had to get up early and catch the bus to the airport and come "home." Barcelona was beautiful, a lovely city, but too big for me, I am happy to be back in Prague...where I know my way around!

Love from Praha,

Roxanne

oh that sun

Spring is here!! It is so lovely outside. We have spent the past week outside every chance we get. Before class, for class and after class, we are outside. At least for my art and arcitecture class we are outside. Classes are great, these past couple weeks are going to get busy, we all have papers and projects to do, but everyone seems to work hard and quick, so we can get back outside ;)
Our favorite spot is on Petrin hill with the all the blossoming trees. It is peaceful and beautiful up there. The hill has young and old on it and everyone brings their dogs. I love it up there.

The other day Laura and I walked Jess to an interview for an amazing summer job opportunity. She was offered the job too! Jess has the opportunity to be a english teacher at a summer camp in southern Bohemia! I am so excited for her! And then we went and sat in the palace garden that just recently opened up, it has white peacocks! Whoa, I know. I love peacocks, I almost fed one, but I got nervous. When you get close you see they basically have claws.

The garden is beautiful, it is in a loud area, near a tram stop and the hustle of the tourist, yet it is so peaceful inside the garden walls. After we followed the peacocks around and nearly touched one we headed back. The day seemed gloomy at first, but it turned out to be a great day.

We planned, Laura planned, for a picnic on Sunday...

Sunday, Laura and I went to the grocery store to get the last of what we needed for our picnic, came back to the kolej, woke up Jess and headed out for our picnic. We met up with our friends Tanya, Danica and Alyssa too. They are so sweet, they made fruit kabobs, deviled eggs and egg plant pita sandwiches! We looked super lame with our chips and drinks, oh and we bought some cookies, wow. I love just sitting outside and enjoying everyone company! We all love the dogs and kids running around, and the elderly and the couples, and basically anyone who was in our sight. Just as we were finishing eating it started to rain and we had to pack it up quickly. Later after we all had rested a little and done some real school work, Laura and I heard cheering and stomping. So, naturally, we left the kolej in search of the noise. We made it all the way to the football stadium near the kolej. That is how loud they were, the soccer games here are crazy. We didn't have any money so we couldn't get into the game. After circling the stadium we notice the old stadium next door had a minor league playing, we just strolled in watched the end of that game. It was so cool, we just sat down with the rest of the small crowd of just family and friends. I didn't feel like a tourist, we got to see a little part of Czech life...same as at home, watching your family in athletics, I really liked it. When we got back to the kolej the boys had the grill going and we made burgers and grilled some veggies and ate what was left from the pinic. It was a really nice night.

It is getting hard, everyone is starting to count down the days and freaking out. People want to rush and try to see everything they haven't seen, and do everything they haven't done. I just want to relax and enjoy my last weeks here, there is no reason to start to get worked up, why would you want to remember your last days as being stressed out and crazy? Jeeze, those were my last days at home, I don't need to do that again!

The days here are getting longer, as our weeks feel shorter...but I can only enjoy these sunny 60 degree days and love life here while I can.

Rox

Back from GREECE

Wow. Just WOW.

Greece was the most beautiful place I have ever been. I can't even describe it's beauty. If you haven't been to Greece, please add 'Go to Greece' to your life list, right now.

We started in Athens and then went on a cruise through different islands, and ended up back in Athens after a week. Our first day we went to Kiato and took a bus to Ancient Corinth. Before were we in Kiato we went through the Corinth Canal, wow. I am so glad I was awake for it, it was so beautiful and peaceful, so peaceful. We saw some amazing ruins in ancient Corinth. I can't even comprehend how old the ruins were, huge pillars and wall remains and even parts of statues from a time that I can't imagine.

Day two we went to the island of Ithaki, wow, simply breathtaking. We took a taxi to the top of the mountain and walked to the "School of Homer" and walked the steps of Oedipus. The view of the Island from the top was amazing. The sounds, smells and feel of the shining sun up there is something I wish I could recreate for all of you. To bottle it up and bring it home would be a dream come true.

The next day we were at Patras and took a tour to and of Olympia! The birthplace of the OLYMPICS! Did you know that when you won an event you got to eat free for the rest of your life? I would be all over that training! The food in Greece was delicious, almost too tasty. To see and imagine Olympia in it's prime, with the athletes there and excitement of sport and competition was amazing, even in the rain it was a fantastic place to see. I wish I had more pictures, but with the rain I got camera shy...if my camera got wet, and broke, I would be done.

