So, I'm pretty sure I did something serious to my left ankle/knee, but Prague is still wonderful. Yesterday I spent the day getting terribly lost and spending way too much money on junk (I'm honestly not sure if I spent too much money. I lost track. The exchange rate is too awkward. Maybe only 40 euro? 50 dollars?). I went to the St. Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
Coming to Prague I knew way too little. Like, pretty much nothing. So, I felt pretty stupid. But, whatever, it worked out. I managed to find St. Charles bridge pretty quickly. I honestly fround it a little underwhelming. But... it was sure gorgeous. i took a lot of nice pictures, and bought Kyndal THE PERFECT gift. I had assumed that i would find her something in the Mozart shops in Vienna. But this is perfect :)
I took the longest walk in the world up to Prague Castle. At the time I had no idea what I was walking towards. I had seen something pretty from the bridge and I just kinda walked towards it. The old town was gorgeous. So colorful. I really appreciated the colors a lot. That's the main difference between Vienna and Prague, I think. Yes, the general architecture is different, but as someone who knows nothing about that...Prague is a lot more colorful.
When I finally got to the Castle, I embarressed myself by asking a random police officer what it was. He looked at me like I had problems, and was like "Prague Castle." I felt cool.
I did the audio tour. It was epic. Note pictures on Facebook.
I then took a long walk towards the metro through a really pretty park. It's not fair, the parks in Europe. Paige and I always argue about living in the city vs suburbs. If she could see these parks and how gorgeous down town is... she wouldn't mind the city that much... I'm sure. I found the subway, and then go lost trying to find the apartment. But it all worked out.
Gabi took me outt o dinner with one of her Czech lawyer friends. It was good. I had chicken with pasta and pear pie for dessert. The pie was AMAZING.
And can I mention how great the wine is?
Today I stayed in. My ankle was pretty swollen this morning... it seems better, but my knee is also acting up. Hopefully it will be better by tomorrow... I really want to see the Jewish area, and the old town square and the clock.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
First night in Prague
Okay. Just got to Prague. Staying with family I've never met.
Super awesome so far.
I almost missed the bus because I ended up talking with SOMEONE for 4 hours on Skype this morning (Paige).
But I managed to get my bus ticket printed out and send my package and get to the bus on time. I did a really terrible packing job, took out the the garbage, and left. I think I almsot died getting to the bus stop. I had my backpack, my guitar (of course) and my purse (inside a bigger purse). Doesn't sound that bad... but it was. BUT, I'm alive. So... it's good..
The bus ride was good. Boring, but it could have been worse. For the first half I watched Corpse Bride in English. I know it's Tim Burton... but... it wasn't that bad. Unfortunately, I missed the climax when we stopped at a gas station. Mostly just listened to a lot of podcasts. I forgot my crocheting. That would have been nice to have... I just played Solitare.
Once I got to Prague, I was greeted by Gabriela - my dad's brother's wife's sister. She is lovely. She gave me way too much food and way too much wine. Both in the best possible way. The apartment is beautiful and I have internet. They are super nice and it seems to be going well. What else could I ask for? Oh, that's right. A working bathtub. Which I have :)
(Speaking of, in preparation for this trip, I picked up some travel sized shampoo and conditioner from Bath and Body works. Mashed banana. Soooo excited.)
Annnnd, their three dogs are crazy adorable and sweet. They're little bull dogs. Super cute and really attentive, but not in an annoying way. Completely perfect.
Also, Michaela's dad has invited me to go stay with him in rural Czech Republic at some point. Maybe Thanksgiving?
I'm super excited to be here. I feel less homesick being with family. Even if I don't really know them well. It's nice :)
Super awesome so far.
I almost missed the bus because I ended up talking with SOMEONE for 4 hours on Skype this morning (Paige).
