Eventually
though, I did fall back asleep and woke up again around 8. After shaving (I’m
trying this thing where I make a good first impression by not looking like a
scrub - results will be evaluated at a later date), I descended to the hotel
restaurant where breakfast was being served. Ethan, who had gone to breakfast
at six when he was unable to fall asleep, was back asleep by the time I was
ready, so I went by myself ready to meet new people. Finding a table of three
with an empty seat, I asked if I could join and was happily welcomed.
The hotel served
a buffet, and I helped myself to a half plate of scrambled eggs, a crescent, a
blueberry Danish, a little fresh fruit and cheese and a glass of apple juice.
At breakfast I met Coleen, Kayleen (spelling is probably not correct for either
of these girls and for that I apologize), and Jack.
Jack, who is
from outside of Chicago, immediately reminded me of a DJ in Madison who shares
the same name, due to his facial features, haircut and most importantly, the
large pair of Blue-blockers which he wore at the breakfast table. The
resemblance was so striking that I am sure I even failed to stifle the chuckle
that was rising in my chest. Breakfast conversation was light and enjoyable and
it was only toward the end of the breakfast that any light was shed on the
Blue-blocker situation. Jack had apparently arrived in Prague a few days before
the rest of us and was at a club one night when he met a beautiful Czech girl.
Not being shy, Jack complimented the girl. Jack surely thought that his words
were nothing if not harmless and flattering, however, the young lady’s
boyfriend seemed to interpret them differently and promptly punched Jack in his
left eye. Two days later, he had quite the shiner; a rich purple hue, his eye
would only open halfway. Choosing not to be known as the guy with the black
eye, Jack went the more adventurous route and potentially less controversial of
the guy who wears sunglasses inside (and at night). He’s like Kanye but without
the popped collar.
Following
breakfast I attended a brief meeting about living in a flat with others who
will be in my area. We went over some basic rules and talked through a few
scenarios from past semesters. Some of the scenarios were rather amusing, like
the people who broke the elevator on their first day by trying to cram into the
compartment with all of their luggage and exceeding the weight limit.
After the
session, Red and I were formally introduced to our flatmate, Mira, who took us
from the hotel to the flat. We got settled in a little but since neither Red or
I were in the mood to unpack, Mira gave us a brief tour of the neighborhood,
pointing us in the direction of the nearest Metro and tram stop and taking us
to the local market. We didn’t buy much, but while we walked we got to know
each other a bit better, so the time was definitely not wasted.
 |
| Mira and Red in front of our flat. |
In the market, I
was asking Mira how to say a few phrases that I felt like I would be using a
lot (i.e. excuse me and please). I remembered them for a few minutes before
needing to be reminded, but I think with enough repetition I should get it
eventually. Then again, after seven years of German I could barely put two
sentences together, so, that may be wishful thinking.
Mira’s English is
really quite good but like all non-native speakers he can construct awkward or clunky
sentences from time to time. This is a combination of native speaker’s
ignorance of grammatical rules and the tendency of Czechs to form a sentence in accordance with the laws of their native language. To give an example, Mira was
trying to ask a question but didn’t want to end the sentence with a preposition
(which would be technically improper), so he was struggling to order, “with whom
you went” properly instead of “who you went with.” I assured Mira that it was
the English language and not his understanding that was causing difficulties
and tried to find an analogy, which would make sense, so obviously I went for
Star Wars. Referring to Yoda, I explained that what he, Yoda, was saying is not
incorrect; it is simply presented in an unconventional style. The analogy
proved compelling enough and Mira understood, so now when I try and decipher
one of his sentences, he asks, “Yoda speak?” It makes me smile.
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