Prague Weekend

After traveling for 5 days last week, it was very nice to have a very relaxing weekend in Prague.  We only had class on Wednesday last week (thanks to a great Czech holiday).  On Thursday I went and taguth English again at the high school by our dorm.  This is truly one of the best thigns that I have been able to do while in Prague.  It is so great to talk to high school students about their life in Prague and their views on the world.  it is so interesting seeing their perspective on everything.   We talked about random facts about the US and then I started to ask them questions about their lives in Prague and their schooling and what they want to do and so on.  This week we are suppose to come and talk about the election and our feelings towards it.

A very interesting thing about the Czech people is that they do not try to be politically correct by any means.  They say it exactly how it is and are very blunt about stuff.  They don't try to make sure that they don't hurt anyone's feelings or offend someone.  It is very interesting to experience this.  For example, a friend was telling me about one of the high school classes they were sitting in on that was learning about the American political parties and so on.  She explained the Democrats and the Republicans.  My friend that she was very biased about the parties and in favor of the Democrats.  she then was telling them about how the Democrats are a blue color and the Republicans are red.  She then asked "And what other party was red?  The communist party."  If this was to happen in the US they would first not be so biased towards the parties by any means and would also not be comparing one of the political parties to a communist one.  Just one of the very interesting differences about the Czech Republic.

it was also interesting to celebrate Halloween ehre.  They do not have the traditional Halloween of dressing up in costumes and going trick or treating and so on.  They celebrate "All Soulds Day" on November 1st which is a day where they go to a cemetary or a church and pay respect to their loved ones who have passed away.  They also traditionally bring a candle which is in a red jar and light it.  My friend and i happened to stumble across an area where these candles were being lightened and placed and just observed it.  It was very intersting to see all of the different people who came and brought candles.

This week is filled with many mid-term tests which I have been studying for.  This Friday I will be leaving for Krakow, Poland for the weekend.  I am very excited for this trip!  I have heard that it is beautiful there and is claimed to be "The New Prague" so it should be fun to visit.  On the way back we are stopping at Aushwitz which should be a very moving experience.  I will make sure to write all about my trip when I get back.  Much love!