I spent my last day here in Prague in a wonderful place. A place that gave me hope for the disabled of Prague. Erik (the guy Kate and I met yesterday) met us at the University and took us to Vysehrad. There we went to a facility that was remodeled and very accessible. It was a school for the disabled. It had a living area for people who were attending the school. Of course, they are on break so I didn't get to see any kids, but I met some very involved and very caring people who worked there. There was a program there Asistence, that helps people get jobs and personal assistants to help them.
We met the director of the documentary, Tomas Skrdlant. He set up his camera for the interview that he had asked us to be a part of in a pretty park right by the school. He had a very gentle manner and was so easy to talk to. We spent over an hour talking and filming the interviews. He even interviewed Kate. Then we saw the school together and the we all sat down and had coffee. During the interview I met another guy named Jakub, who has cerebral Palsey that also works for this program. We talked quite awhile about our experiences. This is what I had been longing for. I had really wanted to connect with the disabled world here in Prague and now--when my time is over, I meet these interesting people. We lingered with our conversations not really wanting it to end. I learned a lot on this excursion. I learned that there is a group of people who are trying to change things. Things are going slow--but they are hoping for faster progress. By making this documentary about the accessibility of Prague, they hope to persuade the elected officials of the city to take notice. I'm just a stranger in a strange land--and didn't really know what I was "stumbling" into when I came here. When I saw the lack of accessibility and barriers everywhere, I felt a strong urge to want to help. I had no idea that I would be able to. I did write my editorial for the Prague Post (an english newspaper published weekly here in Prague) and hope to send it in. It will be a great honor for me if I do indeed help them make a difference.
After spending the time at the school Erik took Kate and I around the area. It was the sight for the oldest castle in Prague. (but the castle is no longer there) It had a beautiful park that had some nice vistas of the city. We spent time meandering around just enjoying the greenery. I've really missed the nature of Colorado. It's hard to see any grass or trees in Prague unless you happen across some nooks--and there might be a lovely little park right in the city. This park was huge. There was also an old church that was beautiful. We went into the cemetery there and I was astonished at the gravestones there. It was so unique. I got to see the grave sight of the composer Dvorak. I was told all the important people of Prague are buried there. I would have loved to spend more time there and really see it but our time was limited. We had to get back for our closing party.
We were a little late in getting to the party because we had to wait for an accessible bus to get us to where the party was. I hadn't eaten since breakfast so I was hungry. I couldn't resist heading to McDonald's that was across from the bus stop. We had over 30 minutes to wait--so in we went. I was so amused by the "McWalk" window they had on the outside. There were no drive thru's. This window (which looked a little like a drive thru--but no speakers) you just walked up to and ordered your food and got it outside of the restaurant. I got a photo of it and will post it on FB later. Erik said that McDonalds always had accessible restaurants and bathrooms. He said that they often hired disabled people to work there also. (way to go Micky D's)
We did finally make it to the party and got to visit with all of our new old friends. Everyone wanted to hear about the interview and how it went. I am going to be sad to be leaving the people I have met. Hana, the in country coordinator has worked so hard to get me here and help me when the times were tough. My workshop group is a close group and I hope to keep in contact with many of them. With my new friends at Asistence I hope to keep in touch with as I find out when the documentary will be aired and if there is anything more I can do to help.
It's been an adventure. Maybe not what I had expected--but still full of challenges, fun and meeting new people. I'm not sure that I will be returning to Prague anytime soon. Perhaps when that "revolution" for the disabled occurs I will come back to celebrate it with them. Prague sort of made up its indifference to me today but putting those new people in my life. I guess I can forgive--but I will never forget.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Ready for my Close Up
Well...I've almost been here a month. My time is almost up. I wish I could say how sad I will be to leave this place--but it's not true. The curbs and cobblestones, negotiating tram tracks, rude and uncaring tram drivers, buildings with endless stairs I will not miss. These have been some of the things that have made my journey difficult. It's been a real test for me. I always thought I was so sure and confident but I found out here, I wasn't always. At times I really felt vulnerable--something I'm not really comfortable with. I was sometimes dependent and I didn't like that either. These felt uncomfortable yet I was able to get through it.
One of the things I will truly miss are the people I've met here. Some of the women I have met have worked their way into my heart with their passion for writing, ability to have fun and quirky-ness. We've shared our stories and our secrets with one another and have become a sort of family. I treasure these new friendships and hope they carry on long after I leave here.
I wanted to get out one last time today so Kate came to my dorm so we could take an excursion on the Metro. We had picked out a place that had a beautiful park in Vysehrad. It required that me make a change of lines at the metro. It seemed like it should be simple but it turned out it wasn't. We couldn't find the handicapped entrance to the other line--you'd think it would be right next to the other line. Kate went off in search while I waited. She returned with no good news--she couldn't find it. I said I see a guy in a wheelchair so maybe he knows where it is--if he speaks english, that is.
Well, it happened that he and his friend that was with him did speak english--very well. He told us that it was a little complicated to get to the other metro stop but told us the general direction. We began to talk and I found out that he was a teacher of social studies. His name was Radek and his friend was Erik. They were both actually waiting to meet with a director for a documentary they were making about the accessibility of Prague. I couldn't believe it! I told him I had a few things to say about it and that I had written and editorial that I hoped to send to the Prague Post. I shared about my frustrations with the trams, and the transportation schedule--everything that I have been sharing on this blog. Erik was the director for a group that helped the disabled get jobs. They said if I could wait around a bit that we should go with them to be interviewed. There would be about five other disabled people there also. We went trekking down the street quite a ways to where this new elevator had been put in near a school. Radek said that they had to get 10,000 signatures to get the money to have it built. It's the first one since 2006 that had been constructed. There I met two girls in power wheelchairs. They had been past students of Radek's. One had just graduated from college and was going to teach elementary school.
It turned out the the director did not want to do any interviews there because it was noisey and not a good backdrop anyway. I agreed to come back to Vysehrad (that's where their office is--and Radek's school where he teaches) tomorrow afternoon for an interview. So, I may be on some Czech documentary about accessiblity--if I don't end up on the cutting room floor. I'm looking forward to seeing the school. It was just serendipity that our paths would cross. I felt I had wanted to try to make a difference here--maybe this was my chance. I wish I would have met them sooner as I think I would have learned a lot about the city and how to get around in it. Radek did say that it was much better than 20 years ago. I told him I hated to think what it was like back then. I told him about the ADA in America and how we just celebrated the 20th anniversary. He said " so you see, it is possible to live here." But I thought--it's not living if you are excluded with countless barriers. I wish them luck with tearing down those barriers.
One of the things I will truly miss are the people I've met here. Some of the women I have met have worked their way into my heart with their passion for writing, ability to have fun and quirky-ness. We've shared our stories and our secrets with one another and have become a sort of family. I treasure these new friendships and hope they carry on long after I leave here.
I wanted to get out one last time today so Kate came to my dorm so we could take an excursion on the Metro. We had picked out a place that had a beautiful park in Vysehrad. It required that me make a change of lines at the metro. It seemed like it should be simple but it turned out it wasn't. We couldn't find the handicapped entrance to the other line--you'd think it would be right next to the other line. Kate went off in search while I waited. She returned with no good news--she couldn't find it. I said I see a guy in a wheelchair so maybe he knows where it is--if he speaks english, that is.
Well, it happened that he and his friend that was with him did speak english--very well. He told us that it was a little complicated to get to the other metro stop but told us the general direction. We began to talk and I found out that he was a teacher of social studies. His name was Radek and his friend was Erik. They were both actually waiting to meet with a director for a documentary they were making about the accessibility of Prague. I couldn't believe it! I told him I had a few things to say about it and that I had written and editorial that I hoped to send to the Prague Post. I shared about my frustrations with the trams, and the transportation schedule--everything that I have been sharing on this blog. Erik was the director for a group that helped the disabled get jobs. They said if I could wait around a bit that we should go with them to be interviewed. There would be about five other disabled people there also. We went trekking down the street quite a ways to where this new elevator had been put in near a school. Radek said that they had to get 10,000 signatures to get the money to have it built. It's the first one since 2006 that had been constructed. There I met two girls in power wheelchairs. They had been past students of Radek's. One had just graduated from college and was going to teach elementary school.
It turned out the the director did not want to do any interviews there because it was noisey and not a good backdrop anyway. I agreed to come back to Vysehrad (that's where their office is--and Radek's school where he teaches) tomorrow afternoon for an interview. So, I may be on some Czech documentary about accessiblity--if I don't end up on the cutting room floor. I'm looking forward to seeing the school. It was just serendipity that our paths would cross. I felt I had wanted to try to make a difference here--maybe this was my chance. I wish I would have met them sooner as I think I would have learned a lot about the city and how to get around in it. Radek did say that it was much better than 20 years ago. I told him I hated to think what it was like back then. I told him about the ADA in America and how we just celebrated the 20th anniversary. He said " so you see, it is possible to live here." But I thought--it's not living if you are excluded with countless barriers. I wish them luck with tearing down those barriers.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Czech traffic Jam
I understand why so many people here use the public transportation. If you don't have to wait for the accessible buses and trams, it seems quite easy and efficient. However, there are plenty of cars out there. I can't seem to understand their driving rules. There are no stop signs at corners as the cars just plow through without barely looking. People just walk into cross walks and the traffic is just supposed to stop. There are actual cross walks at the busier two lane roads. I try to stay with using those--as I hustle myself across before the tweeting sound goes slow again. I guess they give that noise (like at home) for the visually impaired so they know when to cross. I don't see how they don't stumble over the many cracks and bumps of the cobblestones.
Traffic seems to merge at will--left turners just get out there and turn in front of oncoming traffic including trams. Sometimes I see cars driving on the tram tracks and I can't help but wonder what would happen if a tram came on the tracks. I actually saw this happen a week ago. I think a tourist mistakenly went on the street that was only a stop for trams--and here one came. He moved the car out of the way and was trying to back out when another one came in the opposite direction. This would be my driving nightmare. He ended up going up on the sidewalk so the trams could pass. He had to have been a tourist. The roads are so narrow I can't believe we don't hit cars while riding a bus through them. The trams while passing each other going opposite ways pass so incredibly close that I could swear we are going to collide. One thing though, I really haven't seen too many traffic accidents. I hear sirens of police and ambulances blaring frequently but I always think that someone got hit by a tram. It seems like people do not pay attention the just go out in the street right when it's coming. I haven't seen it happen--but I think it did when I see an ambulance fly by. I sure look long and hard before I roll out there.
