the one where i dare to compare

not so long ago, a student asked me what the biggest difference between czech and america is. the biggest thing? everything's different! let me give you some funny examples of how different czech is...

i generally see this more at schools, but in some public restrooms, the toilet paper is on the outside of the stall. so, in front of everyone, you have to decide how much toilet paper you'll need before you're in the comfort of a private stall. being new at this concept, i generally forget about the toilet paper rule and start going before i realize. you learn your lesson fast though.

the other week i was at the train station, filling out paperwork for a bus pass. it was 9:59, and as i turned around to hand my application to the lady, she began closing her window and hanging up a sign saying she would return at 10:30. she knew we were there and hadn't warned us she would be leaving. commence the eye rolls!

i was traveling to prague to visit some friends. fresh off the train, i literally jumped on the number 9 tram which takes me directly to their house...so i thought. the tram broke down a little under half-way there, and the driver jumped out to light up a cigarette since either a) there was nothing he could do about the situation, or b) he didn't feel like fixing the problem. i ended up walking most of the way to their house and taking random trams whenever i could. thankfully i'm familiar with prague's public transportation system and the area, or i would've been at a complete loss.

i bike to the university, and the other day (i was in a skirt) was supposed to be one of the nicest days we've had. about half way there it started pouring - hailing actually. i went under a tree but got soaked, so decided just to keep heading to school. of course then when i got there i was a total mess. everything in my purse was ruined, and so for the next two classes i taught in a soaking wet outfit and with my stuff spread out all over the floor and desk to dry off. hardly professional.

all of these are negative (albeit funny - now that i can look back on it), but believe me - there are many wonderful things about being here. like mushroom hunting, 3 years of maternity leave, awesome bread, and some really cool people.