Saying goodbye to my Babickas

Day two with my Babickas saw a lot of sightseeing.  And another trip to the jewelry store. 

We went out to a chocolate café that produced its own chocolate (I think we even bought some to bring home??)  It was one of my favorite cafes while staying in Prague.  I decided it would be the perfect place to celebrate late for Mary’s birthday.  On our way home (loaded down with bags and bags of merchandise) we got caught in a thunderstorm!

At the chocolate factory cafe to celebrate a birthday!
THE best chocolate ever! 

Our tram dropped us off across from our hotel, and the wait for traffic and the sprint across the street made sure we were drenched by the time we made it to the front door.  We stumbled into our room giggling and soaking wet.  We took our turns taking hot showers, and had a much better night since there was air conditioning in our room. 

Mary drenched and smiling! 

Grandma Emma and I.

Soaking wet, but the smiles never left their faces :) 

That night was priceless, and brought me even closer to two women who I admire a lot. 

The next couple days were a blur, because we were always on the go!!  We saw soo much!! Did soo much!!  But I think what I will remember most are our conversations.

We talked about everything!  Before they arrived in Prague, I completely underestimated how much closer I would become to my grandmothers.  (Technically one is a great-aunt, but my head keeps calling her my grandmother, heck she took care of me just like I was her own grandchild). 

I learned so much about the history of my family on both sides, and it was things I would have never known otherwise.  Ask me anything about family history – I’ll tell you what I know. 

Thursday morning (Day 4) we boarded a bus and began a 5-hour journey south to Vienna, Austria.  The trip there itself was fun! But once there, we ran into snags.

First snag – I had trouble finding a hotel online, and was so happy when I finally found one that would allow 3 people and was fairly close to the airport they needed to be at on Saturday.  I. Messed. Up.

So our hotel ended up being a 32 Euro taxi trip (roughly $40) and was in the small town of Himburg, Austria about 30 minutes from the airport and another 40 minutes from Vienna itself.  Also…the hotel didn’t have air conditioning, but thankfully it was a cool night and we survived. 

Firday morning (today) we collectively decided that it would be easiest for them if we booked their final night at the hotel inside the airport.  I had to catch a bus back to Prague later that day, because my flight back to the states took off at 6 a.m. Saturday morning). 

We spent the day figuring out which gates they needed to go, and setting up a shuttle service that would give them and their luggage a ride straight to their check in counter from the doorstep of their hotel room.  We ate lunch down in the lobby of the gorgeous hotel, and each enjoyed a Pina Colada, Bahamas Mama, and Blue Hawaii drinks.  We spent our last few hours together reminiscing about our week full of adventures and missteps and I learned even more about my family history. 

To end our crazy week together, they walked me to my bus platform, and proceeded to try and embarrass me- I think.  It didn’t work, because I waved like a fool right back at them from the bus and took their pictures too. 

When my bus pulled away from the platform, my stomach dropped.  My week with my babickas is really over.  And I pray to God they have no troubles boarding their plane at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. 

It was a week I will never forget, and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life – for real.  I am so happy they were brave enough to travel abroad to join my adventure in Central Europe.  It would be a toss up as to who had more fun.  All three of us enjoyed the trip to its fullest.

Here’s to seeing you all back in Nebraska soon!

Best,

Cass

Reflecting on my week with my grandmothers

Sitting on my bus back to Prague from spending a couple days in Vienna, I am starting my reflection process on my summer.

To keep this post, I’ll reminisce only on my last week with my babickas.  In case you couldn’t translate that using context clues….babicka is Czech for grandmother.

And what a wild week it has been. 

We spent 4 days together roaming around Prague, and I couldn’t have been more happy to show them around the city I’ve grown to love these last 5 weeks. 

Honestly, I’m not sure how I even talked them into visiting me – I’ll chalk it up to a mid-life crises.  Yes, mid-life.  These 70 something year old ladies stayed upbeat and positive the entire trip and there were times I would have to remind myself that maybe I shouldn’t be suggesting so many activities to them.  But I think I am right when assuming they enjoyed our busy pace. 

It was a week unlike anything I have ever experienced in any of my travels thus far. 