Our 4th day we docked at Itea and went on the group tour again, this time to Delphi. The center of the earth where Zeus sent two eagles in opposite directions around the earth, where they met is said to be the navel of the world. It is also said that Delphi is where heaven meets earth. I believe it, the view was enchanting, I can't believe there is a place of such beauty in the world. No picture I took does the sight justice and no words can express the feeling you have looking out at the view.

The next day we were in Aegina, lovely city. I walked around alone most of this day, just taking in Greece. The fishing boats are just as you would imagine and the water is so blue, a blue I have never seen before. We ate near the fish market, only the freshes of meals. The food in Greece is so good. The people eat their meals and then sit out for hours and just enjoy eachothers company. Even in our rushed week of Greece we still managed to sit and r e l a x after our meals.

In just a blink of an eye, our week was over and we were back in Athens. We had a whole day and a half before our flight. We spent the morning at the National Archaeology Museum, they had the most amazing collection of ancient Greece. Athens truly has the richest history, and goes back so far. . .my brain can't handle it. I am amazed to see what has lasted through the years and see how well they have managed to preserve it. The people who can date these works and study enough to know backround information and give explanations for the art, tools, jewelry, and whatever else are heros to me, I envy them. In the rain we were off to find the Acropolis. First, we went through the meat market. I have never seen so much meat, insides, fish and other products of the animal world in my life. It was a strangely photogenic place too. Once we shuffled out of there we went for lunch and got pumped up for the Acropolis. With the heavy rain it was hard to keep our chins up. It took us forever to find it, well, not find the Acropolis, but get to it. We thought it would have been easy just to walk towards it, but the closer we got, the more difficult it got. We all started to get crabby and short with eachother with the rain and all. Eventually we were there, even in full rain storm there were still people up there. At the top our umbrellas were flipping inside out like crazy and there was no hope for them. The arcitecture is astounding! To think that all the pillars and structures were created with small tools is nearly impossible for me. And again, a wonderful view of Athens from the top, another wow. The next day we woke up and had to say farwell to our easycruiseone ship for the last time. We had a light breakfast at a cafe and then they let us leave our bags there while we walked around the market. The manager let us leave our bags there, how nice is that? I love the Greeks. The stands people had set up were great, people have created a lot of really nice jewelry and loved to barder. We only had an hour before we had to leave for the airport, but it was a great last hour to have. Our flight was only to Vienna, and then we had to catch our almost 7 hour bus to Prague. It took us awhile to get "home," but we were so mellow and filled joy from Greece. 65 degree, ocean side, colorful, marvelous, GREECE.

It is nice to be "home." Back on a schedule and a familiar place where I know how to communicate and find my way around. It is down to almost a month left of my time in Prague. This adventure actually has to end at some point.

with love from Praha,

Rox

I should have said something.. .

Okay, I don't really know where to start. But this seems to be the best way to fill in the masses.

I am not sure how many of you are reading this still, or who has been inconact with my mom recently. I met someone here. I know, right? Here we go. . .

One day the girls and I were walking through the castle, on the way to another adventure. We noticed there was a tour going on, it was slowing us down, but it was in ENGLISH! So, we just sort of tagged along and followed behind, it would be nice to know what we were always walking through, right? Towards the end of the tour it was getting long and there was a lot of information and a lot standing still. Since we had been with the tour the whole time, we couldn't really leave, so we stuck it out. Of course we started to get giggley, never good. We caught the attention of a guard, it made a us nervous, so we pulled it together. We really didn't catch his attention, I did. He kept starring and watching us, creepy. After the tour, we strolled over there to this guard, come on buddy, what is the deal? I was feeling sassy, before I could even say anything to him, he spoke (they aren't allowed to speak while on post...) "Sorry miss, I can't talk now, but please wait here, I am off duty soon." Excuse me? That just put us all in a huge giggle fit. Of course I wanted to leave, but Jess and Laura insisted we waited near the gate. I couldn't believe it. I really didn't want to wait, but now I look back, best decision I have made on this trip, truly. After the changing of the guards, he was gone, but then appeared a few minutes later. He said we looked fun and asked to take us out for drinks. They had to drag me, but I went. I some how ended up sitting by him too. It all worked out, let me tell you. We hit it off instantly. He said he couldn't stop watching me, not us, because of my laugh. He, said he had never seen someone so happy and full of energy before. He was so charming, and funny, and just perfect...he is, perfect. Well, he called the next day, and the next day and the next day, and every day since then. We never run out of things to talk about. Oh, oh rude, his name is Lukáš, I love that name. He has been a guard at the castle for the past 3 years. He grew up in Prague and actually enjoys all the tourists! He has been all over Europe and the world and might actually like to travel more than me! Lukáš is a little older, 26, graduated from univeristy and then joined the military. He doesn't have that much free time, but he chooses to spend most of it with me. I have never felt like this before. I have to admit, after a month, I am in love. Really, in love with Lukáš.