They are making changes on the roads here constantly so they have been changing tram schedules a lot. The tram that I catch to go the Ypsilon theater where the readings are, was removed from that stop. It was going to be too complicated trying to figure out how to get there so I had them set up this taxi service for the disabled (a wheelchair van) to take me to the theater and then pick me up and return me home a few hours later. Catching it at night has been great. Before I used them it took me two hours to get back to the dorm--and waiting late at night at a bus stop was a little scary. So, a guy shows up with the van at 7:00. It's not too far and I should have gotten there in 20 to 30 minutes tops. We start out and once we get near the main part of town--there is gridlock. We sat in one spot for at least 10 minutes. No one was really moving. I assumed that this mess was from all of the road work they were doing--but this was ridiculous!! It was already 7:30 and we were still near the university--with quite a ways to go. As the time ticked on and we moved very little I decided to tell the guy to just go back. I was being picked up at 9:00--and at this rate I wouldn't even be there yet. The only problem was he didn't speak english and I didn't speak czech. (I had dropped out of my survival czech class) I took out my iphone and went to my czech dictionary app. I looked up the words "go back" and found them in czech and showed it to him. He pointed to the opposite direction we were going and I said" yes--dorm". He understood and headed back to the dorm. That app. has helped me more than once here. I only wish it said the word for you because seeing it and saying it are nothing alike. I didn't get to go to the readings and it still cost me $15 for the trip. If it's still a cluster ^*&^% on Thursday for the readings I won't even attempt going.
On a good note. I found a real hamburger for dinner last night. It was in a nice czech pub that I found somewhere near the dorm. It kind of reminded me of a Chilis or something like it. The burger was big and juicy and made out of real ground beef. Just to make sure I did have to ask the waitress what kind of meat it was. I didn't want to be surprised again. I couldn't even eat it all. I'll probably bring some of my friends there before we leave.
Traffic seems to merge at will--left turners just get out there and turn in front of oncoming traffic including trams. Sometimes I see cars driving on the tram tracks and I can't help but wonder what would happen if a tram came on the tracks. I actually saw this happen a week ago. I think a tourist mistakenly went on the street that was only a stop for trams--and here one came. He moved the car out of the way and was trying to back out when another one came in the opposite direction. This would be my driving nightmare. He ended up going up on the sidewalk so the trams could pass. He had to have been a tourist. The roads are so narrow I can't believe we don't hit cars while riding a bus through them. The trams while passing each other going opposite ways pass so incredibly close that I could swear we are going to collide. One thing though, I really haven't seen too many traffic accidents. I hear sirens of police and ambulances blaring frequently but I always think that someone got hit by a tram. It seems like people do not pay attention the just go out in the street right when it's coming. I haven't seen it happen--but I think it did when I see an ambulance fly by. I sure look long and hard before I roll out there.
They are making changes on the roads here constantly so they have been changing tram schedules a lot. The tram that I catch to go the Ypsilon theater where the readings are, was removed from that stop. It was going to be too complicated trying to figure out how to get there so I had them set up this taxi service for the disabled (a wheelchair van) to take me to the theater and then pick me up and return me home a few hours later. Catching it at night has been great. Before I used them it took me two hours to get back to the dorm--and waiting late at night at a bus stop was a little scary. So, a guy shows up with the van at 7:00. It's not too far and I should have gotten there in 20 to 30 minutes tops. We start out and once we get near the main part of town--there is gridlock. We sat in one spot for at least 10 minutes. No one was really moving. I assumed that this mess was from all of the road work they were doing--but this was ridiculous!! It was already 7:30 and we were still near the university--with quite a ways to go. As the time ticked on and we moved very little I decided to tell the guy to just go back. I was being picked up at 9:00--and at this rate I wouldn't even be there yet. The only problem was he didn't speak english and I didn't speak czech. (I had dropped out of my survival czech class) I took out my iphone and went to my czech dictionary app. I looked up the words "go back" and found them in czech and showed it to him. He pointed to the opposite direction we were going and I said" yes--dorm". He understood and headed back to the dorm. That app. has helped me more than once here. I only wish it said the word for you because seeing it and saying it are nothing alike. I didn't get to go to the readings and it still cost me $15 for the trip. If it's still a cluster ^*&^% on Thursday for the readings I won't even attempt going.
On a good note. I found a real hamburger for dinner last night. It was in a nice czech pub that I found somewhere near the dorm. It kind of reminded me of a Chilis or something like it. The burger was big and juicy and made out of real ground beef. Just to make sure I did have to ask the waitress what kind of meat it was. I didn't want to be surprised again. I couldn't even eat it all. I'll probably bring some of my friends there before we leave.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Hot Water Again!!!
I'm happy to say that the hot water has finally been turned back on in my dorm!! I actually spent last night in a hotel. It was the the Hotel Hoffmeister. They had an accessible room--but it wasn't really accessible to get to it. They actually had to help me down three steps at the hotel to get to the room in the garden courtyard. It was nice to actually get to take a hot shower there.
A friend of mine who is in the program rented a room at this hotel to have her birthday party. (Jacqui) A bunch of us gals sat around eating lots of junk and drinking different kinds of wine. Then Jacqui was so intrigued by a sign for a pizza delivery--PIZZA GO HOME--that we ordered pizza from them. It was very good pizza I must say. It was so fun hanging out with these ladies. It's amazing how close we have gotten in a fairly short time. We laughed and took lots of pictures of our goofiness.
It was rainy and pretty chilly this past weekend so I spent a great deal of it laying on my bed reading. I got through two books!! I am trying to read some of the books from our instructors and the Czech authors who have spoken to us. I haven't gotten around to Kafka yet--who is really big here, they have a museum dedicated to him, but I don't think it's accessible.
I also went to a farmer's market they had here in Davjicka. There were all sorts of booths around this park that is close to where I'm staying. There were some fruits and vegetables, the usual--but all sorts of other things too. It was mostly locals that go so not too many people spoke english. I had to kind of guess at what I was buying at times. I did strike it rich with some delicious pasteries. I've really come to love their pasteries here, especially the chocolate filled ones.
As this winds down I look forward to getting home--but not that long flight home. I'm actually dreading that part. No doubt that it will be stuffed full like my flight here--I long for the old days when you could actually score an empty middle seat and stretch out a little.
All that talk of pasteries has made me hunger for them. I think I'll go scout some out for after dinner.(or maybe for dinner!)
A friend of mine who is in the program rented a room at this hotel to have her birthday party. (Jacqui) A bunch of us gals sat around eating lots of junk and drinking different kinds of wine. Then Jacqui was so intrigued by a sign for a pizza delivery--PIZZA GO HOME--that we ordered pizza from them. It was very good pizza I must say. It was so fun hanging out with these ladies. It's amazing how close we have gotten in a fairly short time. We laughed and took lots of pictures of our goofiness.
It was rainy and pretty chilly this past weekend so I spent a great deal of it laying on my bed reading. I got through two books!! I am trying to read some of the books from our instructors and the Czech authors who have spoken to us. I haven't gotten around to Kafka yet--who is really big here, they have a museum dedicated to him, but I don't think it's accessible.
I also went to a farmer's market they had here in Davjicka. There were all sorts of booths around this park that is close to where I'm staying. There were some fruits and vegetables, the usual--but all sorts of other things too. It was mostly locals that go so not too many people spoke english. I had to kind of guess at what I was buying at times. I did strike it rich with some delicious pasteries. I've really come to love their pasteries here, especially the chocolate filled ones.
As this winds down I look forward to getting home--but not that long flight home. I'm actually dreading that part. No doubt that it will be stuffed full like my flight here--I long for the old days when you could actually score an empty middle seat and stretch out a little.
All that talk of pasteries has made me hunger for them. I think I'll go scout some out for after dinner.(or maybe for dinner!)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Ready to Go Home
I haven't blogged for awhile now. I haven't found the joy in this country that I'm in lately. I was distraught when I found out that the much needed cushion that my husband sent from home was being held by customs. I couldn't believe that they would do that over a used cushion. My butt isn't doing well with this maddening terrain and was in great need of it. Add on the fact that the hot water has been turned off in this area where I live--for almost a week now--and you get me wanting to hop on a flight right now--and go home.
It just seems like everything is spiraling down. I seem to be in a free fall of negativity and am not sure how to get out of it. I did talk to Hana our in country coordinator about the cushion--she talked to customs and I did get it the next day. But I'm afraid it's a little bit too late--the damage is done. The hot water situation is crazy! I guess this time every year different parts of the city lose hot water for a week while they check the pipes. They do have a special shower room here at the dorm that does have some hot water--but you guessed it. It's not accessible to me. (what's new?) I've been taking sponge baths and washing my hair in cold water.
After having a melt down at the atrocities I am facing I looked at a flight to go home early. Much to my dismay, the "cheap-o" flight that I took wouldn't allow it. The price of a one way ticket home, of course, was as expensive as my round trip here. So here I must stay. I also found out while here that someone had gotten my credit card number and was trying to charge something over a thousand dollars!! Luckily the fraud department was on it--but I had to cancel my credit card right there on the spot--the one I brought to use here. I can still use my debit card, so I can still eat.
Then on Friday as I was finished with my class at the university, I was making my way down this funky tiny elevator that I have to use to get out of the building--and it wouldn't work. Luckily I didn't get stuck in it--but they couldn't get it working so I had to be hoisted down about 8 steps by a young lady and and old man to get out ! See!! Doesn't that just scream GET HOME NOW??
After that ordeal I went to Old Town to try and get something to eat. I went into one of the accessible restaurants (there aren't that many) and ordered a hamburger. I've been jonesing for one--haven't had one for almost a month. When she brought it--it looked strange. It had a bun, some lettuce and tomatoes--but it didn't look like the "ground beef" that was promised on the menu. I took one bite, mostly bun. The second bite--and tasted the meat. GROSS!! It was a Spamburger, not a hamburger!! I didn't eat anymore. The waitress wasn't friendly anyway so I finished my beer (that was good) and asked to pay. I told her it wasn't good--it wasn't ground beef. She said it was a "czech hamburger". I just got out of there--but wasted $15 on a spamburger that I refused to eat. I ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner tonight. It tasted sort of the same--but the chicken strips were soggy and not crispy. I guess I'll have to go to McDonald's here if I want a real hamburger with real ground beef.
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I could sure use them.
It just seems like everything is spiraling down. I seem to be in a free fall of negativity and am not sure how to get out of it. I did talk to Hana our in country coordinator about the cushion--she talked to customs and I did get it the next day. But I'm afraid it's a little bit too late--the damage is done. The hot water situation is crazy! I guess this time every year different parts of the city lose hot water for a week while they check the pipes. They do have a special shower room here at the dorm that does have some hot water--but you guessed it. It's not accessible to me. (what's new?) I've been taking sponge baths and washing my hair in cold water.
After having a melt down at the atrocities I am facing I looked at a flight to go home early. Much to my dismay, the "cheap-o" flight that I took wouldn't allow it. The price of a one way ticket home, of course, was as expensive as my round trip here. So here I must stay. I also found out while here that someone had gotten my credit card number and was trying to charge something over a thousand dollars!! Luckily the fraud department was on it--but I had to cancel my credit card right there on the spot--the one I brought to use here. I can still use my debit card, so I can still eat.
Then on Friday as I was finished with my class at the university, I was making my way down this funky tiny elevator that I have to use to get out of the building--and it wouldn't work. Luckily I didn't get stuck in it--but they couldn't get it working so I had to be hoisted down about 8 steps by a young lady and and old man to get out ! See!! Doesn't that just scream GET HOME NOW??