Here’s a few highlights:

When picking my grandmothers up from the airport, I waited nearly 4 hours outside the arrival gate.  After hour one, I was incredibly worried.  I had their names called over every intercom in Prague international airport, I convinced Delta airlines to give out confidential information regarding whether or not they made their connecting flight from Paris (they did), and I walked the entire length of the airport – 3 times.  After hour two….I frantically messaged my cousin (and traveling expert) Kyla asking for advice.  It was only 5 a.m. back home, so I was so relieved when she responded.  Upon her advice I tried everything I could to get back into baggage claim.  Needless to say, I got caught, and kicked out of the baggage claim entry, twice.  I called baggage claim begging to be allowed back there to look for the ladies, and got hung up on twice again. 

Hour three brought on panic.  I had their names called over the intercom several more times, smoked probably 5 cigarettes outside the arrival gate door, and called baggage claim again leaving my name with a man over the phone.  I also lost my free internet connection at the airport and was unable to continue messaging Kyla – my only lifeline at that moment.

Hour 4 brought despair.  I decided I would wait as long as it took me to smoke one more cigarette and then I would catch a bus back to the city to find internet.  It was then, that my Grandma Emma walked out the door calling my name.  I was sooo happy – I may have let a tear or two shed. 

Long story short – they thought I could pick them up inside baggage claim (you cannot in most European airports), and their luggage had gotten left behind in Paris.  Some jerk told them if they left baggage claim they wouldn’t be allowed back in and wouldn’t get their luggage.  If I would have seen him, I would have socked him.

We relaxed for awhile – but our hotel didn’t have air conditioning, so we decided to trek into Old Town Prague to find some food.  It was a miserable night to say the least, and the next morning we took 2 trems to a new hotel in New Town Prague.  It was wonderful, and gave us easy access to all types of public transportation, and from there, we explored nearly every street in Prague (kind of). 

I wore them out early!

The shopping.  – OH THE SHOPPING! We found a Bohemian Jewelry store – and became fast friends with the owners (maybe because we went back 3 more times….and made 8 purchases….I don’t know).  The gifts we found were extraordinary, and I know our families will enjoy the thoughtfulness. 

My Babickas - Mary left, Emma right. 

This post is becoming rather lengthy…..so I will continue onto another to give your eyes a break.

Hey!  - Thanks for reading! 

Farewell to my new friends!

Right now, I am sitting in Prague airport waiting for the arrival of my two lovely babi’s (grandmothers). 

I am about 45 minutes early, so I decided I should catch everyone up with what I’ve been doing.

Thursday night, our program hosted a farewell party for all the students.  It was at an outdoor café, and we were handed classy (and delicious!) glasses of champagne upon our arrival.

The dinner was buffet style, and it seemed that hardly any expense was spared for our enjoyment. 

We all took too many pictures, gave too many hugs, and promised each other it wouldn’t be the last time we saw one another.  I truly hope that’s the case.

I told many of my Singapore friends that if they ever found themselves in America, to let me know, because I wouldn’t hesitate to jump on a plane and meet them.  Friendships like those I made this summer aren’t an everyday occurrence, and so I whole-heartedly meant it when I saidwould travel to see them.  I also (tentatively) plan on making a trip to see Southeast Asia next summer.  My first stop would be Singapore of course, but it would be a wonderful opportunity to travel to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and China as well.  

 

The Farewell Party! From Left: Devi, Munirah, Me, Anna

On our way out to pubs! 

I said goodbye to my closest friends Thursday night and Friday morning though, and it was something I wasn’t ready to do yet.  I could easily stay here with them another 4 weeks, but alas that’s not an option as the classes are over. 

We went out for drinks after the party, of course
I found chocolate :) 

I am looking forward to spending this last week showing my grandmothers around a city I’ve come to call my own.  (Silly, I understand, but I’ve absolutely fallen in love with Prague and its culture).  I know they will love it as much as I do.  But for those of you reading this that personal know Mary and Emma Stefka, I believe you understand the magnitude of the adventure we are about to embark on. 

My grandmothers are fun-loving, giggly, and for some reason, completely trust me in that I will get them to the places we need to be.  That’s a daunting task as my Czech speaking skills are still limited, though I can navigate the city fairly confidently. 

When I skyped with them the night before they hopped aboard their first flight, the first thing Mary asked me was if I had found her a good Czech man she could bring back.  Not what the weather was like in Prague, not about the transportation to our trip to Austria coming up, and definitely about hotels. 

Yes. That’s the sort of adventure we are about to undertake.  I absolutely cannot wait to have them here with me!  It will certainly take away the void left by the departure of friends I have grown to adore. 

