Whatcha gonna do?

So sorry friends out there. I know I am a total clod not to write that often and I apologize. Please accept my apology :)

Last weekend I traveled to Bratislava and Budapest with another Erasmus group (study away group) and had an awesome time. Well, besides the crazy bus driver, the 'Armpit of Europe' and the 'Male Version of Prauge' were wonderful.

First off, I'll describe the trip. Well, you must know that with a group 0f 38 American students, you will never leave on time. One guy forgot his passport and had to catch a tram to go back to his flat and get it and another overslept (we shall call him Frank). When we finally left, we were 45 minutes late. Factor in the fact that the bus driver had to have a 45 minute break every 2 hours and that there were detours near Brno, we were over 3 hours late arriving in Bratislava.

Now, Bratislava was not as disgusting as it is portrayed in Eurotrip. We stayed in a hotel on the outskirts of Brati and ventured into the city center around 9. Oh, the tram that we took from our hotel broke down midway so we had to wait outside for a bus. That was a bit of trashy Brati coming out. My friend Ashley and I along with Ben and Mike ventured into streets unknown to rustle up some grub before a waling tour at 10:30. We found an amazing Pizzaria for so CHEAP! Slavakia is a country where the US has an awesome exchange rate. About 40=$1! My dinner was 120 and that included a whole pizza and a delicious beer. I am going back to Brati for sure.

Our walking tour wasn't so great. We walked to the Bratislava Castle (you need to realize that every city/town in Europe has a castle of some kind that is a tourist must. The castle was nice,not as large as Prague Castle nor as decorated but it was really interesting. It is located above the river on top of a high hill and is surrounded by high walls constructed of river rock.

Oh, did I mention that the tour group became split up and my tour guide did not know what he was doing? That's right, at midnight I was wondering the mean streets of Brati searching for anyplace that would be located on the little maps the the hotle copied and gave to us. We finally found our way back to the city center but our tour guide left us to go out to a club. So basically it was up to me to get my roommates Katie and Nikki back to the hotel. We ventured with a couple other students armed with only a map to trek back the 3+ miles to the hotel. Needless to say we made it but we had to walk on a highway and cross some hevy traffic to get there. But, it was an adventure and I will always remember Bratislava as the hike that could have killed me.

Well I'm out. I have class tomorrow and I have to finish a presentation for East Central European Politics. I am also going to watch the biggest Fotball game of the year in Praha tomorrow night! It's Praha Sparta vs Praha Slavia. I will be wearing black so no one will accuse me of cheering for the wrong team. It will be pretty amazing!

Wow, a Larger Audience...

I recieved word from an source that my wonderful school back home has linked this blog to the school's website. Can I say that I feel real cool right now, 'cause I do. Well let me fill you in on my life these past few days.

So the whole job thing is may not be working out. I haven't recieved a call back from the manager on when they need me to come in. I think that I will call on Monday and see what is up in the Shamrock. If the job isn't there, I'll move on to the next place that needs an exceptional waitress.

Ankle Update: all is well in Ankle country. Prevention of swelling was the key here. Thank goodness I paid attention in Home Ec class when we were taught basic first aid. Who knew I would remember that almost 10 years later. Well, I have to admit, I googled what to do just to double check. I just want to say the I love Google and even though it's in Czech, I still know where all the buttons are.

And can I say, that is one weird thing about websites here. All the websites are in Czech. Wait, scratch that. I don't want to sound completey dumb here but it's so wierd to be used to seeing a certain site in English and then to have it in czech, geez. At least with Google I can change it to the American version. This site (yes, Blogger.com) is all in czech and I don't know what it says. I'm just thankful that I memorized which buttons I need back in english world.

I am getting ready to go to Bratislava and Budapest this weekend. One of the other exchange programs, CEA has over 35 students and they take several day and weekend trips throughout the semester to exotic and interesting locales. The CEA advisor is charging me the transportation and housing costs but they are such a bargain! I am only paying $200 for the entire trip. It dosen't hurt that I'll be with all my crazy cool friends either. I do have to pay for food but here in Eastern Europe, food is very affordable. You just need ot make sure you don't eat or drink in the tourist areas because they are outrageously expensive. Just a tip.

I have been sick the past few days from a sinus infestion but my czech roommate Mike took me to the pharmacy and helped me find everything I needed. I am so fortunate that I acted on my instinct to get a different flat than the ones that were provided from the school. I'm in a better part of Prague, closer to the center, and in a very Czech neighborhood. Oh, did I mention that it's cheaper? Sheesh, that goodness for that!

I'm going to hop into bed now. It's extremely late and I have to get another stamp or four on my passport this weekend. Wish me luck!


Nashledanou!

P.S. That means goodbye in czech. Bet you can't say it correctly on your first try.

May have a Job...

Today I checked out a website for expats, non Czech citizens that live in the CR, for any jobs that I may be able to do to make a little extra Krowns. I called about a waitressing position at an Irish pub called Shamrocks. The manager was really nice and asked me to come in for an interview.