After that ordeal I went to Old Town to try and get something to eat. I went into one of the accessible restaurants (there aren't that many) and ordered a hamburger. I've been jonesing for one--haven't had one for almost a month. When she brought it--it looked strange. It had a bun, some lettuce and tomatoes--but it didn't look like the "ground beef" that was promised on the menu. I took one bite, mostly bun. The second bite--and tasted the meat. GROSS!! It was a Spamburger, not a hamburger!! I didn't eat anymore. The waitress wasn't friendly anyway so I finished my beer (that was good) and asked to pay. I told her it wasn't good--it wasn't ground beef. She said it was a "czech hamburger". I just got out of there--but wasted $15 on a spamburger that I refused to eat. I ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner tonight. It tasted sort of the same--but the chicken strips were soggy and not crispy. I guess I'll have to go to McDonald's here if I want a real hamburger with real ground beef.
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I could sure use them.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Has Anyone Seen the Old Royal Palace??
I got up bright and early so I could get a jump on my visit to the Prague Castle. It is a very popular place with tourists. I found some good connections on the bus and Tram and was there by 8:30. There were already several large tour groups going around in this big gaggle of humanity. They were of different languages--but the largest contingent was the Japanese. I wanted to get a tour guide or at least one of those audio guides that you take along your way and listen to the information at your leisure.
The ticket office wasn't opened until 9:00 so after wandering around a bit I went over to the ticket office to wait. There were some people already there so I took my place among them. A few young women came past us (they worked there) to open the door to begin working. A few from the group came to the door in the attempt to go in (it was 10 mins. before 9) and she rudely shouted (in English) "Okay! We don't open up until 9:00!" Of course, she would assume that these pushy people must be Americans. (they weren't--they spoke another language) When we were finally let in at 9:00 on the dot, I went to the counter to get information. I wanted a guide and I was told that I had to get an audioguide. (It cost 450 Kr--over $20) When I had gone the other day we were told that it was free for the disabled. (this is apparently not true). The woman was not helpful or friendly she acted like she was put out at having to wait on me. I took the audio guide and left--what happened to Czech hospitality? (must be the left over negativity from communism--although I think it was over before this gal was born!)
I went first to the St. Vitus's Cathedral. It usually gets really crowded so I wanted to get in there early. I got to skip the line which really had no one in it--to go in through the exit. It was so interesting as I listened to the history of each one of the areas. There were many tombs of the saints buried there. The beauty and grandeur of the place was very humbling. Everywhere you looked there was beauty and art. The stained glass windows were just so intricate and detailed--each one with it's own flavor of the time. I spent over an hour in there absorbing the feeling--I really didn't want to leave but I had more to see.
I tried to go to the Old Royal Palace--but kept getting lost. The map showed it but there weren't any people around to help so I ended up at St. George's Basilica. It is said to be the oldest of the churches there. It was very plain--with a few of the tombs of the saints interred there. There were some steps that I couldn't go up--but I think I got to view most of it. Going over the stones to get to some of the buildings we extremely difficult. They were really textured and stood out enough for me to have to almost pop a wheelie over each one.
I went back where I thought the Old Royal Palace was. The brochure and books I read said that the entire Castle is wheelchair accessible so I was counting on getting to see a lot. I went down this very steep textured cement ramp to something called the Story of Prague Castle. At the bottom was a rather small building with a small step to get in. I popped myself in okay. Then they had these two very steep metal ramps heading down some steps. I figured I could probably get back up that okay--but was worried about the long ramp I had gone down to get there. There wasn't much too look at there--lots of reading which I wasn't in the mood for and some artifacts in glass cases. I made my way out--and headed up the ramp. I made it up half of it until the tough part. I figured if I looked like I was struggling (which I was) someone would come and help me--and they did.
I actually saw several other disabled people out today! (gimps day out?) Some were pushing themselves--it gave me some hope for these people. I hope they had better luck with the accessibility of the castle than I did.
I went to the picture gallery where they housed lots of paintings. Most of them were religious in nature but not all. The gallery did have these small lifts to get me to several of the different levels. Again, after viewing the pictures I tried for the Old Royal Palace. (was it hiding from me in plain sight?) I happened to run into one of our program coordinators there. (Margaret) She helped me to find the Old Royal Palace which happened to be a place that I had passed and checked several times. There were stairs into the entrance but I found a lift which climbed the stairs. However there wasn't anyone there to run the lift and it required to key to work. Margaret went in to ask for someone to operate the lift for me. I waited....and waited. Finally a lady came out and said there was no one there to help so I would have to wait ten more minutes. I did. Then she came out with another lady saying they were going to carry me up the stairs since she didn't know anything about the lift. I refused this as they didn't look like they could handle helping me. (I had a feeling they would have dumped me.) Then she told me to go around to the exit where there weren't any stairs. So, I bumped and bounced my way over there--and when we came up to it, there were stairs. The longer, wider ones--but not ones I could negotiate on my own. The exit lady was pretty rude too. I left there feeling frustrated with the whole situation.
I had been there over four hours and decided I'd had enough. I went back to the ticket office to return my audioguide. There were long crowded lines in which people pushed in front of me not caring as long as they got what they had come for. (sometimes I just hate tourists) I got my driver's license back, which I had to leave as a deposit and left there. I thought it would be nice to enjoy lunch there before I left. Many of the places I tried had steps so I headed to the tram stop. I passed one restaurant that didn't have steps and had an outside patio. I went and sat down. It was quite expensive but I decided that I would eat there anyway. I had grilled chicken breast. It came with nothing else and you had to buy any other sides. I had some potatoes and a salad with it. It was okay but not worth the $30 that the lunch cost. The best part was my gelato I had while waiting for the tram home.
I was hot and exhausted when I got home, It kept thundering and threatening to rain but never did. I was glad it was cooler today than the past week had been. I'd have to say that I was disappointed with the Prague Castle. Their boasting of it been so accessible is more hype than truth. Maybe I just needed a real guide to show me these entrances. I never did get to see the Old Royal Palace...oh well.
The ticket office wasn't opened until 9:00 so after wandering around a bit I went over to the ticket office to wait. There were some people already there so I took my place among them. A few young women came past us (they worked there) to open the door to begin working. A few from the group came to the door in the attempt to go in (it was 10 mins. before 9) and she rudely shouted (in English) "Okay! We don't open up until 9:00!" Of course, she would assume that these pushy people must be Americans. (they weren't--they spoke another language) When we were finally let in at 9:00 on the dot, I went to the counter to get information. I wanted a guide and I was told that I had to get an audioguide. (It cost 450 Kr--over $20) When I had gone the other day we were told that it was free for the disabled. (this is apparently not true). The woman was not helpful or friendly she acted like she was put out at having to wait on me. I took the audio guide and left--what happened to Czech hospitality? (must be the left over negativity from communism--although I think it was over before this gal was born!)
I went first to the St. Vitus's Cathedral. It usually gets really crowded so I wanted to get in there early. I got to skip the line which really had no one in it--to go in through the exit. It was so interesting as I listened to the history of each one of the areas. There were many tombs of the saints buried there. The beauty and grandeur of the place was very humbling. Everywhere you looked there was beauty and art. The stained glass windows were just so intricate and detailed--each one with it's own flavor of the time. I spent over an hour in there absorbing the feeling--I really didn't want to leave but I had more to see.
I tried to go to the Old Royal Palace--but kept getting lost. The map showed it but there weren't any people around to help so I ended up at St. George's Basilica. It is said to be the oldest of the churches there. It was very plain--with a few of the tombs of the saints interred there. There were some steps that I couldn't go up--but I think I got to view most of it. Going over the stones to get to some of the buildings we extremely difficult. They were really textured and stood out enough for me to have to almost pop a wheelie over each one.
I went back where I thought the Old Royal Palace was. The brochure and books I read said that the entire Castle is wheelchair accessible so I was counting on getting to see a lot. I went down this very steep textured cement ramp to something called the Story of Prague Castle. At the bottom was a rather small building with a small step to get in. I popped myself in okay. Then they had these two very steep metal ramps heading down some steps. I figured I could probably get back up that okay--but was worried about the long ramp I had gone down to get there. There wasn't much too look at there--lots of reading which I wasn't in the mood for and some artifacts in glass cases. I made my way out--and headed up the ramp. I made it up half of it until the tough part. I figured if I looked like I was struggling (which I was) someone would come and help me--and they did.
I actually saw several other disabled people out today! (gimps day out?) Some were pushing themselves--it gave me some hope for these people. I hope they had better luck with the accessibility of the castle than I did.
I went to the picture gallery where they housed lots of paintings. Most of them were religious in nature but not all. The gallery did have these small lifts to get me to several of the different levels. Again, after viewing the pictures I tried for the Old Royal Palace. (was it hiding from me in plain sight?) I happened to run into one of our program coordinators there. (Margaret) She helped me to find the Old Royal Palace which happened to be a place that I had passed and checked several times. There were stairs into the entrance but I found a lift which climbed the stairs. However there wasn't anyone there to run the lift and it required to key to work. Margaret went in to ask for someone to operate the lift for me. I waited....and waited. Finally a lady came out and said there was no one there to help so I would have to wait ten more minutes. I did. Then she came out with another lady saying they were going to carry me up the stairs since she didn't know anything about the lift. I refused this as they didn't look like they could handle helping me. (I had a feeling they would have dumped me.) Then she told me to go around to the exit where there weren't any stairs. So, I bumped and bounced my way over there--and when we came up to it, there were stairs. The longer, wider ones--but not ones I could negotiate on my own. The exit lady was pretty rude too. I left there feeling frustrated with the whole situation.
I had been there over four hours and decided I'd had enough. I went back to the ticket office to return my audioguide. There were long crowded lines in which people pushed in front of me not caring as long as they got what they had come for. (sometimes I just hate tourists) I got my driver's license back, which I had to leave as a deposit and left there. I thought it would be nice to enjoy lunch there before I left. Many of the places I tried had steps so I headed to the tram stop. I passed one restaurant that didn't have steps and had an outside patio. I went and sat down. It was quite expensive but I decided that I would eat there anyway. I had grilled chicken breast. It came with nothing else and you had to buy any other sides. I had some potatoes and a salad with it. It was okay but not worth the $30 that the lunch cost. The best part was my gelato I had while waiting for the tram home.
I was hot and exhausted when I got home, It kept thundering and threatening to rain but never did. I was glad it was cooler today than the past week had been. I'd have to say that I was disappointed with the Prague Castle. Their boasting of it been so accessible is more hype than truth. Maybe I just needed a real guide to show me these entrances. I never did get to see the Old Royal Palace...oh well.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Back Up and Running!
Well, thanks to the kindness of Matous, one of the student assistants in the program--I got my tire fixed. It was so depressing to think that I might have had to try and push around on those cobblestones with a flat tire--thank God I didn't. I can't believe it's Friday already--my time here is just zipping by. I've been here two weeks. I don't feel like I've really gotten any great sight seeing in (no set tours or anything). I'm hoping to get to the Prague Castle again tomorrow and spend many hours there. It's one of the few places that is totally accessible so I need to take advantage.