So, in all of this we have to plan ahead, I hate to think about leaving Prague as is, and it makes it worse to add love into it, it just gets messy. Lukáš has been secretly working really hard to find me a job here in Prague(sweet, right?!) for the summer, he just told me yesterday...he found me a job working IN the castle. I am qualified to give private tours of the inside! I am going to be a full time tour guide this summer! After he told me about the job we went out to dinner, as always. After, we went on a lovely stroll through the city. Prague it so BEAUTIFUL at night, I love every view. We walked up this hill, through a path I had never been on before! We sat on a bench and just enjoyed the city. Then, BAM, just like that, he was down on one knee, like the movies! He proposed! I said yes!!! Lukáš and I are engaged! I am staying here this summer with him and working full time at the castle. I, of course, have to come home in the fall for school and could never realistically stay in Prague forever. But he says he could never realistically stay in Prague forever either. Lukáš plans on coming to Kansas in late fall and trying to find work, he really loves me! We are really going to make this work. I have never been happier, never.

with extra love from Praha,

Roxanne

ps H A P P Y A P R I L F O O L ' S D A Y ! ! :P

I just thought I would have some fun with the few of you still reading. . .I am NOT engaged, or even close, there isn't a Lukáš, or anyone for that matter. . .I am in Greece now, so I have never been happier, that much of this tall tale is true!

HAPPY EASTER! !

First off, I am feeling worlds better. I really wasn't sure if I was going to make it for a little while there, but I am almost back to full health again! It is so nice to taste food again and get a full nights rest!

Yesterday morning we went to a flea market here Prague, finally. We each got a few goodies, but the weather wasn't great and a lot of people were closing up early. After, I went home to get more rest and the crew went on for more adventure. It was so hard for me this past week to let everyone go on with out me, and to have to reject invitations for outings.

This morning, Laura, John and I went to the Týn church for Easter mass. The church is in old town square and absolutely beautiful inside. I have no idea what was said during the entire Czech service, but it was a very lovely service, I am glad I got to experience it. After church we roamed around the Easter stalls and then went to the store to get some supplies for our Easter feast! About 17 of us got together tonight for dinner! Everyone brought something different! We had potatoes, salads, wine, chicken, pastas, breads, juices, and even(of course) chocolate dessert goodness! We really all had a great time, I can't believe we fit 17 people all in one little dorm room still! There was a lot of great conversation and it was nice for everyone together in a time when we are all used to being with family. Everyone kept comparing the food to food from home, it was the best meal we had eaten in the kolej. It was just a really nice dinner and time together.

It is a good thing I am feeling better, here in the Czech Republic there is an Easter tradition where the boys, young men, go to young women and 'whip' them with willow branch whips that they make 8 or more branches thick. When a woman is hit she is supposed to thank the man, because the whip is supposed to be good luck, and add another year of youth and beauty to her life. AND she is supposed to respond with a shot of moonshine, decorated egg, or candy. Hmm, good deal for some, I guess. . .On Tuesday, all the women in the Village have to right to go around and pour ice cold water, buckets of it, onto all the men who whipped them. I am not sure if it is a far trade or not, but I am excited to see it all take place tomorrow...it doesn't really go on in Prague, but we are treking out to a small village to view this Easter spectacle!

love from Praha,

Roxanne

death bed

I don't know if I have ever been so bored in my life. I can only sleep for a few hours at a time and can't eat a full plate of food and talking is exhausting. I am wiped out. BUT, I am trying to stay upbeat and positive, it is really hard. I think I am doing a pretty good job though.

