"Trams can't brake on command you know"

Dobry den!

It's about noon here in Prague and we just finished a very short morning orientation at the CERGE-EI building for Charles University. It is a very beautiful historical building right in the city center complete with gold gilding and ceiling frescoes. I think it was some sort of government building during the Communist era.

Yesterday we had a very long day of orientation lectures by the program directors. Lessons learned: how to board/get off the trams (they don't have "brakes" by the way), the exchange rate is 24 crowns to a dollar and getting better every day, everybody is looking to rip you off in some way, and the Czech people are very reserved and quiet especially compared to American students. The day included many horror stories about pickpockets, kidnappings, and tram accidents. So I am suitably warned and absolutely terrified, don't worry. Also managed to acquire a cell phone and cell phone plan which makes me feel a lot more comfortable in the city. I think skype is still the best way to communicate with me from the states though :)

Came back and crashed at the hotel for a couple hours (I think the jet lag and messed up sleeping schedule finally caught up with me.) We had a bunch of people arrive from heathrow yesterday where they had been snowed in for over 24 hours and were still missing bags...makes me really appreciate Air France and the easy trip! Later we all ventured out to find some food which was a learning experience to say the least. Our hotel is in Prague 3 which doesn't stay active open very late, so there were very few people out and very few places open. One of the reminders of the communist era is that places don't have set "open" and "close" times and days of the week...they pretty much just open and close when they feel like it!

One small restaurant we wandered into was chock full of tables of elderly, cheerful Czechs singing a lovely ballad to a live band. Unfortunately it happened to be a private party that we stumbled upon and they immediately stopped singing when we entered, laughed loudly, and pointed to the door. Ah, the joys of being an American tourist. Finally found some local cuisine at a small pub which left much to be desired. I had "boullibon with noodles" and managed about three bites before the excess of salt ruined my appetite. Others enjoyed their beef and chicken goulashes so I may have to try that today.

Today will be spent meeting with realty companies and looking at apartments. Apparently they will all try to rob us blind so this will be an interesting experience! I hope to be moved out of the hostel and in an apartment by tonight or tomorrow at the latest.

Skype is nkumar288...call or e-mail me! Ciao!