Well long story short, I am going to have a trial period to see how well I do. I think I'll do really well so please say a prayer that I don't drop anything.

Oh, I am going to Budapest Hungary this weekend with another exchange group, CEA. The CEA group has about 35 students in all and goes on amazing trips to other countries and to sporting events. I have a lot of friends in the group so I am totally excited to get to travel with them!

My ankle is doing better though. No doctor needed so whoo hoo! Okay I'm outie b/c I have a lond day ahead of me. Tomorrow I have 8 hours of classes and it is silent tourture for me. Wish me luck!

So I Haven't wrote in a while...

You might have noticed that. Sorry friends. I'll be better from now on.

So much has happened since the last time that I have written. I don't want to bog you down on my first day back, so I swear I'll go slowly. School is fine. I am only taking 4 classes but the classes are only held once a week so it is hard to sit still for 3 hours at a time. I am actually reading ahead of class for the first time in my life.

It's hard to believe that I have been here for over a month. Time has flown by and at this point I am dreading my eventual return home. I just can't imagine not being able to take the subway or the tram wherever I need to go. But, I have to admit I miss driving my car Fancy around. I can't wait to actually get in the drivers seat again but I will miss the public transportation.

Here is a funny story for you. I was walking out of Delvita, the grocery store, today and I missed a step and twisted my ankle. I felt so silly b/c I was sitting on the bottom of the steps swearing in Ebglish with my bag full of groceries right next to me. I became quite light headed from the pain of walking that I sat down with my back against a closed store front. When I was finished looking like a homeless bum, I got up and had a sudden realization. Here in the CR, people pee on walls and cars all the time. Its nothing to be walking down the street in the afternoon and see someone against a wall. Needless to say, I changed clothes as soon as I got home.

Don't worry, the ankle is being elevated as we speak. I really can't afford medical care over here so we'll have to make due with ice. Love you lots!!!

Not Much Time... Sorry

I am paying for this internet at a cafe so I must be very brief. I am alive and well as you can tell. I have my first tour of Prague tomorrow and then I visit Karlstein on Saturday. And starting on Monday, I have school!!!

I am signing my internet contract tonight though so hopefully I'll have the internet at the first of the week. Til then, ajoy!

Vienna is a City of Firsts

Took my first train trip ever (excluding amtrack to Sedalia when I was 4) in my life. The trip from Prague to Vienna was wonderfully scenic. I have to admit though, I thought Vienna was going to be mountainous but it was as flat as Kansas and Iowa. I swear to you, it felt like being back home, lol.

I met two really awesome people, Reese and Derek on the train. I must admit, New York City kids are quite entertaining. We are meeting up in an hour to see my first art gallery. I would tell you what it is called but that would require me to dig my book out of my bag. Not gonan happen. It should be a day full of hard hitting touristy stuff. I swear I'll write more about it later : )

Oh, funny story to leave you with. I got to my first hostel ever last night, The Wombat, and decided that the hostel food was not good enough. As I was walking to a restaurant, a Canadian by the name of Kevin starts belting out 'Sweet Caroline' and runs up to me. Needless to say, I joined in on the singing b/c i'm crazt like that. After we were done, he invited me to go on a random pub crawl with him and his girlfriend, Eniko. Naturally I agreed and had a great time meeting Aussies, Americans, a few Canucks, and a gaggle of Englich kids with a mixture of Germans and Italains. It was a great time, lol.

Well, I must be going now. Don't worry, Vienna is extremely safe place for a single gal like me. Relatively low crime even though I have seen a few nightwalkers, lol. I'm off for the art gallery!

Whoo Hoo!

My luggage arrived finally on Sunday, after I was without for 2 days! I tell you, I was sure glad when they found it! Never fly United!!!

Tomorrow afternoon I will take a train to Vienna. I am excited to see the beautiful lights of Austria! I hope it is amazing!

Sorry for the short letter but I must hurry back to my flat to pack for tommorrow. I hope to have the internet shortly and be able to upload pictures : ) Til then, Dobre Vecher (Good Evening)!

Wanna know how my trip went?

Started packing for Prague on Tuesday night, the night before I was supposed to leave. Thank goodness my sister is the best or I would have been screwed. Britt was a trooper, folding and sorting, offering advice on what I should bring. And while I was packing, my dog Jake kept his vigil over me as he laid his head on my leg and looked at me with his brown eyes as if saying, 'Please don't go Erica'.

My family and I left at 1:30 for the airport. 3 hours and 1 stop at Popeyes later, we finally arrived. After having both suticases a few pounds heavier than the limited wieght allowed, I ended up leaving my shampoo and blanket behind in the States. My socks and swinsuit became stuffed in my backpack which was already full because my laptop is a monster (really really big). Saying goodbye to my parents and my sister was so hard. I almost started crying.

While waiting at MCI for my flight, I met Sister Margaret, a 90 year old nun from Eugene Oregon. She was telling me about her travels throughout the world and her ministry in the jails and prisons of Oregon. She was a wonderful and spry woman and I swear to you, she didn't look a day over 74 : )

My plane boarded without any problems. But as soon as everyone sat down, we recieved the bad news. Chicago was having bad weather so there was a groundstop on all flights to Chicago until the weather would let up. I blame myt dad, Earl for it. He jinxed the flight by talking about Jetblue and missing my flight. Thanks dad.

