Prague (part II)

The rest of my birthday was spent visiting the 'quartier du chateau' in Mala Strana or the castle neighborhood. It was here we saw Saint Vichys Cathedrale and the golden lane (which is suppose to be the oldest street in prague) The third day we toured a bohemian crystal factory in a nearby town. We saw people blowing the glass and then designing on the outside of vases, glasses, etc. It was a hot visit but neat to see in person how its done. As a parting gift, each person received a crystal heart (perhaps for valentines day). We also toured two museums; the Museum of Communism, where i saw a part of the Berlin Wall, and the Technical Museum which was about the history and developmennt of planes, trains, and automobiles. The best part about that museum for me was seeing an old train which looked like it came out of a western. The inside was decorated in wood and resembled a real house. If only we still traveled like that...During the week we also had free time when we could discover parts of Prague on our own (and not in a group of 50). It was during these times the professors and i would go shopping or get a cup of coffee and talk. It is very french to debate issues, and during one of our coffee breaks we sat for over an hour and a half discussing the potential new premiere ministre in France. It really puts Americans to shame how knowlegable French are about politics and news. It was also during this time that Jaques and I (jacques is an english prof) searched for amber jewelry. I found a very lovely green amber necklace and it was my purchase of Prague. It was so fun to window shop with him and find that 'perfect' piece of amber.

Memorable Moments
In the evenings, we occasionally had things planned for the students. Our last night in Prague, we all went out to the bars together. Alcohol is super cheap in the Czech Republic and there is no drinking age. I was dancing and drinking in the bar with kids who are 16! Since it was my birthday week, some of the kids bought me drinks and gave me the bises. It was a pretty fun evening, and the french comes so much easier after a cocktail or two = ) At the hotel, we met another group of french students who had come to visit the city. We got to talking and they thought i was Belgian. They were really confused when i started speaking in English to the staff! One day we ate at a restaurant in old town. It was a really rustic place owned by two Czech men. Since i had had it up to here with french, I started talking to them in English about the country and regular chit chat. At the end of our meal, they told me it was on the house. How sweet is that!? It really pays to be young and female especially when you travel = ) So for all of you young women out there, move your tucus and travel! FYI Its so much nicer to travel alone than with 45 students and 3 adults-so exhausting and you dont get to do what YOU want to. In retropspect, Prague was a wonderful experience and i am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go.