My friend Andria, her family and their family friends are here in Prague for spring break. I was super excited until Monday when got so sick, I couldn't show them around or anything. Last night I met them for drinks and they showed me their apartment. Lovely folks. They are so funny and such sweet people. I left stocked with mac and cheese, peanutbutter, real nice kleenexes and nasal spray and love ;)

Today I was going to meet them for a little while, just to show them St Vitus church and walk through the castle with them. It was so nice to be around family again, even though they aren't mine. I wasn't around just 1 family, but 2! families! I loved it, I think it helped to have adults around me, to worry a little and comfort me. Sometimes mom-love is all you need, huh? well, it helps a lot at least. I was going go home after the castle but I was having so much fun and being outside and laughing was good for me, for sure. We went to lunch and they were all a hoot! One of the families went to Pilsner yesterday to meet their family from a few generations back! HOW COOL!! There was a HUGE language barrier,of course, but they still spent the entire day there and had a great time! I loved hearing their stories about it, makes me want to look back a few, well, a lot I guess, of generations and find some family in Europe. After lunch I had to part with them, partly because I couldn't breath and partly because it hurts my jaw to laugh and they were making me laugh too much.

A little upset though, almost, when I was walking around with them they would ask what building was what or why something was the way it was or when this or who that, and I couldn't answer a single question. "How was this museum? Have you been here? Did you like? Why is this?" I didn't know a thing. I have been here since January and we really try to go Prague crazy and see and do everything, but we still have managed to miss things, there are things that I haven't even heard of in Prague. Unbelieveable. I was actually really embarrassed! So, now we have a lot of work to do around here, a lot to see and only a few weeks to see it.

love from Praha,

Rox

Tonsilwhat?

I went to the doctor yesterday because my tonsils were so swollen and I was in so much pain that I couldn't swallow, and guess what! I have tonsillitis, it is so bad that I have to stay in for the next 7 days. 7! days! I am losing an ENTIRE week of my time here to tonsillitis! ! ! I am so upset, I have never been sick like this and it is really hard for me. The medicines should start to work soon, and I will eat without pain then. All my teachers are cutting me a break and my friends have been really good to me, Laura bought me flowers and went to pick up my medicine for me, Jess is taking my doctor's notes to most of my teachers and Brook is making soup today!! It is so hard to be this sick away from home, but everyone is doing what they can to make me feel better.

love from Praha,

Roxanne

back from Berlin

Berlin was wonderful! I love Germany and Germans are some of the nicest people in Europe. There was a public transportation strike going on and we could only use the s-bahn, no trams, buses or subway...it made things a little difficult but we worked it out. We stayed in a the All-in hostel, in a room with 5 other people, I don't think we even talked to any of them while we were there, strange. We went to the Reichstag the first night, it is basically the capital, it is amazing. There is a glass dome on top that you can walk up and see down into debates and discussion.

On Saturday we woke up early and walked to a nearby flea market, it was fun, a few neat things. But then we went into deeper Berlin far from our hostel and hit the mother load. This flea market was huge and had all sorts of oldie-worldie goodies! A lot of amazing things, it was like going through a history book. Laura and Jess are so funny, they kept asking me how to say things in German, and would use me to help barder! My German helped me out mega, and I liked it! We were at the flea market for hours, everyone found really cool stuff and now we are all good at bardering and ready to go to a flea market here. That night we went to this really cool , kind of shady, art collective. It was a few story high building with a variety of very funky artists' works. A lot of collages and controversial efforts. We couldn't stay in too long, the building hadn't and wasn't being very well taken care of and was giving me breathing problems, great.

Sunday we went on a great walking tour of the city. It was free and targeted towards young people. We went everywhere and saw everything, mostly just tastes...to make you want to back. It was great though, we had a really pumped up tour guide who was really enthuisastic about Berlin and it's amazing history. It was raining the entire time, so I couldn't take many pictures (my camera fell awhile back and now is missing a piece,) and I didn't want the inside to get all wet.

Our bus left at midnight, just under 4 hours to get home, to Prague. So today has been exhausting, there was no sleep on the bus, and get this, I probably have tonsillitus. Just as my coughing gets controlled and I am semi-breathing normal...my tonsils flare up and start to hate me. I am going to the doctor right away tomorrow to get looked at and get this taken care of. I had my neighbor med student look and he is sure that it is tonsillitis?

How can someone who never gets sick at home be sick their entire time abroad?


HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!!



Wishing all a lucky day!!

