missing you is worse than pittsburg

I would consider apologizing for the lack of posting, but I feel like if it hasn't become obvious that I cannot post based on a schedule, then you aren't reading carefully enough.

I arrived in Praha (Prague) on Wednesday afternoon...from there it was a harrowing and stomach-wrenching journey to get to Brno. Two bus rides later, it was dark, 21:00, and I was lost in Brno. Luckily I was numb from 36 hours of running on no sleep, and so rather than fully freaking out, I was so damn determined just to get to my destination in the city. I basically had a sketchy map and the name of a tram stop for my guide, and I used those to the best of my ability, only to end up eventually still following some college-aged kids off the tram and to my new residence. Thank goodness those people just happened to be also attending my university, otherwise I don't know where I would have ended up.

Each day is an adventure here, and not always in the best sense. The language barrier is terrifying, and much worse than I expected. I wish I knew more Czech, or I wish more of the signs were in English. Some days I ask myself why I didn't just go to France or England or even Australia, where I would have a shot at understanding and being able to function. Then there are the multiple instances of self-doubt, where I believe I might have made a mistake in coming here.

I've not let my fear keep me locked inside. Each day I try to get out and wander the city. Sometimes it is fascinating and I have a wonderful time or make great discoveries, and other times I just get horribly confused, embarass myself, and get yelled at by an aggrevated cashier in Czech. It's really hit or miss living here for me right now.

If you want to see some photos, go to http://kgettinger.shutterfly.com/ Eventually the photos will probably be used here, as well, but if anyone is curious and wants to look at them now and see my commentary, I recommend you go there. I might actually update it more frequently. No promises.