Finally Here!

So, after a canceled flight and an extreme amount a chaos to actually get on the plane, I finally made it to the Czech Republic on Saturday, August 23rd, 2009 at 10:00pm.  Upon arriving, I met my head English teacher, Blanka, who took me to my apartment and my new roommate Stephanie.  

On Sunday, with severe jet lag, I took a tour of Prague with all of my fellow ESIers.   Thought it was amazingly beautiful, I don't remember much because I was half asleep the whole time!  My first day of school was on Monday.  It was just in-service, but I got to meet all of the teachers in my department and tour the school.  For the past week I have been lesson planning, writing syllabi, and getting prepared for the school year.  Definitely much more work than I ever gave my teachers credit for!

My school actually has two locations; Gybu (the main campus) and Pos.  I actually work at both campuses.  Pos started yesterday, but Gybu doesn't start until next week because it has been under renovation.  I have desk at both office and really like all of the ladies that I share an office with!   

I am teaching students that are ages 17-20.  They are the equivalent of Juniors and Seniors in the US high school system, though Czech do school quite differently than we do!  Once I actually start teaching, I will let you know more.

The funniest thing that has happened so far was at McDonalds of all places!  One day, I had to stay at school especially late to administer an exam.  When I left, I was starving and figured the easiest place to get something would be McDonald's because it was on my way home and all I had to do was say a number (which I am really good at in Czech!).  When I got there, the number part was ok, but the cashier could not understand coke/cola for the life of him!  I think we back and forth for over 5 minutes with me pointing at the Coke on the machine, saying coke-a-cola, and never getting anywhere.  At one point, I was trying to think of the czech word for drink and I think I asked for a beer which must have really confused him!  I never got my coke, but I did manage to get fries and chicken nuggets (was the easiest thing to say on the menu!).  

I am loving the Czech Republic!  The people are friendly, the city is beautiful, and I am really making some great friends.  This is an amazing adventure!  

My first day of class in on Thursday, so I will let you know how it goes!  If I don't have your e-mail address, send it to me, I will try to send out quick things letting people know what is going on.

That's all for now!