Week #2

Ahoj znovu! (Hello again!) Some of my “best guesses” have come from guessing what different Czech words mean. It really is as though you become five years old again when your native language is "pushed under the rug".

Laughter is a language everyone understands
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

 The daily struggle with language I have is not being able to understand a menu. Only one restaurant has offered a menu in English within Olomouc, otherwise I use my Google translate app to piece together what the menu says. Otherwise I have just been guessing and crossing my fingers that I will like what I just ordered! Side note: I do suggest getting that app. It does work without Wi-Fi, but the direct translations do not always make sense. None-the-less the app does help! Also, a lot of restaurants serve the same things and have a short menu. This helps the language barrier cause you will begin to recognize some of the words.

            It’s difficult to speak Czech cause you must get the pronunciation correct. The Czech people do not hear their language spoken with a different accent very much, so it’s hard for them to understand what you are saying. However, they do appreciate it when you try!

John Lennon Wall
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

            When you do talk to a local that speaks English, consider it as a “treat”. Especially here (in Olomouc) not many people know a great deal of English so there is a vast language barrier. However, I have ran into many locals that know a few common words in English such as yes, no, hello, and thank you. Additionally, we did learn that within the school system they are to take seven years of English. I have found that because of this it seems that the younger kids and teens are able to communication more with me then the adults around. It is true when they say, "if you don’t use it you will lose it".

            Many cafes, restaurants, and stores we have visited play American music. This is so interesting to me because I am not sure that those people know exactly what they are actually singing about. They will sing the words, but then when you ask them a question or order a meal they do not speak very much English. Also, I think that this may happen because they are “nervous” to speak a different language so they might just be avoiding the situation all together.

White hot chocolate on Easter morning

            When you walk into a place and the people start talking to you in Czech, stop them by politely saying “hello”. A lot of the time the person will giggle or laugh then say hi right back. It happened to me a few times where I

did not want to seem rude by interpreting them, so I let the person finish then I would say something in English. This just makes the person frustrated that you let them go on and you had no idea what they were saying. I was unsure about what to do, but a local told me that next time that happens to stop the person by simply greeting them. It just helps everyone be on the same page and it's a friendly way to start your conversation in English!

             Going to the grocery store (Globus) is a language battle too. When I first got here I needed shampoo and conditioner with deep conditioning strength, but all the labels were in Czech. The workers do not know what you are trying to ask for, so you just got to take your best guess. 

             Traveling really is all about your "best guesses," but that is the fun of it! The language barrier will not be practical and even uncomfortable, but that is okay. Until next week, Na shledanou!!

              

To travel is to have your childlike sense of wonder and adventure again. Once you step off that plane, you are suddenly five years old again! Not being able to read anything, you have the most rudimentary sense of how things work, and you can’t even reliably cross a street. Everything you do, your existence becomes a series of interesting “best guesses”! 
Welcome and here is an array of my “best guesses”!

Charles Bridge Hostel

Day 1:  After 3 flights, Kassidy and me landed in Prague! Our driver was waiting for us with a sign that had our names on it and 25 euros later we arrived at our hostel! The hostel was very accommodating and helped us with anything we needed. After checking in, we headed out to explore! We stayed at the Charles Bridge Hostel, which was a 15 second walk to the Charles Bridge. We shared our room with 5 other girls from all over the world and the room itself was beautiful! The city was full of beautiful buildings and history.

Day 2: We starting exploring at 9:00am and found our way back at 9:00pm! Only getting lost a few times and finding some cute coffee shops along the way. We still needed more adventure so we hopped on a random tram and realized that it takes you to point A to point B (does not take you around in a circle)! We found our way back and enjoyed a late dinner on the way.

Day 3: We meet the rest group at the airport, took a four-hour bus ride, and arrived to Olomouc about 8:00pm. After getting our keys we headed up to our flats and unpacked! My roommate is Kassidy McConville (stunning photographer and such a sweet gal)!  There are 8 of us girls sharing 2 bathrooms in our flat. So excited to see what the next 3 months have to offer!

Week One: Cultural Comparisons

Trying a Trdelnik from the Easter Market Sunday morning!
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

Dobrý den! It’s now been one week since we have arrived and I’ve experienced so much! I’ve definitely learned that there is no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this! Nebraska to Olomouc, from dirt roads to a concrete jungle the daily life couldn’t be more unique from each other! Food and drink in Olomouc is a complete 360 turn, especially when it comes to Nebraska beef! When you go out to eat, remember that water is not free (and usually costs more then beer). Ketchup is very “American,” they have their own sauce they put on foods and will cost you if you ask for ketchup. Also, be aware that when a restaurant is having live music, you may have a charge added onto your bill for the entertainment. Don’t be afraid to try new things or go to a different restaurant each time!

We were told that the people here do not smile as you pass them and overall that they will pretend to be “grumpy”. Where as in America, everyone pretends to be happy all the time. (Don’t get me wrong though, there are very nice Czech people and some do smile!) Make friends with the ISHA group that helps plan events for you because they can definitely help you out with just about anything. Also, don’t be afraid to try to talk to the locals!

Holy Hill
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

What is around you is so unique and beautiful. The buildings are timeless and there is so much history surrounding the city. Pay attention and soak up as much as you can on the tours about the history aspects of the city. It plays a major role in who the local people are and why they do what they do. Olomouc has multiple cathedrals that all take your breath away. My favorite one was a monumental church on Olomouc’s Holy Hill. Not only was the inside of the church alluring but the building and layout made a cross. Here the builds have so much detail and craftsmen ship put into them. It’s easy to fall in love with this city!

Keep an eye out for all the historical landmarks throughout the city too! Just like back home we have a few monuments, but they have so many more here. With such a rich history, it feels like each corner you turn there is something there! Travel is the best way to learn and for me has been most fun! You accumulate experiences and learn from exploring. My advice: let go and have fun with it!

Light-hearted pleasure exploring the city
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

When they say pack good walking shoes they aren’t kidding! Back home we have the freedom to easily take our vehicle wherever we need to go and whenever we need to go, but here most people use public transportation and especially walk! It’s something different, but it’s a good different!

Holy Hill
Courtesy of Kassidy McConville

Overall, the people, food, language, buildings, and history has been a lot to take in. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, it’s time to escape the ordinary. Recognize the cultural differences and embrace the detours. One of the best parts about this experience is trying new things and making memories with new friends.

                                                              

                                                            

            Here’s to the adventure I’ve had, the journeys I’ll make, and the friends I’ve made. Until next week, Na shledanou!! (goodbye in Czech)

To new friends

Courtesy of Kassidy McConville