On that note. I will be back in the states in 6 days! In Washington D.C., I will have a 9 hour layover where I am fortunate enough to spend it with a friend I met almost 5 weeks ago.  He spent a couple nights showing me the city (He is a graduate from Georgetown University), and has informed me that he has another fun-filled itinary for my 9 hours in his city. 

I will arrive back in Nebraska around noon next Sunday, August 4^th.  While I’m not quite ready to return yet, I can’t deny how much I’ve missed my friends and family back home.  It will be a bittersweet goodbye to central Europe, but I know that it won’t be the last time I am here.  I think another study abroad in 3 semesters sounds like an incredible idea!

Wishing you all the best, and can’t wait to see you!

Cass

Getting mail and snarky bureaucratic nonsense.

The Czech Republic: Home of hidden fees and bureaucratic nonsense. 

This may be another slightly negative post. 
I’m not knocking the Czech Republic. I’ve truly come to love my home this summer, but just like every country, there are things that just don’t make sense. 

I’ve now been to 3 different post offices, so I believe my opinion should be considered valid when I say the Czech system is bureaucratic nonsense. 

In the two regular post offices, I was going to give the system the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I had just come in at two of the busiest times of the day. Maybe the extremely long lines weren’t normal for a Tuesday…. or a Thursday.  Maybe the early closing times, and inconsistent hours of operation were due to some unknown holiday.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

My mother sent me a package about 3 weeks ago. And just now was I finally able to get a hold of it. 

Here’s how this entertaining plight of nonsense went:

 I got a routine postal slip in my dorm mailbox, with the address of the post office where my package was.  I couldn’t make it during the first few days of open hours to that particular post office (all postal offices seem to carry their own individual hours.) Then the weekend was upon me, so I waited until Monday afternoon to go get the package.

Just days later, I went and the package was nowhere to be found.  This post office (about 4 trem stops from my dorm) didn’t have any English speakers, and my little Czech (at that time, I had only been studying for about 2 weeks) didn’t allow me to communicate what I needed. Plus the people were rude, and seemed upset that I couldn’t communicate.  I got frustrated, they got frustrated.  And eventually I was given a bundle of papers in Czech.  One of the papers had a picture of my package though! So I knew I was on the right track. Then they closed. I had waited in line for 25 minutes for almost nothing.

This time I took my bundle of papers into my university and had one of my teachers translate it for me.  She explained that my package had been moved to a different post office since I hadn’t picked it up.  She said the office hours had already closed for that particular post office (it was just after 2 p.m. on a Thursday) and that I would have to go Friday morning.

The trip to this new post office took 35-40 minutes on the train.  I got lost on the way since it was a new part of the city (I really do enjoy getting lost though, that’s when I learn the most!).  I was able to ask directions in Czech along the way though, so I managed well.

I took my bundle of papers into the main office. No Czech speakers there…so I stumbled through Czech (I was on about week 3 or 4 of intensive lessons by this time) and was given directions to the 3^rd floor.  There I received my second bundle of papers, and given directions to a different office on the same floor. 

I waited in line for another 15 minutes.  Then when I couldn’t keep up with the Czech fast enough, the lady refused to help me and sent me to an English speaking line.  Another 10 minutes of waiting.  Finally I got there, and the man was nice, and I was so thankful, I decided to get rid of my frustration and treat this worker the way I should.  He needed proof of why I was in the Czech Republic….why? Who knows?  So I gave him my student ID card, and he made several copies.  He then directed me to the first office I had gone to on the 3^rd floor.

I couldn’t believe it. Back where I had almost started the day.  There, she needed copies of my passport and 126 koruna (the fee was because they had had to move the package to different post offices since I hadn’t picked it up right away. My thought was why on earth did they move it around so many times?)  Only she spoke it in Czech…it was so fast I couldn’t keep up.  I explained to her in Czech that I was studying the language, but was still learning. 

She got frustrated with me and from there out only used hand signals to communicate.  When she rubbed her fingers together to indicate money.  I snarkily replied in Czech “Penize?” (Money?)  She nodded her head yes…instead of replying “ano.”  So snarkily again I asked “Kolik stoji?” (How much is it?) The lady with the attitude refused to respond in Czech, so she rummaged around for a paper and then pointed at the amount I owed.

126 koruna. So snarkily again…I replied “Sto dvacet sest?”  She nodded her head again. I asked if they would take a credit card, she shook her head no.  So in Czech I asked “Kde je Bankomat?”  (Where is an ATM?)  She pointed with her hands the direction I should go.  At this point I was so frustrated, I just asked if she could tell me in Czech.  She again spoke so fast (this time on purpose I'm sure) that I only caught the general directions.