But I managed to get my bus ticket printed out and send my package and get to the bus on time. I did a really terrible packing job, took out the the garbage, and left. I think I almsot died getting to the bus stop. I had my backpack, my guitar (of course) and my purse (inside a bigger purse). Doesn't sound that bad... but it was. BUT, I'm alive. So... it's good..
The bus ride was good. Boring, but it could have been worse. For the first half I watched Corpse Bride in English. I know it's Tim Burton... but... it wasn't that bad. Unfortunately, I missed the climax when we stopped at a gas station. Mostly just listened to a lot of podcasts. I forgot my crocheting. That would have been nice to have... I just played Solitare.
Once I got to Prague, I was greeted by Gabriela - my dad's brother's wife's sister. She is lovely. She gave me way too much food and way too much wine. Both in the best possible way. The apartment is beautiful and I have internet. They are super nice and it seems to be going well. What else could I ask for? Oh, that's right. A working bathtub. Which I have :)
(Speaking of, in preparation for this trip, I picked up some travel sized shampoo and conditioner from Bath and Body works. Mashed banana. Soooo excited.)
Annnnd, their three dogs are crazy adorable and sweet. They're little bull dogs. Super cute and really attentive, but not in an annoying way. Completely perfect.
Also, Michaela's dad has invited me to go stay with him in rural Czech Republic at some point. Maybe Thanksgiving?
I'm super excited to be here. I feel less homesick being with family. Even if I don't really know them well. It's nice :)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
First night at the Opera: La Forza del Destino
I went to the opera for the first time tonight. It was lovely.
I saw Verdi's La Forza del Destino. I left the apartment around 6ish. Took the u-bahn. I was feeling lazy... it's only a 20min walk... but my feet are still killing me from an unfortunate shoe accident from yesterday.
I got there around 6:15 and stood in the student ticket line. I just kinda chilled out and listened to a podcast. Around 7:15 they let us go up and buy tickets. Maybe it's because I don't speak German, but it felt like they just kind of demanded money and didn't give me any idea of what I was buying.
But I paid 12 dollards for a 3rd row ticket... so it's okay. I was only the second seat in, but the place was so small that it didn't really matter. I don't mean small in a bad way. Everything in Europe is small... But it was one of the smaller theaters I've been in. That didn't stop me from crying when I walking into the hall though...
I'm so geeky.
I also took a short video during intermission that I might try to put on Facebook. Everyone was taking pictures, so I figured it would be okay. About 3 minutes into that I got yelled at... but I still got a decent video.
The opera was good. A tradgedy. I knew nothing about it going in. The jist of it is that death is salvation by God. It had a lot of religious undertones. Over overtones. Just all-aroundtones, really.
I wasn't a fan of the director. It was really modern (which I really dislike in most opera). Everything was black and white. Except for the cowboy scene, which was red. Yes. It had a cowboy scene. Why? I'm not sure. Some awkward message about war in America, I think. It didn't really come across to me.
I walked back. My feet didn't appriciate. But it's only a 20 minute walk through main town. And everything is so pretty!
I bought Pistachio gelato (my current favorite)
It was a good night.
I saw Verdi's La Forza del Destino. I left the apartment around 6ish. Took the u-bahn. I was feeling lazy... it's only a 20min walk... but my feet are still killing me from an unfortunate shoe accident from yesterday.
I got there around 6:15 and stood in the student ticket line. I just kinda chilled out and listened to a podcast. Around 7:15 they let us go up and buy tickets. Maybe it's because I don't speak German, but it felt like they just kind of demanded money and didn't give me any idea of what I was buying.
But I paid 12 dollards for a 3rd row ticket... so it's okay. I was only the second seat in, but the place was so small that it didn't really matter. I don't mean small in a bad way. Everything in Europe is small... But it was one of the smaller theaters I've been in. That didn't stop me from crying when I walking into the hall though...
I'm so geeky.
I also took a short video during intermission that I might try to put on Facebook. Everyone was taking pictures, so I figured it would be okay. About 3 minutes into that I got yelled at... but I still got a decent video.
