...

That is all.

Adieu, adieu.

Kolej Komenskankho, livin’ here ain’t no stroll,

You’re lucky at breakfast for some juice or even a roll.

Prague they say is the city of trams-

Well they aren’t much good in a traffic jam.

Walking across the bridge to get to class

While all of sudden it’s gone by so fast.

I wonder where our Czech time has gone

And think about an appropriate song….

I’m to sexy, too sexy, too sexy for my shirt

But I’m not feeling so sexy when leaving only hurts.

I guess all good things must come to an end

I just don’t know what I’ll do without these friends.

I’ll miss the square, the snow and river as well,

But man, have these past 4 months been swell…

Things I hate....

Nazis

Raisins in my granola

The song "Hey There Delilah"

A 20 hour travel day leaving Prague behind.

"Reflections from a tram window make it hard to say, 'we have to go...'"

Six short days. All I've got left of this dream. What will I do without Prague? My life will be so much less enchanted, so much less thrilling. No chilled winter walks through Prague Castle or hustles by the tree through Old Town square to class. No more $2 1/2 liters of Pilsner, no more smazeny syr. No more cobblestones, Charles Bridge, skips hop and a jump to other countries. Say goodbye to goulash, tram 22 and the kolej. And the kolej. The kolej.... goodbye to the kolej?

Holy shit!!

Get me the hell home!

No more perpetually broken hot plates, couch cushion for beds, dirty floors, or post-communism architecture? No more clogged showers, pre-WWI elevators, mustard-yellow walls or getting caught in a monsoon when you flush the toilet?? NO MORE KOLEJ!?

But... no more pillow talks with Zeigler, no more Pohorelic, or the common gripes about our sub-par human living conditions. No more 312B, 416, or Pombars. No more kolej... no more Prague.

The past 3 months have been the most whirlwind 17 weeks of my life, and I will never forget them. The things I've seen, experienced and done were completely unique to being in Eastern Europe and I wouldn't exchange it for the world. I lived in the heart of Europe, ground zero for travel and learning. After all is said and done, I will have been able to explore 10 countries, 12 cities...

Budapest, Hungary
Munich (Oktoberfest), Germany
Berlin, Germany
Bad Schandau, Germany
Krakow/Auschwitz, Poland
Brussels, Belgium
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Venice, Italy
Istanbul, Turkey
Barcelona, Spain
and of course,
Prague, Czech Republic.

Not to mention a bus layover in Bratislava, Slovakia... I say, if i peed in the country outside of an airport, it's legit.

Yikes.

I don't think that living in any other area would allow for this kind of versatility. The Czech truly is one of a kind. While the residue of communism is still very present in the locals, the beauty and history of the city make up for their occasional coldness. It doesn't, however, make up for their more than occasional body odor and general lack of hygiene. Seriously, get these people some Old Spice. But regardless... what a semester. As I sit here on my couch/bed hybrid, putting off my studying for finals week, I can't help but think how I will be different once I land in Logan and get back to Maine. If anyone has ever considered *studying abroad but decided against it, I would smack them in the face with an Atlas, give them a passport and a map of the global McDonald's locations and stick them on a plane. How could you not take advantage of an opportunity to skip to anywhere on the globe to live for several months, scott free?

[*Disclaimer: The author would like to recognize the invalidity of the term, "Study Abroad". While some may have illusions about the nature of their international stays, the fact that the term "study" is included in the phrase is patently false advertising in comparison to home university workloads. Thank you.]

Just do it, people. You can do it cheap. Just avoid a country on the Euro, Pound, or Australian dollar. And for Pete's sake, don't go to an English speaking country. That is just cheating. (For those with budgets of $74.95 USD or less, I highly recommend Poland.)

As much as I will miss Prague, I'm certain that there is one thing I will miss more...

If Ali is sporadically waving her arms back and forth and bobbing her head, no, I don't need to call the paramedic for immediate medical attention- she's just dancing. Or if her tongue starts going like a rattlesnake, I know that she is truly excited- an excitement paramount only to her enthusiasm for Christmas. Good thing we are both exclusively nocturnal, or I might have some living situation problems.

