Czech Please! Oh, wait...

   Well... First and foremost I would like to apologize for taking so long to write again. I have been extremely busy finishing up the course to receive my teaching certification, among other things. I was right when I said this would be a learning experience, because it certainly has. After about an extra week of added lesson planning and a grammar exam retake I have finally received my certification. Just when I thought things would possibly get easier I am now thrown into the real world without a regular routine to follow. So let's start from the beginning since I have not been following up as I should have.

   From October 15th until about November 12th, give or take a few extra days, I have been following a routine schedule where I would wake up and take the metro from Andel to Namesti Republiky. Namesti Republiky is where The Language House 'TLH' and SPUSA were located in the city center of Prague and Prague 1. TLH is the school I went to in order to receive my certification to teach english as a foreign language or (TEFL) abroad. The course wasn't cheap but I would have to admit that in the end I feel like it was well worth the investment and experience. My schedule in the course consisted of 9:30am-9pm program teaching you grammar and getting you prepared to teach english to foreigners. This consisted of long days where we would learn things from conditionals and tenses, to classroom conduct and management based on the level or degree you may be teaching here abroad. From lessons emphasizing on phonetics and pronunciation, to listening, reading, speaking, and writing exercises, were just a few of the many things we did for an average of 8 hours a day or more. Most days were only 4-5 hours of being in the classroom to another 2-3 hours of rushing around and preparing to teach that evenings lesson. Let me tell you that the workload becomes fairly overwhelming the further you get into the course, as you will literally be preparing the following lesson as soon as you finish teaching the previous one from that evening. Since I had the course in Prague 1 and lived in Andel which is Prague 5 I had to take a tram or metro back home which could take about 15-20 minutes, but half the time I would catch some wifi at the nearest pub or cafe to begin preparing and teaching the following day. The easiest thing to compare the TEFL program too is college finals but for an entire month. We are bombarded with information right away but the staff at TLH are very helpful and try to keep you on your toes. The other thing is they are constantly in touch and willing to respond to any and every question you may have in or outside of the course. 

   It is actually really awkward being finished with the course and not having a schedule like I had before to follow. I sometimes feel myself in a daze wondering if I am supposed to go to TLH or not but then come to my senses realizing its all over now and only have myself to rely on to find a job, a cheaper apartment to live in and begin finalizing the paperwork for my 'Zivno' or work visa. I currently have an interview scheduled for December 10th in Bratislava located in Slovakia. Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia where a Czech Embassy is located in which I will have to go through an interview in order to receive the legal papers to stay in the country. After a day train/bus ride to Bratislava I will have to return to Prague but prior to my departure I intend on aggressively pursuing a job teaching either private lessons or seeking public/private schools to teach at. The unfortunate thing is the end of November and December is pretty much a dead-zone for teaching here in Prague. I have a week and a half before my Zivno interview so I really intend on pursuing not only teaching but possibly even journalism, bar tending, or maybe even a manny job or male nanny :-). The summer before my departure I actually was a nanny to my two little brothers Kellan and Brogan and helped out with my step-mothers mom as she prepared for her weekly cancer treatment. At night I would bar tend and work security full time at a bar located in Wisconsin Dells called Showboat Saloon. Thankfully Eddie and the rest of the crew gave me plenty of hours and a flexible schedule in which I was able to save up enough to get where I am today, but I figured that since I don't have much more money or time I might as well try every avenue possible while I am here. 

In the meantime I will be keeping my fingers crossed for a real job, and trying to post regularly now that I have plenty of time on my hands. 

Thanks for reading...Peace, 

JP

Fall season @ Praha and in Louvre

Dobry Den,

    There are too many adjectives that could be used to describe this city. I believe I found one of the best kept secrets in Europe, and let me tell you I am taking full advantage of it. I truly feel like Anthony Bourdain from 'No Reservations' on the Travel Channel. I am constantly trying exotic and unique cuisines, meeting local's within the community, and working my way from place to place exploring this vast city in Central Europe. As I sit in Cafe Louvre, where various prominent figures such as Albert Einstein, Franz Kafka, and Karel Capek visited before I wonder what things this city has in store for me. I could tell you dozens of things that have already happened or the various people I have come across but I'd rather tell you about some things I have noticed since I've arrived. 