Rox

10 more weeks :(

Easter has started, spring is here. For a country with no religion, it is shocking the way they get all done up for Easter. They have set up stands in the old town square and all over the city. Stands of what? Leathers, silvers, amber, Prague plates, Prague mugs, Prague bags, Prague everthings...stands of candy, chocolate, crepes, cookies, meat, yea, a lot of meat. They also have stands and stands of hand decorated eggs, they are so beautiful. All painted different colors and different designs, I am afraid to touch them in fear of breaking dozens of eggs. The festival lasts until the 30th, and we have been involved each day! It is nice to at least stop for a snack or lunch, and the folks are easy to barder with. And in the late afternoon and into the evening they use this huge stage for little concerts and dance performances. We haven't been yet because our schedules have conflicted, but have big plans to see the childrens choirs and recitals.

Classes are all going really well. Yea, I am actually doing some studying here and going to school. I love my visual studies class. We watch a lot of older Czech films, a lot of interesting stuff. I love talking about how culture has changed and seeing it through film. I didn't realized how different humor was between cultures and time until this class. On Thursdays I have art and arcitecture, which is great. We lecture half of the class and then go walk around. The teacher doesn't believe we can learn about arcitecture if aren't looking at it, and how can we understand art if we don't see the real thing? I love it love it love it! My other 2 classes are nice too, but they are almost back to back with the same teacher...6 hours is a long long time with the same teacher.

Otherwise, all is well, just loving life and Prague as usual...and getting pumped for Berlin this weekend, St Patrick's day on Monday and Andria's family next week!

love from Praha,

Roxanne

never leaving

Today was another adventure. We went on a walk, there are a few parks we see when we are on the tram, but always struggle to find them well, we found them today. It was great weather too. I love when we go on these walks, and find more views of the city, and they are always so beautiful. We always end up standing in silence for moment, until someone says "We live here!" It is always my favorite. We stumbled into a children's park with a very cool wooden hippo, that of course we played on. Then after we walked a little more, we ran into a little skateboarding cove. We sat and watched for awhile, and then a guy came, with his dog, funniest dog I have ever seen. He played with a rock the entire time, just pushing it through his legs like there was no tomorrow. These walks we go on always bring us to new places I didn't know exsisted. And usually we can't find them again, we try not to use a map unless we are really really lost, or in a hurry, it is more fun just to wander and try to use our knowledge of the city to get home!

I love these days where I can I just walk around the city, and soak up it's beauty. I absolutely love it.

love from Praha,

Roxanne

plenty of time to breath at home

Now, it has been awhile since anything has happened. Which is great. It really is. We are all starting to b l e n d in now. We don't have that stupid, "Where are we?" faces on anymore. I can confidently get on the right tram or take the metro where ever I need to go. I love being here so much, I can't even imagine not spending this semester here. Even though I have been really sick since I got here, and really don't know if I am going to get better. I don't care, I am in Prague. PRAGUE. So what if I am coughing up a storm, I can't let that stop me from embracing this city, or blind me from it's beauty, it isn't going slow me down. I have done what I can about being sick, seen the doctor and taken whatever medicine they give me. I have to just roll with this experience, even though it is hard and a challenge. I am here, in Prague, livin it up, and lovin every moment of it.

I am so grateful for this experience, I am so lucky to be here, so lucky.

Well, in all of my excitement, I have become very laid back here, and spontaneous and it feels great. I booked a flight to Dublin for when school gets out! I am just going to head out there for a week all by myself with my camera and walking shoes and really just enjoy myself. I am really excited, you've no idea. I feel so brave after being here, no, not feel, I am, yea, I am brave.

love love,

Roxanne

hurricane winds

This weekend has been the worse weather. I think we all forgot, at least I did, about bad weather. It has been raining the entire weekend. On Saturday I woke up to hail, rain and outrageous winds. .. there was thunder and lightening! I actually thought that maybe weather just passed over beautiful cities, wasn't I wrong! There goes my future as a meterologist!

On Friday we went out to the Globe. It's this really cool English bookstore/pub/cafe/coffee house. We had dessert and played a couple games, it was a lot of fun. I don't think I want to back though, it was nice and chill but everyone who worked there spoke English and everyone there was speaking English. It didn't feel like we were in Prague anymore...but it was still nice to experience it.

Saturday, oh jeeze. We went to make an effort to find a flea market, of course, like always it seems, we got there too late and it was closed. Instead of getting on our tram home and calling it a day, we got on the first tram that came and rode it until the end of the line. We always talk about just riding the tram to the end, for fun, and we did yesterday! We ended up at some sort of convention center slash amusement park? still not sure. Food was expensive so we hopped back onto an unknown tram to find some food. Lunch wasn't thrilling, but the ride home was fun, we were so far away! It was cool to see the transition of Czech Prague to tourist Prague.