Speaking of sight seeing, My workshop group went out to lunch at this nice vegetarian restaurant as a nice farewell to our instructor and a few students are also departing. The restaurant was kind of like a buffet style and you choose things you want (most aren't identified in english) and then you pay for the weight of the food. It can be a crap shoot on what you get--but the vegetables are pretty easy to distinguish. After our delicious healthy meals several of us decided we needed some gelato for dessert. (I love gelato!) So, we headed to the center of Old Town Square. As we were eating our gelato (by the way--they give such a tiny little scoop, most Americans need two or more to equal on "american scoop") We were standing by the gelato stand which was a busy place--it was near the astronomical clock which is always very crowded. We all have been warned and warned about these pickpockets that work the tourist areas. They are indian looking people (by that I mean from India) who work together in pairs or more and usually bump into someone and causes a distraction while the other steals the wallet or purse. They call them gypsies (and they say that that's a derogatory term). We saw them in action--but a young guy, who was obviously not a tourist was knowledgeable of their schemes--ran up to the lady who was ready to make her mark and warned her off. I don't know what he said because it was in Czech but it didn't sound too nice. I think the lady (the potential victim) was very lucky and she didn't even know that she was in danger of losing her valuables.
As we were walking back toward the University--one of the gals spotted an interesting museum that all four of us wanted to investigate. It is called the "sex machines museum." Who wouldn't want to check out what that was about? We went in and there weren't tons of steps to get in so it looked promising. But I soon found out that it was on three floors, there was an elevator but it didn't actually stop anywhere but the owner's apartment at the top. So, I bid farewell to my friends to go in and explore--with the promise of a full report of what they saw. I'm pretty much used to not being able to check out things I'm interested in--but it gets old. There is also a museum of communism that isn't accessible either along with many others.
Today in our workshop we focused on my piece of writing. I was a bit apprehensive about it. You read aloud a part of your essay. Then the group discusses their thoughts and questions about it. (while the discussion is happening you are only able to listen--but not talk or respond to anything--that's the hard part!) Then you can ask questions you have or respond to some of their responses. It was quite helpful. My piece was on the fact that I was born with my disability and didn't have a story about how I was hurt. I see I still have work to do on it to revise it and to change it--but it was very helpful. I've done some insightful writing about how disabled I feel here and how thankful I am to live in America. The Czech disabled people don't seem to have the rights that I take for granted. Just using public transportation has been a big eye-opener. I am constantly at the mercy of the schedule and of the drivers. Today the tram was 10 minutes late--which is unheard of. It was the accessible one that I need to get to my next connection.(there is usually only one--two if I'm lucky each hour) Since that one was late, I missed my bus connection by a few minutes--was I ever pissed. I had to wait almost an hour for the next one. It's at this real desolate stop that doesn't have anything that you can do. It was another 95+ degree day--and I was not a happy camper. The sweltering heat here has been difficult. Very few places are air conditioned. I'm so thankful I bought a fan for my dorm or I wouldn't get any sleep.
I'm getting a little hungry so I may head to my chinese/gyro restaurant down the street for a bite. There's not too many restaurants or pubs that are accessible in this neighborhood, that's why I usually eat when I'm near the university. Hopefully I'll have some interesting facts about the Castle tomorrow.
Cau
Speaking of sight seeing, My workshop group went out to lunch at this nice vegetarian restaurant as a nice farewell to our instructor and a few students are also departing. The restaurant was kind of like a buffet style and you choose things you want (most aren't identified in english) and then you pay for the weight of the food. It can be a crap shoot on what you get--but the vegetables are pretty easy to distinguish. After our delicious healthy meals several of us decided we needed some gelato for dessert. (I love gelato!) So, we headed to the center of Old Town Square. As we were eating our gelato (by the way--they give such a tiny little scoop, most Americans need two or more to equal on "american scoop") We were standing by the gelato stand which was a busy place--it was near the astronomical clock which is always very crowded. We all have been warned and warned about these pickpockets that work the tourist areas. They are indian looking people (by that I mean from India) who work together in pairs or more and usually bump into someone and causes a distraction while the other steals the wallet or purse. They call them gypsies (and they say that that's a derogatory term). We saw them in action--but a young guy, who was obviously not a tourist was knowledgeable of their schemes--ran up to the lady who was ready to make her mark and warned her off. I don't know what he said because it was in Czech but it didn't sound too nice. I think the lady (the potential victim) was very lucky and she didn't even know that she was in danger of losing her valuables.
As we were walking back toward the University--one of the gals spotted an interesting museum that all four of us wanted to investigate. It is called the "sex machines museum." Who wouldn't want to check out what that was about? We went in and there weren't tons of steps to get in so it looked promising. But I soon found out that it was on three floors, there was an elevator but it didn't actually stop anywhere but the owner's apartment at the top. So, I bid farewell to my friends to go in and explore--with the promise of a full report of what they saw. I'm pretty much used to not being able to check out things I'm interested in--but it gets old. There is also a museum of communism that isn't accessible either along with many others.
Today in our workshop we focused on my piece of writing. I was a bit apprehensive about it. You read aloud a part of your essay. Then the group discusses their thoughts and questions about it. (while the discussion is happening you are only able to listen--but not talk or respond to anything--that's the hard part!) Then you can ask questions you have or respond to some of their responses. It was quite helpful. My piece was on the fact that I was born with my disability and didn't have a story about how I was hurt. I see I still have work to do on it to revise it and to change it--but it was very helpful. I've done some insightful writing about how disabled I feel here and how thankful I am to live in America. The Czech disabled people don't seem to have the rights that I take for granted. Just using public transportation has been a big eye-opener. I am constantly at the mercy of the schedule and of the drivers. Today the tram was 10 minutes late--which is unheard of. It was the accessible one that I need to get to my next connection.(there is usually only one--two if I'm lucky each hour) Since that one was late, I missed my bus connection by a few minutes--was I ever pissed. I had to wait almost an hour for the next one. It's at this real desolate stop that doesn't have anything that you can do. It was another 95+ degree day--and I was not a happy camper. The sweltering heat here has been difficult. Very few places are air conditioned. I'm so thankful I bought a fan for my dorm or I wouldn't get any sleep.
I'm getting a little hungry so I may head to my chinese/gyro restaurant down the street for a bite. There's not too many restaurants or pubs that are accessible in this neighborhood, that's why I usually eat when I'm near the university. Hopefully I'll have some interesting facts about the Castle tomorrow.
Cau
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A Visit to the Castle
I'm not able to blog as often as I once was able to. I have lots of homework to try and keep up with. It's hard to sit around and type when there's so much out here to explore. It's been so extremely hot that exploring in this heat isn't that fun. I'm learning to stay in the shade until the last minute to get to the bus stops. (or eat an ice cream cone while waiting!)
Boy, they sure do keep us busy here. My schedule goes something like this: On Monday, Wednesday and Friday we have a 3 hour workshop time where we listen to each other's pieces and give feed back to the writer. We are also given some writing assignment to do for homework. Then I have the rest of the day to explore--but if I goof around too much, I don't get home too early and have homework to do. On Tues, Thurs. we have these lectures to attend that have been very interesting. They have been given by Czech authors and professors who have a lot of knowledge to share with us about their experiences as writers. On Thurs. afternoons there are czech movies (with subtitles) for us to see. On those same evenings we have to attend readings from the various authors who are here teaching our classes. (playwrights, poets, fiction writers)--those too have been very good. On Friday evenings the students must share something from their own writings. I will have to do it too in a few weeks. It's not accessible for me down at the bottom of the theater. (I always sit in the balcony)--so I'm trying to play the 'gimp' card to try and get out of it.
I'm finding that the pieces that I have been writing are about my frustrations with getting around in this city. It seems to hit me in the face everywhere I go. To top this off I found a tack in my tire today when I got home, My tire is now flat--and it basically stranded me for the evening. (but at least I'm getting my homework done!!) I brought an extra tube but no pump--so someone is bringing me one tomorrow so I can fix it. It just seems like one thing after another!! This city is trying to take me down--but I won't go down without a fight.
Yesterday I ventured with a friend over to the Prague Castle. It's the oldest (and has to be the largest) castle in Prague. I didn't have a lot of time there since he had to head to the readings from there. It is definitely a place I want to return to. We did go through a cathedral named St. Vitus Cathedral. It was just breath-taking. I want to return and take the time to learn more about it. The stained glass windows, which are everywhere are what caught my eye first. The best thing about my visit to the castle was that I found out all of the buildings are accessible!! Yay! There are many more buildings that I want to explore. (it's even free for me!!)
Well, I do still have more homework to finish. I hope that I'm up back up and wheeling tomorrow.
nashledanou (good bye)
Boy, they sure do keep us busy here. My schedule goes something like this: On Monday, Wednesday and Friday we have a 3 hour workshop time where we listen to each other's pieces and give feed back to the writer. We are also given some writing assignment to do for homework. Then I have the rest of the day to explore--but if I goof around too much, I don't get home too early and have homework to do. On Tues, Thurs. we have these lectures to attend that have been very interesting. They have been given by Czech authors and professors who have a lot of knowledge to share with us about their experiences as writers. On Thurs. afternoons there are czech movies (with subtitles) for us to see. On those same evenings we have to attend readings from the various authors who are here teaching our classes. (playwrights, poets, fiction writers)--those too have been very good. On Friday evenings the students must share something from their own writings. I will have to do it too in a few weeks. It's not accessible for me down at the bottom of the theater. (I always sit in the balcony)--so I'm trying to play the 'gimp' card to try and get out of it.
I'm finding that the pieces that I have been writing are about my frustrations with getting around in this city. It seems to hit me in the face everywhere I go. To top this off I found a tack in my tire today when I got home, My tire is now flat--and it basically stranded me for the evening. (but at least I'm getting my homework done!!) I brought an extra tube but no pump--so someone is bringing me one tomorrow so I can fix it. It just seems like one thing after another!! This city is trying to take me down--but I won't go down without a fight.
Yesterday I ventured with a friend over to the Prague Castle. It's the oldest (and has to be the largest) castle in Prague. I didn't have a lot of time there since he had to head to the readings from there. It is definitely a place I want to return to. We did go through a cathedral named St. Vitus Cathedral. It was just breath-taking. I want to return and take the time to learn more about it. The stained glass windows, which are everywhere are what caught my eye first. The best thing about my visit to the castle was that I found out all of the buildings are accessible!! Yay! There are many more buildings that I want to explore. (it's even free for me!!)
Well, I do still have more homework to finish. I hope that I'm up back up and wheeling tomorrow.
nashledanou (good bye)
Monday, July 12, 2010
Can You Hear Me Now?
