Maybe this is weird... but none of the juice here is refrigerated and it's all from concentrate! I miss my fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning. I'm over the carton of drank :(
2. Hang Drying Laundry
So now I know why we have dryers in America, because hang drying clothes is a BITCH. I can only wash 10% of my shit at a time because I can't lay out all of my things to dry. And all my clothes feel stiff like cardboard after.
3. Smoking
The whole city of Prague is like an episode of Mad Men: SMOKE EVERYWHERE (and alcohol, but that's okay). You can smoke in bars and restaurants, and even schools (even though it's "frowned" upon). SUFFOCATING.
4. America's Influence distorted
I thought it would be nice to have some American comfort food like Burger King and KFC, but these places are completely warped here! The chicken strips at KFC are half the size and you have to pay 25 cents for each packet of ketchup... WHAT. It's so not American... oh... okay that makes sense.
5. Paying to Use the Bathroom
When you gotta go, you gotta fucking go! It takes some effort to stop and pay someone to use the toilet, which is already awkward. It's 5 Kc (25 cents) but unnecessary. It's not everywhere but definitely in places where it's inconvenient.
6. Dog Shit
I'm not kidding about this one. If you don't watch your step, you'll be in deep shit.
7. Weather
This is somewhat unfair given the time of year, but it's colder than Sarah Palin's vagina. Let's "Spring" forward!
8. OTC Meds
So you know Tylenol and Tums? Forget about it here. You need to go to a pharmacy to get OTC meds. GTFO.
9. Cash Based Society
Quite frustrating as a foreigner who needs to pay $5 for every withdrawal. Managing cash is a lot more difficult than a credit card. I spend money like an American!
10. "Escalators are too fast." (Jana)
Appreciations
1. Public transportation
America could learn a thing or two from the Czech Republic. You literally can get anywhere you want for little to nothing with the tram, metro, train and bus system. Stores here don't even have parking spaces! Everyone uses public transportation. Not only is it cheaper, but it's good for the environment!
Weird fact: You technically never need to pay to use these services, it's based on a "trust" system. Trust system? In America? LOLZ.
2. Lifestyle
Everything here is of a much slower pace. Everyone is in his or her own world and is non-intrusive and doesn't stare. I seriously think my blood pressure has lowered. My stomach doesn't hurt and I feel less anxious.
3. Dogs
Yes, they shit everywhere, but that's because you can bring them everywhere! To stores, school, and restaurants! It's bittersweet, but more sweet :)
4. Food
Although not for everyone, as a Polish boy, I grew up on meat and potatoes, so Czech dining is a sexual experience for me. I don't want to go into too much detail (or do I!), google images please: potato dumplings, Svičková, Guláš, and ALL soup. No, I won't bring any of this stuff home. Get over it.
5. Prices
20 Kc is approximately $1... below are some examples of how much things cost:
Beer: 25 Kc ($1.25)
Good bottle of wine: 100 Kc and up ($5 and up)
A More Than Decent Dinner: 100-150 Kc ($5-7)
An Intense Cup of Coffee: 10 Kc ($0.50)
An Amazing Time in Prague: priceless
6. Nightlife
New York may be the city that never sleeps in America, but Prague is the equivalent in Europe. It is nice to have found a place with clubs that have people jamming until the waking hours (cough 6 AM cough cough). And thanks to an amazing public transit, there are 24 hour trams.
7. The City
So this city really is beautiful. I hate using that word, it makes me cringe. I feel like it's so overused that it has lost all value, but there's no other way to describe Prague. With its narrow, cobble streets and a sky that is almost touchable, it's like a painting. There's also something fantastical about this place at night, with its clock towers and desolate churches. It transforms.
8. Beer and Wine
Some people live off bread and water, and Czechs live off beer and wine. It's not uncommon to have beer for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Why? 1) It's cheap 2) It's delicious 3) Why not? Czech aren't alcoholics, but they tolerate their strong beer and wine pretty darn well. For foreigners, by the end of your third beer, it's easy to temporarily forget where you are.
9. The Arts
There is so, so, so much to do here that it's hard to find time to practice my Britney dances (you think I'm joking?) There are film festivals, art exhibits, museums, concerts, and shows happening all the time at extremely reasonable prices. I will clone myself so I can fully experience the many activities.
10. Drinkable Tap Water
This is my favorite thing: you can drink the toilet water here! No you can't, but I'm sure it's really, really clean. All faucet water is totally drinkable and it tastes good. They even say that tap water is sometimes better than bottled water. Suck it ZephryhillsDasaniAquafina!
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