   Listed below are some unique things I've noticed that you might not realize right away upon visiting the city. What I'm talking about are some customs that the people here do or just unique lifestyles that I am not used to. So here's a list of ten things that made me ponder:

1. They don't have dryers!!! After I wash my clothes I have to hang it up throughout my room or in the bathroom on a metal rack and air dry. 

2. Many people own pets. Especially dogs. However, the majority of people that walk there dog everywhere are never wearing a leash. They just do there own thing but are still extremely aware and obedient to their master. I am sure that the owner's train their dogs themselves but one afternoon I walked to a neighborhood on the south side of Prague and there was a large dog training park. I believe it was available to the public but I did see someone teaching an owner and there pet various commands. 

3. The beer here or (pivo) is cheap. Like really cheap. The average beer is 30-40 cent kc which is about a 1.50. Sometimes you can get beer for less. Especially at a grocery store. I got a bottle for 9 cent kc. 

4. Liquor in general is cheap. 

5. Everyone is very quiet. And humble. You can tell who the foreigners are; particularly Americans because they tend to be loud and obnoxious. Yes I am guilty but have been trying to blend in with everyone. I actually have been approached by many Czech's when I am on the tram or at any public transport and have been asked a few questions. So I would just smile, shake my head and apologize saying, "I am American, English."The Czech language is very similar to Polish and is very difficult to learn. I only know basic phrases and words but that's it. I am still in the process of learning some Czech with some lessons provided by the school. 

6. People here are very affectionate. And sexuality is common and very open. You may walk around the city and see a couple passionately going at it, which is completely normal. Sex in general is very public and isn't hidden as advertisements are everywhere for cabaret's among other things.

7. They are very conservative with the use of electricity and energy in general. And keep few lights on.  

8. Everyone recycles, and are particular with disposing them. There are receptacles everywhere around the city. And many 'waste management' workers go around and sweep or clean up the city everyday. 

9. Clubs are open late. Really late. You also normally see people drinking in public and on the streets or trams as the policie just stand by and serve and protect the people. In America they scare and intimidate. They're actually very friendly and are primarily making sure no harm is brought upon anyone. Other than that they normally just stand there and people watch.  

10. I walk everywhere and if I need a ride I can use any metro, bus, or tram line. They are everywhere and go everywhere. The furthest you would have to walk would be only a couple hundred meters at most. I prefer walking but the public transportation is safe, efficient, and always on time. 

   That's just about it, and I could list more but I'm sure you get what I am trying to explain and share regarding customs and lifestyles. There is a big difference but not that big, which is why I think it's fascinating just seeing the human condition in motion. Just because I am from America truly doesn't make me much different than anyone else, I knew that already, obviously; but being thrown into a place that is unfamiliar and actually seeing it has definitely opened up my eyes more. With that I leave you again, as I have just wrapped up my first week of the program and have to prepare my first lesson that I teach on Monday. 

Na Shledanou, 

J.P. 

New Country, New Home

Ahoj!! (Hello)

   Well...after a long venture from Chicago O'hare to JFK and a 24hr layover. I now find myself in the beautiful city of Prague. It was certainly a long journey and an uncomfortable one at that, at least when I was stuck in a terminal for over 24hrs, but it paid off in the end. My Aunt was able to hook me up with a good deal however it was standby so it became a waiting game with no guarantee's. It all worked out in the end though as I luckily snatched the final seat on a plane to Prague which fortunately was placed in 1st class. The journey over was extremely comfortable as I indulged into free drinks and a four course meal after munching on granola bars and almonds all day at JFK.

   I arrived in Prague 7+ hours later well rested with a full belly and made my way to baggage claim where I realized I had no luggage waiting for me. After a confusing conversation with the Delta Airlines rep I gathered my reference number and made my way to the exit where a gentlemen was standing with my sign anxiously waiting to take me to my accommodation. A short 25 min. drive later I was in Prague 1 near the city center where I met Marketa, Jeri (sorry if I am misspelling your name), and my new roommate Allison. Marketa quickly showed us around the apartment before taking off to work, as Allison and I became more acquainted deciding what we wanted to do. Since it was late and we were both very tired we went to a local store to get some food and made our way back to the apartment where we attempted to cook the meal. The instructions were in Czech but we figured it out and enjoyed our first meal in a new city. Afterwards we found a nice pub a short distance away before crashing in our cozy beds awaiting a new day where we can explore the city.

   Today Allison and I will explore the city. Until next time

Peace,
J.P.