When Jenna is over-dressed or at all frazzled, her catch phrase will come out even though we all already know that she "is like... sweating." And don't worry, because if all fails, the questionably premature maternal instinct will emerge with pocket tissues or back-up outfits.

In the case of Anna giggling uncontrollably, you can rest assured knowing that slapping of the bass or mother nature's finest gift is most likely involved. Luckily, if we get lost, Anna is the living, breathing Atlas of the world with just one gadget, which also doubles as a light-saber.

Given the situation that any of the members of ECES were wronged in any way, you can bet that Rachel will most likely remedy it in only the best Boston manner. Doubling as gourmet-chef, unexpected firecracker, and motor-boater supreme, what more could you ask for in a room-mate?

Whoever gave Kelsey the liter of Sangria should reevaluate their expectations for photos of the night. In an embodiment of Jersey's finest, this classy, wine-loving sweetheart was the only one who could relate to me when I talked about Jasper, Dorney's or the 1-Train in attempt to assert myself amongst the talkative Northeasterners.

No, your body was not just personally hit by a record-breaking smallest typhoon in history, you're just getting bumped and grinded with by Matt Francolino. If Britney comes on, take immediate refuge under the nearest coat rack or lounge chair because shit is about to get crazy. You can always count on him to dump pitchers of wine in your mouth when you're too occupied discussing certain vegetables, or partner up with you in choosing somewhat unconventional coat checks.

I can say for a fact that Tanya is the best looking Ukranian I'VE ever seen. And yes, I mean seen. Mustafa will not soon be forgotten, and I'm sure I'll see him again at their wedding anyways. I can count on her to help me clean-sweep all breakfast tray-tables from unexpecting and sleepy travel companions.

Jason and Alex come as a pair since I'm pretty sure I've never seen them apart. While I may give my fellow Mainer perpetual shit, he knows it's merely because I feel akin to him being as outdoorsy and Carhart familiar as I am. I can also take pride in enlightening him to the fact that he hates Grappa. I'm in the clear with Alex because I prefer Jay-Z over Biggie, but even if I wasn't I'm sure he'd still be as nice to me as he was in the thermal bath in the mountains of Bad Schandau. How can anyone be cranky in a top-floor suite in the Bavarian countryside watching Bond in German with 3 close friends?

Max is the one I turn to for conversation about weird, underground music or ridiculous YouTube videos. Apparently no one spends as much time online here as I do except for him. Oh how I'll miss the "Jling" and mutually-exchanged sassy comments.

If I'm lost, I'm calling Fooch. If I'm scared, I'm calling Fooch. If I'm wondering how to create sulfuric acid with a piece of bark and a Furby, I'm calling Fooch. What a guy.

Basically, everyone living in the Kolej under the common ECES tie, are baller.

I've met some pretty outstanding people since being over here. I don't know how I'm going to be able to go back to daily life without seeing their faces everyday. I guess I've got Snowball to look forward to... and a trip to the Philippines.

So long, Prague- I'll miss you lots. But I'll be back...

Aye Carumba

My duties as an avid blogger have passed me by. Weeks ago. I apologize for anyone who might care. It is now the first of our last 3 weeks here, and the teachers decided that they probably should give us assignments. Cut to me having 4 papers, 2 presentations, and 3 finals. Word.

I need to fill everyone in about Venice and Istanbul (which was freaking amazing) at some point, but not sure when that will be. Guaranteed once I am back in Maine on the 19th and confined to my room for lack of money to go out with, I will write extensively on all of my adventures. Promise. But until then, I'm going to eat another can of peaches and glue my eyes to this Wiki page about the Velvet Revolution. Aye....

Wait....

...the Yankees won the world series?


Happy 20th, Velvet Revolution.

European Revelations

The most significant revelation having been discovered while sitting in my Contemporary Central European Politics class searching fruitlessly for some entertainment... until my wandering eyes happened to glance over at the map of Europe hanging on the wall in front of me. As my knowledge of Germany's insanity has increased since studying in Europe, I made this astonishing and poignant discovery...