Last night we went to U Sudu, this really cool underground wine bar. A lot of kids from the Kolej start there evenings there, it's kind of nice to see everyone and hear where they are going. We tried to go to this dance club, Lucerna, but it was closed! There might have been 50 people outside of it trying to figure out why it was closed, from there we quickly made Czech friends and they took us to N11 a way cool underground pub with a wonderful dance floor. And they were playing all the right music, it was like Father Daughter, with out the dads...just the great music, all of every girl's favorites!

Sunday, lazy day, it is really really windy, I feel like I am back up in Duluth or in Manhattan! About 7 of us bought bus tickets to Berlin for this up coming weekend...but wouldn't you know, there is a HUGE tourist convention going on in Berlin that weekend, and every single hostel and hotel is booked, booked solid. So, now we have to change our tickets and go a different weekend. Which is fine, I don't really want to go to Berlin the same weekend of a tourist convention, not appealing.

The nice weather is supposed to come back soon, the rain and wind is not fun.

love from Praha,


Roxanne

Where did February go?

This week has been so strange. It's nice to have a schedule, but it is hard to get back into school mode. And, since it's been month, we are all freaking out about having to leave soon. We just got here, with the weather warming up and actually starting school, it seems like May is going to be here really fast.

I was the loser with a class on Friday, because the sections on other days filled up. Until today, I just went to the Thursday section, to see if I could fit, and... they let me in!! SO GLAD!! Now weekend excursions are going to an option for me. Infact, we are going to Berlin next weekend!! After class today, we went to get our bus tickets, there are 7 of us going, it should be a lot of fun!!

The other day we got all excited with this great weather, that we planned a picnic. Of course we had to wait until everyone was out of class and by the time we left it was dark. And since it was dark, we couldn't find the park we wanted...But it ended great, we went to the castle and picniced up there! The city is so beautiful at night. And people still are coming through after the sunsets to see the view. I want to go back there every night.

love from Praha,

Roxanne

I actually live here

Sunday everyone came "home!" Vienna sounds wonderful, as does Barcelona...but, the girls were sweet, they said that they missed Prague! It was so great to hear, they went to bigger, well-known cities and even stayed in places nicer than here, and they still got homesick for Prague and in only 3 days. I love being able to call this my home, I live here, here, in Prague.

Oh the weather! It's warming up so nicely here, it's lovely...Today it is going to be 60 degrees, practically swimsuit weather.

Love from Praha,

Roxanne

Just peacocks in the park, no big deal

Last night a lot of fun. I went to the ballet at the National Theatre. It's really great here, for the opera, the ballet or concerts and other productions they give large student discounts. Also we buy the tickets in discounted bulk, I only paid $5 to see La Sylphide and Napole last night and it was beautiful. I wish I was a ballerina, so graceful and lovely. Later a few of us, the few here this weekend, went out to MischMasch and danced the night away.

Today, I took my friend Kish, who is a med student here, to see the castle. He hadn't been, even though he was here last semester. When I found out that he hadn't really seen the castle I made sure his Saturday was free so we could walk around, how could you not have been on the 5 minute walk to the castle?! The weather today was perfect, we were coat free!!

While we walked around near the castle, we found a park and in the park there were PEACOCKS!! In the trees and all over. Just as I spotted the big male, he OPENED his tail!!!

He was such a showoff. I can't wait to go back with food, what to peacocks eat? After that excitement we ate a late lunch and then watched(creeped) a wedding party and their photographer before we came back to the kolej.

I am so excited for spring, the bushes and trees are just getting ready to bud. I can't imagine this place being more beautiful, but once there is green, it is going to be fantastic.

love from Praha,



Roxanne

Will be a lonely weekend

This week moved quickly, too fast for me. My class this morning was cancelled, I am a little upset, I didn't go to Vienna with a friend because of the class. Wednesday night was fun, we met a lot of other international students, some that we even have classes with! And then last night, we said goodbye to Jess, she left with Natasha (our Aussie friend,) for Vienna, and then at 4:00AM this morning, I went with Laura to the bus station so she wasn't alone for an hour, she is off to Barcelona for the weekend. Also, bunch of our friends left for Paris this morning and the other program in our dorm is taking a trip somewhere, the kolej will be empty. So far, a very uneventful weekend, it is still early though! It is supposed to get to 50 this weekend, I am super excited for a little heatwave! ;)

Love from Praha,

Roxanne

ps GIRLS RULE!....I'll miss you ladies in Janesville for GW!