I have needed my husband to send my other cushion from home (due to what a beating the cobblestones are doing to my rear) but I haven't had a way to communicate. My iphone didn't seem to have service--even though I bought a package through AT&T before I left home. It felt awful to not be able to talk to him. We emailed but it's not that immediate. I felt so isolated.
So today after my workshop class I went to the Prague Summer Program Office and talked to a helpful young guy. He looked at the settings of my phone and was able to fix it so I could get service. I am told that the Czech's phone service is way better than ours--you get it everwhere. I got to call my honey that afternoon (which was very early your time) and hear his voice. It makes a big difference hearing a loved one's voice. It's been over a week now that I've been here. I'm beginning to get in the swing of things and try to figure out this transportation thing.
I decided to head back into Old Town today. There's so much to see--but mainly I went to find lunch. I wanted to eat at a small outdoor cafe so I could bask in the splendor of this great city. I found one right near the astronomical clock and an ancient old church. (it seems like every thing's ancient here) I had a sandwich and a beer. Beer is actually cheaper than soda or water! I enjoyed a bit of people watching--and boy, are there all kinds of people here. Every nationality you can think of is here and has a camera around their neck--and a bottle of water in their hand. I haven't really had the chance for a tour but might sometime. I'm tempted to take the horse and carriage ride around old town--it looks fun. ( Getting into the carriage, however, is another story!)
The shops are very interesting here. They have many tiny hole-in-the wall souvenir places which generally carry the same things. I just read that all the stores were the same here during their communist times. There are a few things that are popular or famous to purchase here. Garnets, crystal and this yellow type of stone are in every jewelry store. I went into a place and got a pretty hard sell from the guys in the store--(they double teamed me like used car salesmen!) They said they were giving me a "very good price--a discount." I don't know if I got a great deal or not but I saw a nice ring that I liked so I bought it. I think all of the jewelry stores carried the same jewelry--but it's okay. I didn't pay too much and have a beautiful reminder of my trip here. I also went into a bookstore and found a few guidebooks about Prague. They will help me plan my little field trips around the city.
Well....I've got to get to bed early. I have my survival Czech class pretty early in the morning. I am trying it with another teacher--if I don't get it or have more fun with it, I will drop it and get to have more free time. (It's an hour on Tues, and Thurs.) Cau.
So today after my workshop class I went to the Prague Summer Program Office and talked to a helpful young guy. He looked at the settings of my phone and was able to fix it so I could get service. I am told that the Czech's phone service is way better than ours--you get it everwhere. I got to call my honey that afternoon (which was very early your time) and hear his voice. It makes a big difference hearing a loved one's voice. It's been over a week now that I've been here. I'm beginning to get in the swing of things and try to figure out this transportation thing.
I decided to head back into Old Town today. There's so much to see--but mainly I went to find lunch. I wanted to eat at a small outdoor cafe so I could bask in the splendor of this great city. I found one right near the astronomical clock and an ancient old church. (it seems like every thing's ancient here) I had a sandwich and a beer. Beer is actually cheaper than soda or water! I enjoyed a bit of people watching--and boy, are there all kinds of people here. Every nationality you can think of is here and has a camera around their neck--and a bottle of water in their hand. I haven't really had the chance for a tour but might sometime. I'm tempted to take the horse and carriage ride around old town--it looks fun. ( Getting into the carriage, however, is another story!)
The shops are very interesting here. They have many tiny hole-in-the wall souvenir places which generally carry the same things. I just read that all the stores were the same here during their communist times. There are a few things that are popular or famous to purchase here. Garnets, crystal and this yellow type of stone are in every jewelry store. I went into a place and got a pretty hard sell from the guys in the store--(they double teamed me like used car salesmen!) They said they were giving me a "very good price--a discount." I don't know if I got a great deal or not but I saw a nice ring that I liked so I bought it. I think all of the jewelry stores carried the same jewelry--but it's okay. I didn't pay too much and have a beautiful reminder of my trip here. I also went into a bookstore and found a few guidebooks about Prague. They will help me plan my little field trips around the city.
Well....I've got to get to bed early. I have my survival Czech class pretty early in the morning. I am trying it with another teacher--if I don't get it or have more fun with it, I will drop it and get to have more free time. (It's an hour on Tues, and Thurs.) Cau.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
No Butts about it!!
Well, it seems that this Prague terrain has taken its toll on my buttocks. I'm laying low today as to give it a rest--and hope it recuperates. It's so hard to lay around in my dorm when there's so much of Prague I've yet to see--but I've got to take care of my Butt!! I slept in late today and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Then I did some laundry. I had more trouble just trying to find the laundry room here. I had to sign up for the use--give them my ID, then I got a key. You get one hour for 20 crowns--you don't pay by the load--but by the time spent in there. So the girl gives me the key--and really no directions other than it's on the 5th floor. I quickly gather up my clothes and my laundry detergent and head up to the 5th floor. I go around this maze of halls frantically looking for J594. All the dorm rooms are H and a number. I happen to be in a dorm that part of it is a hotel too. After about 10 or 15 minutes of looking, I go back down to the desk and tell her that I can't find it. (meanwhile--25 minutes of my time has been wasted!!) She showed me on a map and I did finally find it. I opened the door and there sat this rather tiny front load washer. (no dryer). In this fairly long and skinny room are lots of wires where people are allowed to hang their laundry to dry. There was already lots of laundry hanging on the wires--but they were too high for me to reach anyway. So I stashed my laundry in the machine and tried to figure out how to use it. There were directions all the wall in about 6 different languages--but I got it without. It took about 50 minutes or so for the load to finish. I had to take out the wet clothes and sort of fold them to carry back to my room. I wanted to hurry because I had gone over the alloted hour so I would have to pay more. I had to pay 40 crowns--which is about $2....so, not too bad for one load of laundry. I had to figure out places to hang the stuff to dry--but it worked out and now I have clean laundry.
After more laying around and writing and doing some homework I decided that I would attempt to go the the department store My. I checked the bus schedule and found a decent time for the bus and tram. It was another scorcher today--but I wasn't out in it. I went at about 5:00--so I could be out when it was cooler. I caught the bus as planned and the tram driver was a lady--and a nice one. She didn't have an attitude at all. I got dropped off right across the street from the store. I went inside and was hit by the most wonderful air conditioning. No place here has air conditioning--it's just hot, and you sweat. (kinda like when Roseanna-Roseanna-Danna said you got a big old sweat ball hanging off your nose! yuck!) It reminded me of a high end store like Neiman Marcus. It had 4 floors and I explored each one. The clothes were expensive as were lots of the other stuff. My guess is that mostly foreigners shop there. I was in search of a coffee pot or something to boil water in. I found these handy little water pots that you plug in and they will boil water. I found the cheapest one I could since I won't be taking it back. (it's got the european plug on it) They also had a smoothie bar in the store. I was so hot I decided to get one--it was a mixture of fruits. When she brought it to me she also handed me a cup of ice and said she didn't know if I wanted it. Well, the smoothie had no ice in it. It was warm--who makes a smoothie that's warm? So I put my ice in the drink so I could enjoy it. It was tasty.
I also had to get some school supplies. I was told to limit what I bring here, and now I need stuff. I think I spent about $30 at the store. I used my Iphone's calculator to figure out the price of things. It's pretty handy.
After shopping I had planned on going somewhere for dinner. I wasn't with anyone--and didn't feel like a long trip around looking for a place to eat so I went to Subway. (it was across from the store) Yes, that's right--I'm in Prague and I chose to eat at a subway.(they even had a meal deal--but didn't call it that : ) I ate my wrap sandwich (they are big on sandwiches here ) and then headed back for the tram. I actually got to my first stop without much of a wait--and it was the same tram driver I had on the way there. I did have a half an hour wait to catch the bus--but at least I didn't melt and have to put out a fire on my handrims. Once home, I took out my new water pot to wash it and figure out where I would plug it in--wouldn't you know, there's really no outlets in the kitchen. The only one there has the hot plate and the little fridge plugged into it. I guess I'll have to use my one and only outlet that I use for my computer, my hairdryer and now the water pot.
Such is the daily life of a Praguer.
After more laying around and writing and doing some homework I decided that I would attempt to go the the department store My. I checked the bus schedule and found a decent time for the bus and tram. It was another scorcher today--but I wasn't out in it. I went at about 5:00--so I could be out when it was cooler. I caught the bus as planned and the tram driver was a lady--and a nice one. She didn't have an attitude at all. I got dropped off right across the street from the store. I went inside and was hit by the most wonderful air conditioning. No place here has air conditioning--it's just hot, and you sweat. (kinda like when Roseanna-Roseanna-Danna said you got a big old sweat ball hanging off your nose! yuck!) It reminded me of a high end store like Neiman Marcus. It had 4 floors and I explored each one. The clothes were expensive as were lots of the other stuff. My guess is that mostly foreigners shop there. I was in search of a coffee pot or something to boil water in. I found these handy little water pots that you plug in and they will boil water. I found the cheapest one I could since I won't be taking it back. (it's got the european plug on it) They also had a smoothie bar in the store. I was so hot I decided to get one--it was a mixture of fruits. When she brought it to me she also handed me a cup of ice and said she didn't know if I wanted it. Well, the smoothie had no ice in it. It was warm--who makes a smoothie that's warm? So I put my ice in the drink so I could enjoy it. It was tasty.
I also had to get some school supplies. I was told to limit what I bring here, and now I need stuff. I think I spent about $30 at the store. I used my Iphone's calculator to figure out the price of things. It's pretty handy.
After shopping I had planned on going somewhere for dinner. I wasn't with anyone--and didn't feel like a long trip around looking for a place to eat so I went to Subway. (it was across from the store) Yes, that's right--I'm in Prague and I chose to eat at a subway.(they even had a meal deal--but didn't call it that : ) I ate my wrap sandwich (they are big on sandwiches here ) and then headed back for the tram. I actually got to my first stop without much of a wait--and it was the same tram driver I had on the way there. I did have a half an hour wait to catch the bus--but at least I didn't melt and have to put out a fire on my handrims. Once home, I took out my new water pot to wash it and figure out where I would plug it in--wouldn't you know, there's really no outlets in the kitchen. The only one there has the hot plate and the little fridge plugged into it. I guess I'll have to use my one and only outlet that I use for my computer, my hairdryer and now the water pot.
Such is the daily life of a Praguer.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Blood, Sweat and Tears
Today started off pretty good. I've been keeping late hours--which aren't really that late 12:00ish--after I get home and do my homework. I got up at 5:30--my usual time to get showered and ready for the day. I have my Mon.-Weds.-Fri. tram and bus schedule pretty much figured out. I made it to our workshop class with plenty of time to spare. As always, that has been very enjoyable. Each of the women in the writing group have such unique stories to tell. Alison has also been giving us some homework to do. We are to focus on something and write about it--observe it daily.