Har har.

Irony. Our professor moves on to tell us about the numerous parties in the Czech parliament... "Socialist party, communist party, green party, Christian party, party of retards..."

...at which I find myself the only one laughing out loud and a slight silent pause afterwards. Great, I am now "that girl".

But in other news... I haven't really felt the blogging urge lately which is too bad because I've done a bunch of cool stuff that would be interesting (or not) to read about. Poland was cold, Brussels was expensive, Amsterdam was smoky, Maria is now broke. Well... not really but I might be eating with the peasants in Istanbul and fishing out of the canals in Venice and perhaps visiting the homeless shelter in Barcelona. Builds character.

Another one of my revelations was that this world is extremely tiny. I've had several "Wait, are you serious? The world is so small...." moments since being abroad. Strange things. I also need a hair cut but at the same time am torn between long or short hair. What a dilemma. Got to wear my Dirndl again last night for a Kolej costume party, that was nice. I have to wear it 68 more times to get my money's worth. Yikes. Maybe I'll consider moving to Bavaria.

Here's something to think about- having to study during study abroad? Who ever thought of something so crazy! Sheesh. How am I supposed to immerse myself in Czech culture when I've got three history tests to worry about. Or something.

I need to start eating healthy...

Laundromat Revelations

Ahoj, ahoj.

Just returned from Poland for the weekend. As much as I'd like to share all about it I feel like I should probably maintain a chronological order to my blog since any other form of organization is seriously lacking. Also I feel as though I've been somewhat neglecting to write about my experiences IN Prague and have turned an unfair focus towards just my excursions. So first things first. Czechs are smelly. Reason: lack of laundromats. Well, at least that is one factor. What the hell CR, where are all your washers and driers!? Get on that Klaus, and join the EU already while you're at it.

After going a couple weeks without laundry, Jenna and I decided it was time to leave the comfortable confines of the Kolej to seek a mode to clean clothing before departing for Krakow. Cut to Andy's Laundromat, second to last stop on tram 22. Now a trip to the laundromat normally wouldn't warrant an individual blog entry, but this laundromat had something special. After putting all your clothes in, you were welcomed to sit in a lounge and enjoy complimentary coffee and tea. Still not too exciting- until I picked up a book off the coffee table. Entries dating back to 2003, this book held anecdotes, comments and praises of Andy's and clean laundry/Prague in general. I spent a good hour reading through the entire thing- people from all over the world, connecting within one medium, over dirty underwear and trousers. Genius.

Below are some noteworthy entries that I wanted to share:

"Never thought I'd be here but I love it. The cab driver threw Zain's bags onto the street because he took him to the wrong location. Bangu is chill as hell. We go back in seven weeks to the states. I don't want to leave at all. Don't really miss anybody except my ferret Amelio."
-Ryan, Raleigh, NC, USA

"Didn't actually wash my clothes. But I watched."
-Tim, Australia

"I like hockey, squares, and this laundromat."
-Simon, Quebec, Canada

"Time to wash and think
Moments to write and drink
Sunshine for newly-weds
Who have the hardest time gettin' out of bed
Reflections from a tram window make it hard to say, 'we have to go'."
- Paul and Becky, New Orleans, LA, USA

"Cheers to all the travelers and explorers of life."
-Jim W., Bishop, CA, USA

" We arrived here a horrible, smelly punk rock band. Now we're just a horrible punk rock band. Cheers!"
-Meggers, THE CASUALTIES, NYC, USA

"They say if it ain't clutch, it ain't much. But then I found this laundry place. Excelente!"
-Felix, The Netherlands

"You're a great fisherman."
-Anon


Reading these entires made me unusually happy. There were words in so many languages written by people from so many different countries around the world- even ones from Maine. If the two loads I washed hadn't cost upwards of $15, I might've said that this is the best laundromat in the world just for having this guest book. Now that I've put all these thoughts down on virtual paper, I promise that my next two entires will include accounts of an epic adventure in the mountains of Bad Schandau, Deutschland (out of chronological order, woops) and of course my trip to Poland, land of the Po.