The opera was good. A tradgedy. I knew nothing about it going in. The jist of it is that death is salvation by God. It had a lot of religious undertones. Over overtones. Just all-aroundtones, really.
I wasn't a fan of the director. It was really modern (which I really dislike in most opera). Everything was black and white. Except for the cowboy scene, which was red. Yes. It had a cowboy scene. Why? I'm not sure. Some awkward message about war in America, I think. It didn't really come across to me.
I walked back. My feet didn't appriciate. But it's only a 20 minute walk through main town. And everything is so pretty!
I bought Pistachio gelato (my current favorite)
It was a good night.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The Belvedere +
I'm behind on blogging.
On Wednesday I went to The Belvedere. It was amazing. Probably my favorite thing I've seen in Austria so far. It was crazy gorgeous. It's a huge Palace that was owned by Prince Eugene. He was notoriously short and ugly and could therefore find no one to marry. So, he became a military caption, conquered many towns, became very rich, and built himself a palace. He died with no heir (remember: short and ugly), so The Belvedere went to the state. They turned it into a gallery. Now, it's a huge art museum. The best parts are as follows:
1) The Frescos. Super amazing. We couldn't take pictures inside, so I can't show you... but wow. Forget the art, go to the Belvedere for the frescos.
2) When you take the stairs up to the 1st floor you come out into this ballroom (although every room in the Upper Belvedere feels like a ballroom). It is gorgeous. It has gigantic ceilings and a beautiful fresco and is is altogether fantastic. Once again, no pictures. BUT, the best part of the ballroom is that on the far side, by the windows, are what I can only describe as velvet covered exercise balls that are to be used as seats (this place is huge and you need to take breaks ever so often and sit down). They were fun.
3) On the top floor, there is this random narrow hallway that connects the two wings. It's painted purple with blue accents and is really uiber modern. it even has modern style chairs. It's really awkward.
4) The GARDENS!!! Even though it was kinda dreary when we went, the gardens were my favorite part. Flowers, fountains... You can so imagine people courting each o0ther. Having their chaperons following from a distance as they wind through the maze of gardens. Very lovely. I did get pictures of this.
So, that's the Belvedere. I also did a short video blog while I was there.
Since then, I have taken two German finals. YAY German Intensive is done. I feel really good about both of the tests. It's good I think. I also think I might be taking (GASP!) a non music class for the semester. I'm taking private lessons, Music Theory, Mahler, and MAYBE a sociology class. Which I think would be really good for me, considering that I think I might actually be interested in sociology. Which, by the way, is a non-musical subject. I think I might be becoming more well-rounded. They told me I would start questioning deeper issues...
Also, yesterday I tried Potato Rounds at Austrian McDonald's. Oh. My. Goodness. And have I mentioned how addicted I am do dürrüm? I am going to miss the food here so much.
ANNNNND, I am officially confirmed for Prague. Which is really excited. I leave on Wednesday and come back on Sunday. It's gonna be good.
On Wednesday I went to The Belvedere. It was amazing. Probably my favorite thing I've seen in Austria so far. It was crazy gorgeous. It's a huge Palace that was owned by Prince Eugene. He was notoriously short and ugly and could therefore find no one to marry. So, he became a military caption, conquered many towns, became very rich, and built himself a palace. He died with no heir (remember: short and ugly), so The Belvedere went to the state. They turned it into a gallery. Now, it's a huge art museum. The best parts are as follows:
1) The Frescos. Super amazing. We couldn't take pictures inside, so I can't show you... but wow. Forget the art, go to the Belvedere for the frescos.
2) When you take the stairs up to the 1st floor you come out into this ballroom (although every room in the Upper Belvedere feels like a ballroom). It is gorgeous. It has gigantic ceilings and a beautiful fresco and is is altogether fantastic. Once again, no pictures. BUT, the best part of the ballroom is that on the far side, by the windows, are what I can only describe as velvet covered exercise balls that are to be used as seats (this place is huge and you need to take breaks ever so often and sit down). They were fun.