I of course wanted to do dogs since I am seeing them everywhere. I wonder about them, that they are so well behaved (most of them), they can be taken on the tram (but they need to be muzzeled) and into many shops and restaurants. The breeds are varied--but their aren't as many "mutts". I'd love to visit their animal shelter--but I won't because I know I will want to bring home a "Prague dog!" Though friendly, they aren't in-your-face kind of dogs. If you want to pet them they will politely come over and not jump on you or even try to lick you. It's kind of amazing. There are lots of them who aren't on leashes and they follow their masters right along. I've never seen one roaming the street alone.
After class I was going to go to this big department store called My. I had to take a #3 Tram from the university (or so I thought) to get there. So I went to the median bus stop to look at the posted schedule--and there wasn't a #3 there. It happened to be a scorching hot day here (in the 90's) and there is no cover from the heat. I was getting so hot--like seven inches from the mid-day sun!! (that was for you honey) So, I decided to trek across the bridge to the other stop instead--and just go home. So I got over to that platform (it's about a half a mile away--but over cobble stones and tram tracks) I looked for Tram 20 because according to my schedule--it was supposed to be here at 14:20 (they use the military time here)--but it never came. Then the sweetest little old Czech lady came up to me. She was just alittle taller than I am sitting down. She had a very large bag in which she was carrying in little pooch. She asked me (I think--since she didn't really speak english) what tram I was waiting for. I told her #20 and showed her the schedule--but she didn't think that tram would come on the side I was waiting. She went around asking others--I think trying to find someone who spoke english to tell me. She was so worried about me--it was touching. I was sitting there melting--just feeling miserable, as I felt sweat drops slide down my back and chest. I ended up waiting about 45 minutes for the #22 tram to take me to my next stop. When it finally came--I was half delirious with heat--and I waved at the driver so he could see I wanted on but he didn't look. I ran over to the door where the handicapped button was and pushed it. I was so afraid that he was going to take off and I was already ready to faint from heat exhaustion. He wasn't getting out of his cab so I just popped my front wheels up and implored a little help with gestures from a guy to help pull me in. What is it with these tram drivers? The bus drivers seem fine about taking me but these Tram guys can be such jerks. When I got to the stop I wanted I pushed the blue button that indicates a wheelchair wants to get off--so get off your duff and let the ramp down. I could have popped myself down and should have, because he came storming out with a pissed look on his face and just helped me down without the ramp.
By this time I was ready to cry. As a matter of fact, I was sort of crying but you couldn't tell it from my sweat drenched face. I checked the schedule for the bus home--and one said 50 minutes. I almost really cried then. There isn't a bit of shade at this stop--no cute coffee places or shops. Luckily, I have two choices of buses to take so I checked the other one. It was only a 20 minute wait. I sat there in that blazing sun --and when I went to touch my handrims to move around a little--they were too hot to touch!! It was almost like touching a hot stove! I had to pour some of my warm water on them so I would be able to push myself up the bus ramp. No one was around there--and it worried me that maybe it wasn't coming. But at the scheduled time--it came. The driver did let me on--and wasn't mad about it. I made my way home--but almost got lost. I had never been so happy to get back!! I just stayed here today to rest. I have the weekend to recuperate from my ordeal. The sad thing is anytime I want to go somewhere--it takes at least 1 and a half to two hours. It'd be nice if I didn't have to waste so much of my time sitting around waiting. But I need to remember (it's kind of hard to forget here) that I'm not in America.
There is no ADA here. If I did live here--I'd definitely go down to the tram transportation and have a talk with the big bosses about those lazy tram drivers.
PS I posted a few pictures from my trip to the Charles Bridge.
I of course wanted to do dogs since I am seeing them everywhere. I wonder about them, that they are so well behaved (most of them), they can be taken on the tram (but they need to be muzzeled) and into many shops and restaurants. The breeds are varied--but their aren't as many "mutts". I'd love to visit their animal shelter--but I won't because I know I will want to bring home a "Prague dog!" Though friendly, they aren't in-your-face kind of dogs. If you want to pet them they will politely come over and not jump on you or even try to lick you. It's kind of amazing. There are lots of them who aren't on leashes and they follow their masters right along. I've never seen one roaming the street alone.
After class I was going to go to this big department store called My. I had to take a #3 Tram from the university (or so I thought) to get there. So I went to the median bus stop to look at the posted schedule--and there wasn't a #3 there. It happened to be a scorching hot day here (in the 90's) and there is no cover from the heat. I was getting so hot--like seven inches from the mid-day sun!! (that was for you honey) So, I decided to trek across the bridge to the other stop instead--and just go home. So I got over to that platform (it's about a half a mile away--but over cobble stones and tram tracks) I looked for Tram 20 because according to my schedule--it was supposed to be here at 14:20 (they use the military time here)--but it never came. Then the sweetest little old Czech lady came up to me. She was just alittle taller than I am sitting down. She had a very large bag in which she was carrying in little pooch. She asked me (I think--since she didn't really speak english) what tram I was waiting for. I told her #20 and showed her the schedule--but she didn't think that tram would come on the side I was waiting. She went around asking others--I think trying to find someone who spoke english to tell me. She was so worried about me--it was touching. I was sitting there melting--just feeling miserable, as I felt sweat drops slide down my back and chest. I ended up waiting about 45 minutes for the #22 tram to take me to my next stop. When it finally came--I was half delirious with heat--and I waved at the driver so he could see I wanted on but he didn't look. I ran over to the door where the handicapped button was and pushed it. I was so afraid that he was going to take off and I was already ready to faint from heat exhaustion. He wasn't getting out of his cab so I just popped my front wheels up and implored a little help with gestures from a guy to help pull me in. What is it with these tram drivers? The bus drivers seem fine about taking me but these Tram guys can be such jerks. When I got to the stop I wanted I pushed the blue button that indicates a wheelchair wants to get off--so get off your duff and let the ramp down. I could have popped myself down and should have, because he came storming out with a pissed look on his face and just helped me down without the ramp.
By this time I was ready to cry. As a matter of fact, I was sort of crying but you couldn't tell it from my sweat drenched face. I checked the schedule for the bus home--and one said 50 minutes. I almost really cried then. There isn't a bit of shade at this stop--no cute coffee places or shops. Luckily, I have two choices of buses to take so I checked the other one. It was only a 20 minute wait. I sat there in that blazing sun --and when I went to touch my handrims to move around a little--they were too hot to touch!! It was almost like touching a hot stove! I had to pour some of my warm water on them so I would be able to push myself up the bus ramp. No one was around there--and it worried me that maybe it wasn't coming. But at the scheduled time--it came. The driver did let me on--and wasn't mad about it. I made my way home--but almost got lost. I had never been so happy to get back!! I just stayed here today to rest. I have the weekend to recuperate from my ordeal. The sad thing is anytime I want to go somewhere--it takes at least 1 and a half to two hours. It'd be nice if I didn't have to waste so much of my time sitting around waiting. But I need to remember (it's kind of hard to forget here) that I'm not in America.
There is no ADA here. If I did live here--I'd definitely go down to the tram transportation and have a talk with the big bosses about those lazy tram drivers.
PS I posted a few pictures from my trip to the Charles Bridge.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Short and Sweet
I've had a late night. Every Tues. and Thurs. nights we have readings by the faculty. It's cool to hear what the faculty have written but it makes for a long day. I took my surviving Czech class again today. I'm not sure if I will stay in it. It's not holding my attention much--and I still can't say anything.
The great thing about today was I actually got to sleep in alittle. It was nice to get up leisurely and eat breakfast at my own pace. I rested and read and even wrote alittle today. (wasn't that the idea about coming here??) We go to see a czech file today. It was an old film from the 60's but it was so funny. It had subtitles of course--I will try to make all of the films. The most interesting thing (and scary!) was the way that I was taken down a flight of steps to get to the small theater. I had to transfer in to an old beater chair since mine was too modern to work on this contraption. Then this guy put the chair on this thing that looked like a motorized dolley. It had these wheels that looked like tank wheels that slowly (and surprisingly smoothly) rolled me down a flight of stairs. I will say I was not a believer at first. When that thing took me over the edge--I think my life began to flash before my eyes. But I made it down safely. He then did the same thing to get me back up the stairs. I wasn't as scared on the way up--but it was pretty funky. I'd never seen anything like it before. I'll have someone take a picture of me on it next time and try to post it on my blog.
I'm tired since I've had a long day--so this blog will be short.
The great thing about today was I actually got to sleep in alittle. It was nice to get up leisurely and eat breakfast at my own pace. I rested and read and even wrote alittle today. (wasn't that the idea about coming here??) We go to see a czech file today. It was an old film from the 60's but it was so funny. It had subtitles of course--I will try to make all of the films. The most interesting thing (and scary!) was the way that I was taken down a flight of steps to get to the small theater. I had to transfer in to an old beater chair since mine was too modern to work on this contraption. Then this guy put the chair on this thing that looked like a motorized dolley. It had these wheels that looked like tank wheels that slowly (and surprisingly smoothly) rolled me down a flight of stairs. I will say I was not a believer at first. When that thing took me over the edge--I think my life began to flash before my eyes. But I made it down safely. He then did the same thing to get me back up the stairs. I wasn't as scared on the way up--but it was pretty funky. I'd never seen anything like it before. I'll have someone take a picture of me on it next time and try to post it on my blog.
I'm tired since I've had a long day--so this blog will be short.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Grass is Always greener
Today after our workshop time in class I decided that I would spend some time exploring my own neighborhood. I happen to live at the edge of town (I think?) in a place called Dejvicka. Now it looks like you should say "dav-vick-a" and I always seemed to butcher it when I tried to ask the bus driver if he stopped there. I finally started writing a little cheat sheet to carry with the names of my stops on it so I could just show them--they don't even ask now. Anyway, I had to get a lesson from a young girl (college age) who was helping me learn how to say it so I wouldn't embarrass myself any further than I already have. So I now pronounce it correctly as "david-ska". I feel like a real Czech when I can say it right. I still forget how to say "thank you" which is "djkuji" but I start practicing saying it in my mind while on the bus--and when he lets me off I seem to freeze and go ahead and say it in English. I've said it once or twice but I don't think he knew what I said!! The language aspect of being here gets frustrating. It seems that the younger people are more likely to speak some english. I hope to get braver and speak more czech as I learn it.
Once I got home from class and dropped off all of my school stuff--I took the half mile trek (or should I be using kilometers since they are metric here??) to a little grocery store called Billa. It only had two aisles of groceries--and then a section for alcohol. It had a zero level entrance so I was happy as a clam to be able to shop there. I love shopping. It's an experience for me--unlike my husband who is always on a mission to get ONLY what's on the list and never to stray from that--get in, get your items, and get out is his motto. Mine is....look around contemplate, read a few labels, pick up things that I impulsively want, but don't necessarily need and then in an hour or so--get out. (we don't shop too much together as a result of this.) So, I wandered around this store looking at the pictures on some of the items--hoping they are what I thought they were. I found most of my list stuff--and some extras, of course. I really wanted coffee. I get up early and would love to have a cup while I'm still in my room reading--before the breakfast room opens at 7:00. I was going to buy ground coffee and filters and hope to find a store in the "hood" that I could purchase a small coffee maker. Well, it was a little store and they did have coffee--even some ground coffee (I think it was anyway) but no filters. I saw the instant coffee and thought--hey, I can save myself a lot of hassle by using instant. I can live with that for a cup, so I bought some. On my way home I just remembered that my kitchen only has two hot plates--and NO DISHES or PANS of any kind. There isn't a microwave either. I guess I'll have to search further for either a teakettle to boil water--or a coffeemaker.