It is winter. Hope everyone is well. Clean clothes abounding.

Big Wall- My Berlin Experience

So... I realize I have been slacking on this whole blog thing. But between not having classes until 1:00 three days a week, it's been hard to find the time.

Naht.

Not too much has happened since Oktoberfest- thought I got my identity stolen, found a great deal on some boots, discovered Ramen with egg, took a train to Germany and saw someone shoot up heroin for the first time. That was weird... apparently heroin is a problem in Prague. Haven't these people seen Requiem for a Dream?! Damn. But all is well... identity still mine, boots still cool, and although I'm becoming a lard, the Ramen w. egg was a great discovery. My next endeavor is Ramen with peanut butter and hot sauce... think of it as the hobo's pad thai. Yes please.

Got back from Berlin yesterday afternoon... a few of us hopped on a train Friday morning and headed to the Deutschland. What a cool trip. Firstly, the train was probably the best investment ever as we saw some pretty amazing countryside en route.






Not to mention that Jenna and I felt pretty regal as we sipped Macchiatos in the dining car.




Our arrival in Berlin proved to be somewhat hectic as we realized we didn't have the address to our hostel... until thank GOD Max saved the day by remembering that he'd written it down. We proceeded to scan the UBahn map for Picadilly Square and Charlie St.

Isn't that in London?

Yes.

Back to square one... thankfully Anna was able to look it up for us on the Google machine and give us directions. Our hostel was more of a warehouse with beds but at 18€ for the weekend, who's complaining? It had a bar in the lobby and included breakfast. Perfect.



Creepy...

We lucked out the first full day we were there because the weather was pretty nice- we even saw sun in dreary Berlin! Blue skies seemed like a foreign concept. Hopped on a bus tour that allowed you to get off and explore every so often. Cut to Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust memorial (they better), Jenna and I in love, some wall, and other cool looking buildings.











After some serious sightseeing, we decided to do some car shopping and hang out with bears.





Jenna much preferred this one over the Bentley.



When the night started to fall and the bears went to sleep, we decided what a perfect opportunity to visit Rapunzel.



But she was out at the clubs so we had to turn back. Good thing the hostel offered its own alien spaceship to hang out on and have weird extraterrestrial shots.





Can't really tell you much about what happened after that... but I'm pretty sure I'm now missing a kidney.

Then there was this weird thing:


I think it was the ship's rubbish... they were really big aliens. Now that I have no idea where to go from here, enjoy these other shots from Berlin.









Voila! There we have it. Berlin in a microcosmic, bear friendly, fairytale-like nutshell. I should probably start writing my Graffiti paper due Wednesday. Will I? Probably not till tomorrow around this time. Hope everyone is well and that the US is working on its economy because this exchange rate is KILLING ME...

figuratively.

From Budapest to Oktoberfest...

Ahoj! or... Gutentag!

Despite my blogging hiatus, I am still alive and breathing after our wild Oktoberfest adventure... barely. What a whirlwind weekend. It all began on Friday, where we met our German friend at her workplace to take off for Munich. As the four of us followed behind her to the parking lot, we joked that the silver compact car/roller-skate in the first spot was hers. She brings us to the silver compact car in the first spot and we load up our backpacks. She introduces him as Oscar, and the German speaking GPS as Sheila (although we are warned that Sheila is not so bright). The tight squeeze made us a little more acquainted with each other but just enhanced the adventure nonetheless. Especially when I caught sight of her ME bumper sticker! She loves Bar Harbor, visited last year... what a small world. Five hours later, we pull off the Audobahn and arrive in Munich at our mysterious Ukranian School. And so it begins....

We arrive in front of the Hofbräu tent around 9:00 as it is the last Saturday of Oktoberfest and the tents are packed. Pregame with an orange capri sun while we wait in the massive crowd slightly resembling a line.

















After about 30 minutes, we hear several whistles blow and the gates are opened. Let me give you a visual:























Right. So we got in. I don't really know what else to tell you besides maybe a few facts and my photos to explain my trip.