It has been a MONTH already!

Monday night I had Czech visual studies, seems like it will be an interesting class. And I didn't have a class yesterday, so after Laura was done with class we went on a walk just before sunset. It is starting to warm up here, it is really nice to be able to walk around without a coat. We had clear skies yesterday for the first time in a while. Charles Bridge was crowded as usual, but we proudly walked across it yet again, and then climbed the Charles Bridge Tower. The view of Prague at any height never gets old, it really doesn't. Yesterday was a very r e l a x i n g day, a day where we really saw and soaked up the beauty of the city.

Today I only had one class, my second class was cancelled until next week. Today's, Introduction to New Media, should also be an interesting class. It is hard here, with English being the teachers second language they repeat a lot and seem to be very long winded in their explainations. I am sure it is just something we have to get used to. Tonight, there is an international student party that should be a lot of fun, we have all been wanting to meet Europeans since everyone in our kolej is American.

I can't believe it's been a month since I have been here...the time is going so fast, too fast.

love from Praha,

Roxanne

Love me do

Sunday was lovely. Not right away. When I was a breakfast a couple friends sat with me and we ended going to this HUGE flea market here, sorry, we didn't go, we tried to go. It was really far and it was freezing outside. It was closed when we got there, the market doesn't open on Sundays. So that was a waste of time and effort, except now we know where it is and when it actually is opened. After getting back, Laura and I decided it was time to hit up "Bohemian Bagel," it's just a chain bagel place that everyone RAVES about. On our way we found some of the boys from our Czech class, and one of them, Gabe, ended up joining us. We welcomed him in open arms, he knew how to get there, we were just going guess and check! The bagels were very tasty. After, the 3 of us, just went on a walk around. The plan was to find the Lennon wall, the girls had stumbled upon it before by accident, so it wasn't long before we had done the same thing. The wall is really cool. Everyone just draws peace signs and more creative graffiti, it seems to be the spraypaint hot spot of Prague. All around a bust of Lennon's head are different Beatles lyrics and random inspirational comments and so much more, every time you take a step forward or backward you notice something different, and the wall is constantly changing each time someone adds to it. Of course we are now on the hunt for paint. After the wall, we strolled around some more. The weekends here are very busy because of all the tourists, there are lots of Europeans who come here just for a little fun weekend. When we walk around, we just turn where we don't see people, always trying to avoid the tourist and always trying to blend in with the Czechs. I don't know if it is working or not! Yesterday we ended up at the river's edge looking up at the Charles Bridge. It was very peaceful and beautiful. I don't know how many times I have used the word beautiful, and I don't think I am going to stop...it really is beautiful here. We walked around more and talked about how excited we were for spring, this place will glow once there are leaves on the trees and green grass. We came back and made dinner, then all of us went on a room decorating binge, it was intense, now I look very settled in and obsessed with tram and metro maps (free wallpaper!)

Today we started school! My first class of the week is Czech, it is a really small class. I am sure I will learn a lot since there is a lot of face time, and 2 of the kids were in my intensive class, so I know it will be fun! I have a second class later today at 5:30, and that's it for today, most days I only have one class. Usually, one l o n g class. On Mondays and Wednesdays we have been given the opportunity to tutor Czech high schoolers in conversational English, it should be a lot of fun, I am excited.

love from Praha,

Roxanne

School starts on Monday!!

