7 things that have surprised me lately

1. People you meet.....
Today a man approached me on the street and said "Excuse me, can I ask you a question?"
Me: Sure
Him: Hi, are you from here? I'm doing some work here in Prague. I'm from Italy originally but I work here and in Amsterdam. I have to say... you are very beautiful and I was wondering if you'd be interested in doing some modeling work.
Me: (Super skeptical) Ummm. I don't know. What did you have in mind?
Him: Just a short video.
Me: What kind of video?
Him: Oh, just women's underwear. You're very beautiful. I think you'd be great
Me: !!!!!!! (no, thank you!...)

(Some people are crazy! ha)

2. People you see....
Sufjan Stevens, for instance. I don't even have words to explain how amazing his performance in Leipzig was this weekend. And it was on my birthday, too! Couldn't have been more perfect!

That man is absolutely talented and I was overwhelmed with every single detail he'd thought through - from the lighting, graphics, dancers, costumes, balloons, everything. I have seen him perform in Athens, Georgia for his "Come on Feel the Illinoise!" tour... Grand Rapids, Michigan at the Festival of Faith and Music... and Brooklyn, New York for the premier of his BQE film... and honestly, I think in my life there will never be a better performance than his Age of Adz tour. Plus, to know it was all for the glory of God was so encouraging and inspiring. Hallelujah, brother!

3. People you love
Friends and family who you can trust to be true. Who still make mistakes, but try their best to love you and show you they care, despite your own shortcomings. (And thank you for all the birthday wishes on facebook and in person, btw + all of you who made it out to my birthday party last night. It was good! Also, a special thanks to Kamila for driving me all the way to Leipzig and back this weekend for Sufjan Stevens. You are a true friend, girl! 4am in the morning getting home.. absolutely hardcore but so special and worth it to me!)

4. Witch-burning
Yes, that's right. Witch burning....

Here in Czech Republic there's a holiday on April 30th where they traditionally burn witches (although now they just have a big bonfire and dress in black and wear witch hats). It's honestly a little disturbing/scary to me, but it's their way of celebrating the end of winter. You can read more here, if you want.

5. A bowl of tea
Today I found the best new coffee shop tucked away on Korunni Street. It's actually a tobacco shop and Kavarna (coffee house), but I love it because most people just walk by and don't notice it. Or they walk in the store, see the tobacco, postcards and knick-knacks, think there's nothing more and then just dismiss it and walk away. But another careful look and you'll see a discreet door leading to the back, where there's old wooden tables, big glass windows and cozy places to read, write and enjoy a good cup of coffee/tea.

I ventured further through the kavarna to find a courtyard, enclosed among tall, old brick buildings. I loved being able to sit out there and write in the sunshine. Needless to say, though,  when I ordered the Masala Chai... she brought me a GIGANTIC BOWL full of it. I was shocked... I asked "This is tea, right?" and she said "Yes" like it was absolutely normal to serve tea like this. I had to laugh, but it was the best tea I've had yet in Czech. So yeah, go check out Dobra Trafika. It's my new favourite.

6. International Pillow Fight Day
I have nothing to say, except "AWESOME"

7. Liva's birthday
We had a HUGE FOOD fight! Complete with whipped cream, yoghurt, ketchup, flour, poppy seeds, eggs, and more. It was insane!

7 Things I've learned recently

#1. Asking another teacher about words you've heard your students say, particularly "hovna" (and other such polite terms) may cause reddening of the face.

#2. Just because it says "mleko" (milk), doesn't mean it tastes like the milk in America.

#3. Political rallies are serious here: orange tokens, cheap beer, big sausages, and women on stage singing "Pink Cadillac" in English! lol.

#4. It may be a good idea to not wear a skirt when you're on a train and the windows are down. haha.

#5. Bright red is the new black for hair color, even with 60 year old women.

#6. Your soccer coach may ask you if you'd like to smoke with him after you've just run 800 miles.

#7. Coffee doesn't exist (in the coffee shops here)... only espresso!

Yes, but all this to say:
I still love it here. I might be crazy. I might sound ridiculous. I might blend in very easily ::coughs:: And I might still crave spinach, sweet potatoes and Chik Fil-A. But I'm well on my way to learning more Czech, walking/running 2,457 miles a day, and supporting the consumption of goulash + potatoe dumplings ;)

Love,
El

ps.
Thanks for the birthday messages many of you sent! So sweet! My coworkers and I had some amazing Indian food in the neighboring town, Usti Nad Labem, and we made sure to celebrate my rising maturity in the proper manor - animal face masks, balloons, ice cream (at the pub) and going to bed super early! ha

Easter traditions in CZ

Hmmmm. Interesting Easter traditions here....

Just found out that the Monday after Easter is a day of the pomlázka (the whip) haha. Traditionally, early in the morning boys awake girls by pouring a bucket of water on their head and striking them on the legs with long thin twigs or switches made from willow, birch or decorated tree branches.

These days.. it's not quite so in-your-face/house, but moreso a public, in-the-street affair. I've heard that you'll see Czech guys running around the street during the day - whopping you in the rear and legs if you don't give them chocolate eggs or candy. Haha. The girls then get to chase the guys with buckets of water from noon until the end of the day. Lol, but needless to say...Monday should be interesting! (There's more about the tradition and origins here if you're curious where it comes from ha). But yes, expect photos if I see some mischief in the works ;)

xo

Ahoj! (Hello!)

I'm in Czech Republic now and am SO EXCITED to be here.

Stay tuned for photographs, stories and updates.

xo,
ElPost Options