Here’s what I wanted to say in my mind: “Look lady, I know you hate your job because you work for one of the most inefficiently government run postal services ever. But don’t take your bad attitude out on me. Just give me the damn package and have a piece of cake.”

Here’s what I said out loud with a sweet smile: “Dekuju moc. Jdu do bankomat pro penize. Dobry den.”  (Thank-you very much, I will walk to an ATM for the money.  Have a good day.)

There wasn't a space left open. Front, back, envelope, it was all covered with signatures and well wishers! 

30 minutes later I returned to a different lady at the same post.  I started the process all over again, explaining that I was still studying Czech, but I would try to speak well.  She smiled!!  She spoke slowly and waited for me to understand and respond. It seemed that she just appreciated that I was trying. And the conversation was fruitful.  I paid the money, was given my box and left.

My lovely mother had my hometown community send good thoughts :)

What a surprise! The package contained my glasses and a card filled to the brim with messages from my hometown, family, and old classmates.  It seriously looked as though my mother had taken this card around during the Comstock 4^th of July celebrations and begged everyone to sign it for me.  (During the week of the 4^th I had just gotten out of the hospital, was feeling pretty low, and had already gotten taken advantage of by the bureaucratic hospital nonsense). 

I finally received this lovely card of inspiration 3 weeks late, and with only 10 days left in the Czech Republic.  But it had great timing, I have just said goodbye to all my new friends, and have a couple days to spend in Prague before I begin my last round of travels with my grandmother.

I sincerely thank everyone who signed it and wrote nice things.  I opened it while sitting in a café near Wenceslaus Square (the sight of the Velvet Revolution, where Communism fell in 1989).  It brought an instant smile to my face. 

I hope all is well back home!

Best,

Cass

Slowing my life down by grabbing a beer in a pub.

As my time draws near to a close here in Prague. (I am plagued with finals currently).  I am running checklists constantly in my head.

Did I see everything I wanted to?
Did I do everything I could to integrate myself into this culture?

Will I have regrets about things I did or didn’t do?

My friend Devi and at a Pub on Saturday night. 

Overall I feel very content with how I spent my time here. I didn’t travel to other countries at all while classes were in session, but I don’t think I regret that.  I spent my weekend exploring the city that has no end.  Daily, I found myself in different hangouts, in new areas that I would have missed had I left on the weekends.  And for that reason, I answer, yes, I did everything I could to integrate myself into Czech culture these last 4 weeks. 

And that folks, is a superb feeling. 

I also didn’t party hard here.  I must admit I drank almost daily at some times (a beer here, a beer there….but no crazy stories of blackout parties), but to be fair, that is also part of the culture J It’s not uncommon to have a beer around 10 am.  In fact, in their free time, most Czechs do go grab a beer.  The culture is relaxed somewhat, in that it is so normal to spend a couple hours in a pub enjoying life, and having pride in the oh so delicious Czech beer. 

Willis and I attending a Jazz festival at Old Town Square.
It was free, and the beer was still cheaper than water! 

It even looks pretty, doesn't it? :)
This is at the jazz festival last week. 

Drinking American beer from here on out will be such a let down.  I know that’s something I will miss most.  Not just the taste, but the culture surrounding drinking a beer.  In America, most college students drink to get drunk (and most Americans on this trip did just that quite often).  But here, I’ve really learned to enjoy the beer, enjoy the people I’m with in that moment, and to enjoy where my life is at this point.

I will forever be thankful that I got the opportunity to live in Prague – itf only for a short while.  I have no doubt that I will be waiting on the day when I can return (perhaps for a full semester?? – eh Mom and Dad?) J

Our Czech class went out to celebrate the end of finals! It was such a relaxing
afternoon, and a fun way to say goodbye to classmates.
I probably spent 3 hours there with friends, just laughing, eating,
drinking a couple beers, and smoking a cigarette.  Yes, I was still
in the middle of finals week. And yes, I have gobs of papers to write.
But when in Prague....do as the the Czechs would!
 Tell me, is that a normal thing to do on Tuesday afternoon
in America? Nope. Not for hours on end.  And not to just relax.
We would be too busy trying to get ahead in life,
too many things to do to waste time enjoying life! 