After wainting on the runway and the gate for over 2.5 hours, we were finally given the go ahead. Oh, but wait. some pricks wanted to get off and caused an even longer delay of the fllgiht actually leaving.

Finally got to Chicago at 10:00pm. Guess what time the flight to Copenhagen left? Yeah that's right, 10:00. Erica missed her flight along with 4 other people. One of those peeps turned out to be a girl from St. Joe named Kristen. We were both headed to Prague, me to live and her to visit. Needless to say, we joined forces to deal with the situation.

After whining to the United and SAS reps, we ended up booking flights the next day at 6:30pm to Frankfort and then on to Prague. United is a bunch of pricks so please avoid them at all costs. SAS is wonderful. They ended up giving us a hotel room to share and meal vouchers. A nice hotel with a cool new friend. Might be the end of a bad expeirence and the start of good.

After waking up the next day, Kristen and I decide to be adventurous and take the Metro into downtown Chicago. We had an amazingly fun time walking around and seeing the sights. Little did we know, the journey was going to get worse.

We made it on the flight on time and it was realitvey ok for being almost 8 hours long. Frakfort airport was a nice change from spending time in O'Hare. But as we were boarding the flight bound for Prague, We found out that United screwed up on my ticket. Of all the luck right. After a few frantic minutes of not knowing if I was goign to make the flight to Prague or not, the stewardesses allowed me on the plane. A brief hour later, Kristen and I arrived in Prague.

Well, the fun didn't stop there. Our baggage ended up lost somewhere in the great unknown. That delayed us from seeing if anyone was still waiting for us. Thakfully, our friends had reiceved our emails and were waiting for us when we finally left the baggage area.

All in all, Prague is amazing. My roommate Peter is funny and really helpful. I fell indebted to him already because he is taking me along wherever he goes. We do not have the internet right now so the internet cafe is where all the fun happens. Everything is fine though. I am in good sprits even though my bags are still lost and I have a friend who is teaching me Czech.

I have already been to my first Fotball game to cheer on our favorites, Prague Sparta. THere are two teams in Prague but we have to support Sparta because they are within a 10-15 minute walk from our flat. Oh, and you can walk around drinking beer and not get an open container! Beer is 1 USD here and is cheaper than buying water. I do not know if that is a good thing or not but hey, at least it's good beer.

Ok, I am ending this on a sappy note. I love and miss everyone. Prague is amazing be it would be better if you were here with me. I will write more later abour my flat and how amazing Prague is but I have written too much already. Dequay and Dobre den!!!

Finally getting around to that pesky packing...

Just now packing finally. Well, my cousin ELizabeth is here napping and I'm playing on the interent but I swear to you, there is a pile of things on the floor ready to be transported to the CZECH REPUBLIC (ooooo)!!!

I found out that Wal-Mart in Central Missouri does not carry travel adaptors/converters. THe lady there said that she has never even seen one. This just shows you that people in Central Missouri never get out. I cannot tell you how many people have asked me why I would want to go to the CR. It's almost like people do mot expect others to leave this area and see the world.

Oh, here's a pet peeve. I am going to the Czech Republic, not Czechloslavakia. That country has not existed for over 14 years! Sheesh, look at a new and improved map sometimes. It's almost like after the American Revolution somene calling the USA the American Colonies again.

Anywho, just packing and all that. Hopefully I will finish soon.

Whoa, slow down!!!

It is hard to believe that I have only one week before I leave the US and arrive in the CR. I am blown away by how fast the summer has flown and how much I still need to do. Well, considering that I have worked 60+ hours a week since the middle of June, I really haven't done much of anything.

I am really glad that everything is coming together though. My room is now set in stone and I seem to have some really great flatmates named Peter and Petra. All the travel guides that I ordered last week have now arrived live and well.

My List of Travel Guides:
Frommer's Prague (gift)
Lonley Planet Prague
Lonely Planet Eastern Europe
MTV Europe
MTV Italy
MTV Ireland (already owned)

It seems like a lot of books to take but I am also taking my Harry Potter book to read because I haven't had time due to my work schedule. As you can see, I post really early in the morning/late night. This is the only time that I have to myself and I try to use it wisely.

Tonight is my last night a Pizza Hut. I love that job so much b/c my coworkers are a hoot and my regulars are the sweetest people alive. I will miss them all so much!

I'm getting sleepy now. I worked a total of 14 hours today and I am beat. Also, I have to finish the movie 'Recruit.' Til next time!

15 days to go

My greatest Fear: Not being content in staying in Missouri after the semester is completed

My greatest Hope: To trod into the unknown and find myself strong and confident when I emerge


The visa/passport has finally arrived after I freaked out for 24 hours and 10 minutes. ISIC and Hostel card was bought last night to assure that I would have it before I left. Guidebooks are being bought as we speak.