Once I was finished I ran home (or rolled home ) as quickly as humanly possible over cobblestones, and tracks carrying a bag full of groceries on the back of my chair. Then I wanted to see what else was out there. Old Town had some really cool stuff and I was hoping there might be some nice shops in my town to check out. After crossing the streets several times--and trying to figure out how to get back up without a curb cut--I was in what looked like a shopping district. What I noticed was--I must live in "little Vegas" here in Dejvick because I saw several little casinos. I resisted the urge to go in and gamble away my hard earned crowns--although it was one of the few placesI could get into if I wanted.
I was sorely disappointed in my neighborhood. Most of the shops were either optical shops, or pubs. The majority of them had at least one step--usually more. One thing, ironically I did find an abundance of--Handicapped parking spaces!! I would kill for those lovely coveted spots at home--but many of them are usually filled (and many times by people who aren't disabled--but don't get me started!) It makes me wonder about being disabled in Prague. I was feeling a little sorry for myself with the accessibility issues--but then I thought, I'm only here a month. They have to live here with this day to day. I still have yet to see a disabled Czech wheelchair user in a manual chair pushing him or herself around independently the city or parking in the handicapped spots. I feel like calling out all my super gimp friends from home to come and invade Prague so we can freak everyone here out with our wheelie popping, curb jumping, crawling up stairs ourselves dragging our own wheelchairs behind us, going down flights of stairs in wheelies or backwards without any help, and riding escalators. (although I haven't seen any of those here) The tram drivers wouldn't even have to put the ramps down--we'd get in there with teamwork. We'd fly over those cobblestones, topple out of our chairs and then get back in without missing a beat. I think that's what Prague needs. The disabled need to get out--make themselves a nuisance by using the buses and trams daily. They'd have to get more accessible ones or they'd be off schedule all of the time. (and the buses are always quite prompt). Yes, the next revolution that the Czech Republic needs to experience is one for the Disabled. And if I could speak Czech--I might just be the one to help them get it started. Yes, my neighborhood isn't so hot here-- the grass is sure a lot greener in Old Town and the Castle area. But it's sure a lot greener at home in America for disabled people.
Once I got home from class and dropped off all of my school stuff--I took the half mile trek (or should I be using kilometers since they are metric here??) to a little grocery store called Billa. It only had two aisles of groceries--and then a section for alcohol. It had a zero level entrance so I was happy as a clam to be able to shop there. I love shopping. It's an experience for me--unlike my husband who is always on a mission to get ONLY what's on the list and never to stray from that--get in, get your items, and get out is his motto. Mine is....look around contemplate, read a few labels, pick up things that I impulsively want, but don't necessarily need and then in an hour or so--get out. (we don't shop too much together as a result of this.) So, I wandered around this store looking at the pictures on some of the items--hoping they are what I thought they were. I found most of my list stuff--and some extras, of course. I really wanted coffee. I get up early and would love to have a cup while I'm still in my room reading--before the breakfast room opens at 7:00. I was going to buy ground coffee and filters and hope to find a store in the "hood" that I could purchase a small coffee maker. Well, it was a little store and they did have coffee--even some ground coffee (I think it was anyway) but no filters. I saw the instant coffee and thought--hey, I can save myself a lot of hassle by using instant. I can live with that for a cup, so I bought some. On my way home I just remembered that my kitchen only has two hot plates--and NO DISHES or PANS of any kind. There isn't a microwave either. I guess I'll have to search further for either a teakettle to boil water--or a coffeemaker.
Once I was finished I ran home (or rolled home ) as quickly as humanly possible over cobblestones, and tracks carrying a bag full of groceries on the back of my chair. Then I wanted to see what else was out there. Old Town had some really cool stuff and I was hoping there might be some nice shops in my town to check out. After crossing the streets several times--and trying to figure out how to get back up without a curb cut--I was in what looked like a shopping district. What I noticed was--I must live in "little Vegas" here in Dejvick because I saw several little casinos. I resisted the urge to go in and gamble away my hard earned crowns--although it was one of the few placesI could get into if I wanted.
I was sorely disappointed in my neighborhood. Most of the shops were either optical shops, or pubs. The majority of them had at least one step--usually more. One thing, ironically I did find an abundance of--Handicapped parking spaces!! I would kill for those lovely coveted spots at home--but many of them are usually filled (and many times by people who aren't disabled--but don't get me started!) It makes me wonder about being disabled in Prague. I was feeling a little sorry for myself with the accessibility issues--but then I thought, I'm only here a month. They have to live here with this day to day. I still have yet to see a disabled Czech wheelchair user in a manual chair pushing him or herself around independently the city or parking in the handicapped spots. I feel like calling out all my super gimp friends from home to come and invade Prague so we can freak everyone here out with our wheelie popping, curb jumping, crawling up stairs ourselves dragging our own wheelchairs behind us, going down flights of stairs in wheelies or backwards without any help, and riding escalators. (although I haven't seen any of those here) The tram drivers wouldn't even have to put the ramps down--we'd get in there with teamwork. We'd fly over those cobblestones, topple out of our chairs and then get back in without missing a beat. I think that's what Prague needs. The disabled need to get out--make themselves a nuisance by using the buses and trams daily. They'd have to get more accessible ones or they'd be off schedule all of the time. (and the buses are always quite prompt). Yes, the next revolution that the Czech Republic needs to experience is one for the Disabled. And if I could speak Czech--I might just be the one to help them get it started. Yes, my neighborhood isn't so hot here-- the grass is sure a lot greener in Old Town and the Castle area. But it's sure a lot greener at home in America for disabled people.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Busy, Busy Day
I had a very busy day. I took my survival Czech class today. It wasn't too helpful yet. I didn't learn to say anything (including those Czech swear words!) Right after that we had two lectures from instructors who are in the various programs. One guy talked about Czechs and that it's like to have gone through such cultural changes. The other guy was a publisher and poet. There were interesting but wow--I've been thrown into academia big time! Sometimes it's hard to sit and concentrate for so long.
I went to lunch with some of the gals from our program. I had a traditional czech dish. It was beef goulash with dumplings. It wasn't anything like the goulash that I have tasted. It was these pieces of beef in this gravy and some bread. It looked like small slices of bread but when I cut into them they were kind of doughy. It was pretty good. When you order water here you have to say "no gas" or "still" for regular water and not mineral water.
I went over the Charles Bridge today. It was so cool. It's a very touristy place. There are statues all along it and it looks very ancient. I went with Kate and she took some pictures of me this time. My last adventure pictures were all of the buildings without me in them. I tried to post of facebook but it didn't work. I guess I'll try another time.
Tonight we had some readings to attend. (I told you I was thrown deep into acadamia!!) There were from a poet and a playwright They were both interesting--and I especially enjoyed the playwright I had homework to do tonight--so I'm doing this blog alittle brain-dead. No amusing anedotes, no driver abuse just goodnight.
I went to lunch with some of the gals from our program. I had a traditional czech dish. It was beef goulash with dumplings. It wasn't anything like the goulash that I have tasted. It was these pieces of beef in this gravy and some bread. It looked like small slices of bread but when I cut into them they were kind of doughy. It was pretty good. When you order water here you have to say "no gas" or "still" for regular water and not mineral water.
I went over the Charles Bridge today. It was so cool. It's a very touristy place. There are statues all along it and it looks very ancient. I went with Kate and she took some pictures of me this time. My last adventure pictures were all of the buildings without me in them. I tried to post of facebook but it didn't work. I guess I'll try another time.
Tonight we had some readings to attend. (I told you I was thrown deep into acadamia!!) There were from a poet and a playwright They were both interesting--and I especially enjoyed the playwright I had homework to do tonight--so I'm doing this blog alittle brain-dead. No amusing anedotes, no driver abuse just goodnight.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Czech-ing my anger
Well, I did make it to class today without much of a catastrophe. I was so worried about getting on the wrong tram or bus. I took alittle cheat sheet that had the name of the stop so I could make sure the bus was going there and it worked!! I felt so proud that I rode their public transportation! all by myself. ( I don't even do that at home!)
The workshop group was great. We have all women in our group and there's lots of estrogen flowing--we'll all probably be on the same cycle in no time! (except for a few of us who may no longer cycle : ) Alison our instructor is very insightful. She's an instructor of writing at the University of Arizona. She's taught here many times before. We take turns reading our piece that we have written and listen to the perspectives of the others. I think it will be very useful when it is my turn. It's useful when it's other people also because you learn from their writing--what you can do on your own. I think we have a great group of women--very diverse.
When I was done with my workshop class I decided to go explore "old town" by myself. It was in the area of the university. So off I trudged and bumped. I thought those little cobblestones were a pain--when I got to the big brick type ones--look out!! It felt like I was rolling over bowling balls!! It was truly a challenge but worth it as I got some great photos of some of the neat old churches and buildings. I bought a book so I can see what they were. I didn't go on a tour yet--wait, I did sort of. I saw the Story of Chocolate so being a chocolate lover that I am--I went in. It showed how it was gathered as beans, and processed and became the deliciousness that it is. We got to see a live demonstration of a young guy making these chocolates that had fillings in them. We got to partake after the demo and they were yummy! I had to go through their candy store to buy a small bag to enjoy later. As I was teeter-tottering through Old Town--I got alittle lost. I didn't see my landmarks that I would use to get back (think of it as my bread crumbs!). But while lost I came upon something I may go back and check out. It was the Museum of Midieval Torture. I know it sounds pretty morbid--but I must say, I'm intrigued. I'm sure my husband would want to be go in and report to him about it. I'm not even sure it's accessible.
I did get pointed in the right direction by a friendly young gal. Many of the Czech people do speak some english which is nice.
I wanted to head back to my dorm so I went to the Tram. My friend Kate saw me and got off the tram she was on and waited with me. There were very few accessible trams running due to their holidays so it's important to get on the accessible tram or bus when it comes. So, Tram 20 comes up--it has that little handicapped symbol on the front which means there's a little ramp at the middle car that the driver (when signaled by you) comes out of the car and drops the ramp down for you to get up and onto the tram. (this is where the anger part comes in) Well I waved to the driver but he comes out yelling "No assist, No assist" and he wouldn't put the ramp down for me. (that bastard!) Luckily Kate and a young guy said he'd help me on which is like a curb jump to get on but it's about 5 inches from the curb--so very tricky to do. They got me on but was I ever boiling mad. This is my first experience with a rude driver. I wanted to get his name--but he didn't have a name tag on. (no wonder!)