My life has certainly slowed down a few paces, and I’ve learned to let go of the oh so famous American stereotype of “I must do this, I must get that done now, I must schedule my day by the hour so as to get the most done.” 

Instead, I’ve adopted the Czech lifestyle – “It will get done, stop worrying, and order another beer! Because you find beer like this anywhere else in the world!”

And that's the truth. 

Best,

Cass

A different side of Prague

(Note: This was written on Saturday July 20, 2013)

Today I went to a flee market with my Singapore group.  I’m still here actually. I just had so many thoughts bouncing around in my head, I had to write them down.  So I bought a beer for less than a dollar and sat down to write.

Typical stands at this flea market.
They set up every Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m.-about 2 p.m.

And I look as out of place as an American girl possibly could in this situation. 

The looks I am getting aren’t mean though (as I would get in normal out of place situations) but rather the people seem amused at the sight of a young girl dressed nicely typing away on her Mac laptop, and answering in Czech.  My accent clearly lets them know I am not native, but they appreciate the effort.

The people here selling things seem to be pretty poor, or at least lower class.  But the spirit here couldn’t be friendlier.

For instance, I accidentally overpaid one vendor by 10-korun (equivalent to 50 cents.) The young man chased me down to return that extra coin.  I couldn’t believe it!

A relatively poor neighborhood. But filled with some of the nicest people
I have ever met. 

I have been trying to speak in only Czech here (made easier, as no one seems to understand English) and when one vendor found out I was from the USA (he belted USA!) he gave me a bottle of French wine for soooo cheap! It was one of the highlights of my day, and one of the most interesting Czech conversations I have had so far.

The market is located on the outskirts of Prague, and it was a 30-minute metro ride to get here. But I am so happy I came.  It’s a different side of the Czech Republic that I haven’t experienced, and I feel that much more content that I gave it a shot. 

It wouldn't be Prague without access to pivo!
Beer is cheaper than water. 

Oddly enough, I feel much more safer here in near poverty than I have almost anywhere else in Prague.  The people are happy, and sometimes I think it’s easy for people in the first-world to forget the little things in life.  These people sure haven’t.  Everyone is jolly, and singing along with their car radios (a lot of 80’s American music being blasted.) I just wish I could buy something from everyone! But there are near over 100 stands here, and I made do with having conversations instead.

I feel very content now, and I just wanted to record this feeling. I hope I never forget this experience in a different part of Prague.

Enjoy the first-world conveniences ya’ll, I am in a different world now.

Best,

Cass

A Busy Tuesday.

I spent the majority of today on cloud nine. 

Although on Tuesdays, I have a jam-packed class schedule (9 a.m.-5:45 p.m.), I absolutely enjoy keeping myself so busy. 

For the last half of my Czech language class, our Professorka –Zdenna, took us to an out of the way café, so that we could practice ordering foods and drinks in Czech.  It backfired more or less, as our waitress spoke excellent English, and some of the Czech words were extremely difficult.  It didn’t seem to matter though, our entire class laughed good-naturedly at everyone’s solid effort (as did our waitress and Zdenna). 

On the left is our Professorka - Zdenna.  She is wonderful. 

Our entire Czech Language class (minus Biancca, who took the picture). 

Valerie and I with our Honeycake! 

Zdenna suggested that we try medovnik (honeycake) with our coffee.   Most of us ended up drinking beer or wine, however the honeycake was top notch!  I ended up staying another hour longer with 3 other friends from Singapore, and we decided to cook our evening meal. 

So we clambered onto the trem, one slightly drunk ;) and headed to Tesco.  WeiJie, himself, ended up being an incredible cook! Valerie, Willis and I tried to help the best we could, but it would be an outright lie if I said we contributed much.  My job ended up being more along the lines of setting the table.  We feasted on porkchops, baked cheesy broccoli, scrambled eggs and tomatoes, baked potatoes, and talked for hours in our dormitory kitchen. 

From Left: Me, WeiJie and Willis enjoying an incredibly well-prepared dinner.           

It’s nearly 11:30 p.m. here, and I have yet to start my homework.  But I don’t regret a thing.  It was a magical afternoon and evening. But more so, I think it was my friends from Singapore who made everything so special.  I will truly miss them all when we part ways in just a few short weeks.  

A few of the girls have been working on Biancca (from New York) and I to make a trip to Singapore next summer.  I must admit, it sounds better and better everyday.

Next international destination: ASIA!! :)

Best,
Cass