3) On the top floor, there is this random narrow hallway that connects the two wings. It's painted purple with blue accents and is really uiber modern. it even has modern style chairs. It's really awkward.
4) The GARDENS!!! Even though it was kinda dreary when we went, the gardens were my favorite part. Flowers, fountains... You can so imagine people courting each o0ther. Having their chaperons following from a distance as they wind through the maze of gardens. Very lovely. I did get pictures of this.
So, that's the Belvedere. I also did a short video blog while I was there.
Since then, I have taken two German finals. YAY German Intensive is done. I feel really good about both of the tests. It's good I think. I also think I might be taking (GASP!) a non music class for the semester. I'm taking private lessons, Music Theory, Mahler, and MAYBE a sociology class. Which I think would be really good for me, considering that I think I might actually be interested in sociology. Which, by the way, is a non-musical subject. I think I might be becoming more well-rounded. They told me I would start questioning deeper issues...
Also, yesterday I tried Potato Rounds at Austrian McDonald's. Oh. My. Goodness. And have I mentioned how addicted I am do dürrüm? I am going to miss the food here so much.
ANNNNND, I am officially confirmed for Prague. Which is really excited. I leave on Wednesday and come back on Sunday. It's gonna be good.
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Open Mic
Ohmygoodness.
So. Sunday, I went to Stadtpark, which was gorgeous and amazing and I can't wait to go back. No pictures yet.
That night, Theresa and I went to this Australian bar where I had been told there is an open mic. There wasn't. So, we ended up hanging out in Austrian, in an Australian bar, run by Irishmen. It was really entertaining and international. We had amazing french fries (aka "Chips"). They recommended me another couple of bars which might have open mics starting around the time that school starts. So... hopefully that'll workout.
So. Sunday, I went to Stadtpark, which was gorgeous and amazing and I can't wait to go back. No pictures yet.
That night, Theresa and I went to this Australian bar where I had been told there is an open mic. There wasn't. So, we ended up hanging out in Austrian, in an Australian bar, run by Irishmen. It was really entertaining and international. We had amazing french fries (aka "Chips"). They recommended me another couple of bars which might have open mics starting around the time that school starts. So... hopefully that'll workout.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Naschmarkt
Went to the Naschmarkt today. Very cool. We ate lunch, I bought some bread, and I did the flea market thing. Bought a pair of retro yellow clip-on earrings and a boho bag. The food part of it was super cool. I didn't really buy anything because it all seemed pretty expensive. But, still. Super cool. Olives, and spices, and desserts, and sauces... Vegetables, and fruit... So much better than Pike's Place.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Light Switches
Today I went on a guided tour of the Natural History Museum. It was awesome. My german teacher's husband used to work their for 15 years so we got cool special privilages. He showed us through the minerals exhibit and the dinosours. Super interesting and cool. I'm never been into jewlery before, but these jewels were gorgeous. And the dinos! Awesome. And then, because he's awesome, he took us up several flights of strais that are not open to the public, down a hall lines with human skulls, and out onto the roof top of the building. SO EPIC. Tons of pictures coming.
I went to Billa, came home, attempted to take a bath, took a shower instead, and am planning napping so I can go out later.
I keep talking to other kids in IES about how epic Austria is, and I don't think I'm on the same page as them. I'm wowed by the trees, and the light switches, and the windows. The buildings are epic - don't get me wrong. But the LIGHT SWITCHES!!!!!
I went to Billa, came home, attempted to take a bath, took a shower instead, and am planning napping so I can go out later.
I keep talking to other kids in IES about how epic Austria is, and I don't think I'm on the same page as them. I'm wowed by the trees, and the light switches, and the windows. The buildings are epic - don't get me wrong. But the LIGHT SWITCHES!!!!!
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