Customary Czech Cuisine 30.8.10 - 22:00

After waking up just in time for an orientation, Ethan and I made our way downstairs to the presentation. We got a few basic notes, but in a matter of minutes we were released to either go back to sleep (which sounded amazing at the time) or to fight jetlag and go out to dinner with some Czech buddies. I picked the latter feeling like it was a good opportunity to meet some of the Czech buddies as well as some of the other students on the program.

Initially a party of 20 with three Czech buddies, the restaurant could only honor our reservation of ten, which Michal had made for us earlier, so we were forced to split up. Having to split up was unfortunate, but I think in the long run it won’t make much of a difference and we’ll all get to know each other. Besides, this way I was able to get to know the people I sat with a little bit better. I still don’t know many of the names, but a few are sticking which is good, because when I’m still asking for names three weeks into the program I’m going to feel a bit foolish.

First Dinner: Michal, Zach, Laura & Kira

Michal took us to a restaurant with typical Czech foods and once again I was simply not up to the task. I honestly don’t remember the last time I’ve left two plates with food on them, let alone in the same day. Maybe I’m maturing? Probably not, because I still find it really painful to leave food on my plate. Tonight’s meal: Potato pancakes with some sort of pork, cheese and various vegetables topped off with an original Budweiser (fun fact – the Czech Republic is home to the original Budweiser brewery). Not exactly the lightest food, but it sure was tasty. Maybe my eating and drinking habits for the semester will be the motivation I need to actually sign up for the basketball team here, because I really don’t want to return in the spring with my freshman fifteen that I have avoided for two years.

My dinner - Potato Pancakes!

One of the best parts about dinner, besides getting to know new people and learning a little bit about our program and the Czech culture (our Czech buddies have a ton of REALLY helpful tips), was having soccer on the TV in the background. Tonight, Sparta played Brno. Sparta is one of the two teams from Prague and apparently one of the best teams in the country. Tonight they showed it too, spanking Brno 5-0. I just love that I can go to a bar and watch a soccer game. What more could I ask for?

I’m now back at the hotel watching the USA-Brasil basketball game. Ethan went out with some guys from Williams and Georgetown I think, but I’m tired and am probably just going to call it a night soon.

Hope everyone is doing well. I’m thinking of you guys!