The Hofbräu-Festzelt is the largest beer tent of the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
During Oktoberfest 2007 (16 days), there was a total consumption of 6,940,600 liters of beer and 700,000 whole roast chickens.
The center of the Hofbräu tent is known as "The Pig Pen". For obvious reasons.

SO- With that being said, here are some photos of our experience on Day 1: Hofbräu.



















































I decided to take a quick break to do some weight training since I've been feeling rather lazy lately.























Har har har. Moving on.....
















Ian, Jenny, Jenna, Mike and Jenny's friend. We decided that after our third liter we'd need a nap before continuing on further. Grabbed a quick bite to eat, stole a mug, made some friends with Aussies, and back to the room.
















We actually made it with only one break to take a quick snooze on the grass. Thank God for Mike.


















Round Two! Oktoberfest at night. Half-chickens galore.






















































An insider's tip for future Oktoberfesters: Get your cute blonde friend to make friends with the security guard so that you get VIP access to come in and out as you please. And no waits for restrooms!



So that was day one. Now, it was great, but something was missing. The official outfit of Germany/Oktoberfest is Lederhosen for the men and Dirndls for the ladies. Basically ALL of the locals were sporting these cool outfits and we simply felt like frauds without them. So we fixed that problem for day two.



Best €45 I ever spent.




Made friends with some (fifteen year old) locals.





After all the excitement, we had to head back to Prague for school on Monday. Overall, probably one of the best weekends I've ever had. As my friend said, "This is like Disneyworld for college kids." Can't go wrong there. Well, I guess you might feel a little wrong the next morning- but with lots of veggies and water, it's a price I am willing to pay.

Off to Munich...

This may very well be my last blog post.

Bon voyage!

Budapest Obsessed

Hello hello... hope everyone is well. Good weekend? Go see a movie? Maybe... go to a party? Read a book? Kick it in a natural Hungarian hot spring? ZIIIINGGGGG!!!

Sorry sorry... I can't help it. What a crazy weekend. And crazy in the sensory overload kind of way as opposed to the get lost, meet some Gypsies and ride a camel to a club kind of way. But that would have been cool. I was impressed with Budapest to the point of being obsessed even though at times I got stressed but one could have guessed. It's late. I don't know why I'm blogging. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Table of Contents

Picture #1,2: We Arrive at the (Suspiciously Nice) Hostel















































Picture #3: Maria Misses the Bouquet
























Picture #4: Maria Buys a Souvenir

















Picture #5: Maria Attends a Crazy Accordion, Violin, Scratching, Bongo Balkan Rock Band Concert



















Picture #6: Maria Nearly Falls Into the Danube While In a Laughing Fit

















Picture #7: Maria Takes a Moment to Breakdance.



















Picture #8: Maria Stands in Line For Free Big Macs/Jumbotron Opera



















Picture # 9: Maria Thinks the Hungarian Market is a Super Nice Sam's Club
























[CUT TO CABO, JUNGLE, SLOVAKIA??]







(Spa)























(Bush)






















(Clearly Slovakia... PS...Why did we go to Slovakia?)















I love pandas.


















(Disclaimer: While Maria does in fact love pandas, pandas are in no way affiliated with her travels in Europe. No pandas were harmed in the posting of this blog entry.)

And to finish it off... the obligatory Budapest shot:



















And there you have it! Budapest in a nutshell. Complete with break-dancing, world traveling, and a picture of a panda clan. It was an amazing weekend although it was a cool thing to feel excited to get back HOME to Prague! This city has no contest. Classes started today, watched The Unbearable Lightness of Being in my Eroticism, Power and Fate in Central European Cinema. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Also had my first Contemporary Central European Politics class. Tomorrow: Eroticism, MittleEuropa, and Urban Semiotics. 1:30-9. Shit! Wish me luck. I may not make it through the day... but good thing I don't have bed bugs like Overlook Manor. Suckas (cut to me getting bed bugs for saying that).

Fall has arrived! Break out the Mother Russia fur hats.
(Note to self: buy a Mother Russia fur hat.)

Goodnight.