Kate went up to him and asked for the key to get the ramp down when we got to the stop--and he actually put the ramp down. He was muttering something under his breath--probably some czech swear words. I wanted to say a few english ones to him but I didn't. That was the last tram out of that area--I don't know what I would have done if Kate hadn't been there to help. This kind of tarnished my good impression of the Czech people who have been so hospitable and friendly--but I know there are jerks in every country. I just happened to try to get on a tram with one.
As I eat my dark chocolate--I'm settling down and feeling better. I looking forward to tomorrow. We have a lecture and then will then go to a reading from a czech author. I also start my Czech survival language class tomorrow. (I may have to ask how to say a few Czech swear words in case I run into that guy again.
The workshop group was great. We have all women in our group and there's lots of estrogen flowing--we'll all probably be on the same cycle in no time! (except for a few of us who may no longer cycle : ) Alison our instructor is very insightful. She's an instructor of writing at the University of Arizona. She's taught here many times before. We take turns reading our piece that we have written and listen to the perspectives of the others. I think it will be very useful when it is my turn. It's useful when it's other people also because you learn from their writing--what you can do on your own. I think we have a great group of women--very diverse.
When I was done with my workshop class I decided to go explore "old town" by myself. It was in the area of the university. So off I trudged and bumped. I thought those little cobblestones were a pain--when I got to the big brick type ones--look out!! It felt like I was rolling over bowling balls!! It was truly a challenge but worth it as I got some great photos of some of the neat old churches and buildings. I bought a book so I can see what they were. I didn't go on a tour yet--wait, I did sort of. I saw the Story of Chocolate so being a chocolate lover that I am--I went in. It showed how it was gathered as beans, and processed and became the deliciousness that it is. We got to see a live demonstration of a young guy making these chocolates that had fillings in them. We got to partake after the demo and they were yummy! I had to go through their candy store to buy a small bag to enjoy later. As I was teeter-tottering through Old Town--I got alittle lost. I didn't see my landmarks that I would use to get back (think of it as my bread crumbs!). But while lost I came upon something I may go back and check out. It was the Museum of Midieval Torture. I know it sounds pretty morbid--but I must say, I'm intrigued. I'm sure my husband would want to be go in and report to him about it. I'm not even sure it's accessible.
I did get pointed in the right direction by a friendly young gal. Many of the Czech people do speak some english which is nice.
I wanted to head back to my dorm so I went to the Tram. My friend Kate saw me and got off the tram she was on and waited with me. There were very few accessible trams running due to their holidays so it's important to get on the accessible tram or bus when it comes. So, Tram 20 comes up--it has that little handicapped symbol on the front which means there's a little ramp at the middle car that the driver (when signaled by you) comes out of the car and drops the ramp down for you to get up and onto the tram. (this is where the anger part comes in) Well I waved to the driver but he comes out yelling "No assist, No assist" and he wouldn't put the ramp down for me. (that bastard!) Luckily Kate and a young guy said he'd help me on which is like a curb jump to get on but it's about 5 inches from the curb--so very tricky to do. They got me on but was I ever boiling mad. This is my first experience with a rude driver. I wanted to get his name--but he didn't have a name tag on. (no wonder!)
Kate went up to him and asked for the key to get the ramp down when we got to the stop--and he actually put the ramp down. He was muttering something under his breath--probably some czech swear words. I wanted to say a few english ones to him but I didn't. That was the last tram out of that area--I don't know what I would have done if Kate hadn't been there to help. This kind of tarnished my good impression of the Czech people who have been so hospitable and friendly--but I know there are jerks in every country. I just happened to try to get on a tram with one.
As I eat my dark chocolate--I'm settling down and feeling better. I looking forward to tomorrow. We have a lecture and then will then go to a reading from a czech author. I also start my Czech survival language class tomorrow. (I may have to ask how to say a few Czech swear words in case I run into that guy again.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Trams, buses and cobblestones
Today I learned about getting around Prague. It isn't easy. The many sized cobblestones make my every move an obstacle course. They are pretty to look at but not fun to roll on. I was so careful as I was crossing over the tram tracks so I wouldn't take a digger right in the middle of a Prague road. (that might have made me a Prague speed bump!).
We had our orientation today so I had to get to the university (the class is at Charles University). Luckily, Hana--our In country coordinator was so kind as to pick me up and take me along the route that will be taking. It was so confusing--and overwhelming! And to top it all off--they speak Czech!! I am going to take a crash course on speaking survival Czech--but that's not going to help me tomorrow when I head off to class.
The staff here are great--I hope to learn a lot about writing, but don't expect to see it here on this blog. I'm just doing the ugly reality--no sugar coating my adventures. After the orientation I needed to go back to my dorm--and it took an hour and a half just to get back! Not all trams and buses are equipped to take wheelchairs so we had to wait....and wait....and wait. I was so exhaused after that--but then I had to hurry up and change clothes and go on to a party. The party was at a Czech Mexican restaurant!! There wasn't a burrito or a taco in sight--but I did have some spicy tortilla type chips. Oh yeah, and the beer was good.
I got on the wrong bus on the way home--but figured it out. I had a friend with me to help. I guess I'd better get to bed. I have a feeling that I will have those "teacher nightmares" I get right before school starts--but this time I am the student and I will be lost trying to get to my class. Let's hope that doesn't happen. If you don't hear from me for a few days--you will know that I got lost and I'm desperately trying to find my way back to the dorm. Wish me luck--I have a feeling I'll need it!
We had our orientation today so I had to get to the university (the class is at Charles University). Luckily, Hana--our In country coordinator was so kind as to pick me up and take me along the route that will be taking. It was so confusing--and overwhelming! And to top it all off--they speak Czech!! I am going to take a crash course on speaking survival Czech--but that's not going to help me tomorrow when I head off to class.
The staff here are great--I hope to learn a lot about writing, but don't expect to see it here on this blog. I'm just doing the ugly reality--no sugar coating my adventures. After the orientation I needed to go back to my dorm--and it took an hour and a half just to get back! Not all trams and buses are equipped to take wheelchairs so we had to wait....and wait....and wait. I was so exhaused after that--but then I had to hurry up and change clothes and go on to a party. The party was at a Czech Mexican restaurant!! There wasn't a burrito or a taco in sight--but I did have some spicy tortilla type chips. Oh yeah, and the beer was good.
I got on the wrong bus on the way home--but figured it out. I had a friend with me to help. I guess I'd better get to bed. I have a feeling that I will have those "teacher nightmares" I get right before school starts--but this time I am the student and I will be lost trying to get to my class. Let's hope that doesn't happen. If you don't hear from me for a few days--you will know that I got lost and I'm desperately trying to find my way back to the dorm. Wish me luck--I have a feeling I'll need it!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
I made it!!
After many hours of plane rides I am now in Prague. The flight to London was so full. Gone are the days when you wish for a couple of empty seats next to you so you can stretch out. Now they fill the flight to the brim--and squish in 3 where there used to be only two!! I sat by two ladies from India (I think) I didn't talk to them at all--but wasn't too happy that they didn't really get up or move for almost the whole trip--so I didn't have much of a chance to stretch or move myself Once I got to London I was very disgruntled that my own wheelchair was not there to greet me. They think it's okay for a disabled person to use the airport chairs that have the small wheels all around so you HAVE to be pushed everywhere. (including the bathroom!)
Needless to say I almost became an "ugly american" about this. I had a three hour layover in London--and needed to push around and freshen up a bit. (that's my excuse) They were very gracious about it--getting me through customs quickly and then finding my chair. Apparently the tag fell off--so I guess I'm lucky that I have my chair at all. After that little snafu things were fine. Almost fine.
The plane we were to take needed to have a wheel replaced--and then they just switched planes. (we weren't on it yet) so we were delayed about an hour. I did panic a bit about the fact that I had people who were supposed to pick me up from the airport.
But I needn't worry because there were two young people there to pick me up Peter and Megan. Megan was American and Peter was a Czech but spoke english very well. They escorted me and my luggage on the bus to the dorm that I am staying in. It was about a 30 minute bus ride--not bad.
The dorm is one of the more luxurious dorms I was told. It's not bad at all. It's got the most accessible bathroom I have ever seen. It has all the the necessities--and the mirror even tilts down!! Wow--I never expected it to be this nice. It's very roomy and brings back good old college memories. Peter and Megan even took me to a small store down the street to get water and some snacks for the evening--but it wasn't accessible--so they went in and got stuff for me. I'm sure I will find one that I can actually get into. We have our orientation tomorrow afternoon and then a party that evening. Jet lag is beginning to set in. I better get some rest before the beginning of my big adventure.
Needless to say I almost became an "ugly american" about this. I had a three hour layover in London--and needed to push around and freshen up a bit. (that's my excuse) They were very gracious about it--getting me through customs quickly and then finding my chair. Apparently the tag fell off--so I guess I'm lucky that I have my chair at all. After that little snafu things were fine. Almost fine.
The plane we were to take needed to have a wheel replaced--and then they just switched planes. (we weren't on it yet) so we were delayed about an hour. I did panic a bit about the fact that I had people who were supposed to pick me up from the airport.
But I needn't worry because there were two young people there to pick me up Peter and Megan. Megan was American and Peter was a Czech but spoke english very well. They escorted me and my luggage on the bus to the dorm that I am staying in. It was about a 30 minute bus ride--not bad.
The dorm is one of the more luxurious dorms I was told. It's not bad at all. It's got the most accessible bathroom I have ever seen. It has all the the necessities--and the mirror even tilts down!! Wow--I never expected it to be this nice. It's very roomy and brings back good old college memories. Peter and Megan even took me to a small store down the street to get water and some snacks for the evening--but it wasn't accessible--so they went in and got stuff for me. I'm sure I will find one that I can actually get into. We have our orientation tomorrow afternoon and then a party that evening. Jet lag is beginning to set in. I better get some rest before the beginning of my big adventure.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Goooo!
Well...after getting all packed (and yes, I did have to use another small suitcase), fighting traffic to DIA (Well, Ken actually did that) and going through security--I'm sitting here waiting to board the plane to London. It's an 8:00 pm flight so I'm hoping things will be quiet and most people will be sleeping. Speaking of security--that was a zoo. It felt like they were herding cattle as they made us split off into our designated aisles. I had so many bags and things to take off and put on the belt. Then I had to sit in the glass case of shame until a lady finally came to let me out to get patted down. (now I know what the boy in the bubble feels like!!) I had to take off my shoes too. Then the lady pats you down in almost every imaginable place you can think of. Then I get a dusting with a small white cloth on my chair and cushion to see if I had been handling explosives lately. I passed with flying colors and they let me on through to the gates. So here I sit--people watching.
I can't believe the time is acturally here!! I'm excited and nervous about my adventure. I hoping all goes well on the flight--and tomorrow (which will really be today in our time!?) I will be in Prague.
Ciao (that's not czech--their word is too hard to say and spell!!
I can't believe the time is acturally here!! I'm excited and nervous about my adventure. I hoping all goes well on the flight--and tomorrow (which will really be today in our time!?) I will be in Prague.
Ciao (that's not czech--their word is too hard to say and spell!!
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