On Thursday we had more excursions to go on. I went to Kutna Hora, this town maybe and hour and a half away. They have a castle and a lot of historical sites, and used to be Prague's competitor in all ways. It was freezing and really hazy gloomy outside, but we were determined to have a good time. The castle was, as castles are, amazing. We only got to tour part of the first floor though, because people still live in it! How cool! it must so expensive to try to heat a castle, seriously. After the castle we walked around the town and basically were in lecture with our tour guide. He was really nice, but very long winded and gave us more information about everything than we would ever want. By lunch time we were all frozen, these past couple of days have been very very cold. After lunch we went into St. Barbara's Cathedral, it was beautiful. Most of the churches here are more of a baroque style, but this cathedral was textbook gothic. They started building the cathedral in 1388, but the work on the cathedral was interrupted several times, it wasn't finished until 1905. Work on the building was interrupted because of the Hussite Wars for more than 60 years! After walking around the town more, we got back on the bus for 20 minute ride to Sedlec. Now, Sedlec is where Sedlec Ossuary, the "bone church," is located. This cemetery was a very holy place and a very desirable place to be buried. The cemetery filled up very fast, and later with the Plague, there wasn' t room for everyone. What ended up happening was, well, they used the bones of 40,000 people to decorate the chapel. I don't know how to explain it, and I don't think I understand it. It was kind of uneasy to walk around inside, fascinating, but sligthly uncomfortable for me. After the Bone Church every silently boarded the bus and we drove home, the entire bus napped. It was a very strange Valentine's Day. When we got back we had dinner and called it an early night.

Friday was a very calm day, the best part, 2 best parts...first, we bought our bus tickets to Vienna. Bus tickets to the Vienna airport, where we are flying to GREECE for a week in March, pretty excited about that! Not as exciting, but I found a glorious grocery store with so much KINDER chocolate, for a cheaper price that we haven't been able to find around "home!"

Today we walked trying to find where are different classes are, but didn't have much luck. Our classes are spread all around the city. Starting school on Monday is going to be strange, it has been vacation this whole time! Having a real schedule will be nice though.

Always,

Roxanne

Breathing again

It has been a busy couple of days. Yesterday there were a few different excursions for us, the one I ended up in was not the greatest, but still a good time. We went to Tabor, which is a city a hour or so away from Prague. They have underground tunnels throughout the town that connect through everyones basement. After lunch we drove another 45 minutes to a ceramic school, as in a high school that focuses on ceramics and other arts. I wasn't expecting to spend 45 minutes at a local high school, but it was interesting to see such a specialized school in a very rural area. Nothing terribly eventful happened. When we got back a small group of us had to hurry to get ready, because were going to the opera, La Traviata. I have never been to the opera, I am so glad I got to go in Prague at their national theater. It was beautiful inside, just beautiful.

Today was my doctor visit, what a trip. I had to take the tram, then the metro, and then get on a bus. It took me 40 minutes just to get to the hospital, and all before it was even 8am. I stroll in, with some confidence, the receptionist is so confused by me and my terrible Czech that she gets up, and escorts me to the foreigner's reception. They send me up a few flights to my doctor. That was the easy part. She sent me all over the place, after discussing what could be wrong with me she gave me directions to where they were going to run a test. I wander around and get to the "lab." I am told just to hand them the paper and they will know what to do. They hand me a ticket and I just wait. After about 10 minutes my number is called (in Czech,) I hesitate, and then realize it's me, I also realize that I am in the lab where they test BLOOD. I had no idea that I was going have blood drawn. First my left arm, then she couldn't get it so she went at it on the right. I was silent the whole time, pretty much terrified. Finally she asked me, "Mluvíte česky?" Do you speak Czech? I responded, "Ne, jsem Američanky, Mluvím anglicky." No, I am American, I speak English." She was so sorry, and told me everything would be alright, I am sure I had my AM I GOING TO DIE? face on, you all know it. She was so sweet, while she was drawing my blood she stroked my arm "Dobré Dobré." Good good. She was so comforting. Too bad it didn't last long, I was sent back out into the hospital world to find my doctor again. They ran a few asthma breathing tests, of course the woman who administered the tests spoke next to no English. Really, her Enlgish was the same as my Czech. I could see how everyone else felt when I spoke Czech now. In the end of it all, I was given some medicine to stop the coughing and a new inhaler to help me out with all the smog here. And 4 hours later I got to leave. It was a really long day for me, very draining.

Today was also the day, Jess and I signed up for laundry. What a joke. We almost flooded the laundry room, and it turns out only 1 dryer works. So, now we have all of our clothes all over our rooms to dry, and have nothing to wear. At this point of the day, I really wasn't up for anything but crawling into a ball and sleeping forever. But a friend from class invited us over for dinner at her apartment so I had to go. Of course, I had a great time! Everyone brought something to share so we had a lot of pasta and bread, basically. Their apartment was really nice, they are the only Americans there, which as a lot of positives, but some negatives as well. It was wonderful to properly sit down and eat with everyone and to get out of the kolej.

We have another trip tomorrow and Valentine's day!

Always,

Roxanne

SHOUT OUT

{Congrats Heather!!}