1) Do not wind up stranded on a street in Dublin at midnight with approximately 150 lbs. in luggage. This is not a fun time.
2) Do not accidentally buy the ticket for your connecting flight for the wrong day.
3) Do learn the basics of the language spoken in a country you're planning on living in.
4) Do come to Praha. It is truly beautiful and the best city I've ever been in.
5) Do make sure to secure a reliable internet connection because open WIFI networks are not nearly as ubiquitous in Europe as they are in the states.
Well, that's enough free advice for the moment.
Now to the main questions: "How ARE you?" and "How IS it?". These are the things everyone wants to know. And it's pretty hard to answer those questions. But, I'll try.
How am I? Well, kind of all over the map. Obviously, I miss people back home. Honestly, some of this experience is pretty tough - I'm not 21 anymore and it's more difficult to just drop... a life... than it used to be. Boston has really become home and it's hard to leave people you love, especially when your relationship with them is part of your identity.
But, also, I'm really happy. I've had moments here when I found myself thinking, "best night of my life." It's so international here, both in the city and at my company. And I'm really being exposed to ideas and cultures and people that I never would have if I'd not come. On a given night I can find myself talking over beers with people from Russia, Sweden, Czech, England, Scotland, Ireland, Romania, Spain, Poland, America, Wales, Brazil, Serbia, Slovakia and Bulgaria. And that's just so far.
So, I'm often sad and sometimes elated, but usually pretty good. It doesn't feel... weird... here. The language barrier is big. But, honestly, Ireland felt more foreign than the Czech Republic.
Now, how is it?
Well, with the language - yes, you can get by. And you learn how to communicate and get what you want. But, it would be so, so much better to speak the language. So, I'm taking two classes starting next week. Czech is meant to be an incredibly difficult language... and really it's a little pointless to learn. After going home there will be little opportunity to practice it. But, I plan on coming back to the Czech Republic often. And Prague alone is worth it - just to be able to make basic conversation. Plus, it sounds really cool.
The city itself is exceptionally beautiful. I haven't even really explored that much, as I've been working and trying to just settle in. But, yes. Beautiful. People are nice, in general, but it's a lot like Boston, in that people don't really interact with you unless they know you. Everyone does say "dobrư den" when they interact with you for the first time.
The beer? Yes. It's wonderful and dirt cheap. And beer culture here is great. People sit outside even during lunch and eat leisurely and have a pint. In the evenings pubs are full of people talking and socializing - not watching tv's. You can tell that people like to talk and enjoy socializing with friends over a few pints. But, in general, people are well mannered.
It's a very clean city. And efficient. Train tickets actually give you an amount of time for your money. So, for CZK 18 (a little more than a dollar) you get something like half an hour. The implication there is that THE TRAINS ACTUALLY RUN ON TIME. Why can't Boston trains run like that?
Everything is cheaper here, for the most part. You can go somewhere and get ripped off quite easily. But, if you venture out a bit you can get a few beers and a nice meal for less than $15. A night out can cost less than $20 or $30 if done right. Electronics are more expensive and some things are fairly evenly priced.
I don't have a permanent flat yet, but I'm working on it. And, hopefully I'll have an internet connection during my evenings soon, so that I can chat with people more often.
I'll try to keep everyone as updated as I can.
Cau!
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Guess what. I'm moving to Prague.
If that were not the case, I probably would not be writing this blog. I am terrible at keeping up with blogs. I always start up with the best intentions and end up feeling horrible about myself because of aborted projects just like this one.
But, I think it'll be different this time. Yes. Different. Because when have I ever lived in Prague? Never, I tell you. And I see this as a way of procrastinating on writing emails and letters. I will fail at being a good pen pal. I may have an easier time at this.
So, for now - here are the details. I'm moving to Prague. I'll be working with a large company that shall hereafter be dubbed "The Beast," to avoid summary dismissal and deportation. I think it's a great company. "The Beast" is just appropriate.
That's all for now. I leave May 21st. This is the 1st of May. Am I ready? No way. Anyone want a car?
Jeremy
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