Class During Vacation? What?!

Ahoj! ("Ahoy" - hello; the only other word I know)

Classes have been settling in and I'm beginning to feel like I actually live here in Praha.  Along with my comfortability around the city, I've noticed something else: I don't want to go to school when I've got this beautiful playground at my fingertips!!  I forget that I'm not on a 4 month vacation and I'm actually here to read a few things from some textbooks....

Don't worry Mom and Dad, I've still been attentive and on top of my school duties!  In fact, I had a lot of mix-ups during the first week with scheduling, email, system access, etc. and I took care of them all (even though a latte and Bohemia Bagel sounded waaaay better!)  Now that everything is running smoothly I've been able to see what I really think about these classes.  Here's my current status:

Prague Art & Architecture - I'm most excited about this class because I get to learn about all the history and then walk around the city and see it in person.  Plus, I get to sketch! My teacher is suuuuper knowledgeable, a Czech-native and does tours for the National Museum so I think I am pretty well set up.

Media in the new Europe - The one class that really coincides with classes I've taken at Chapman.  I've only had one session so far, but I love the topic and the teacher is beyond qualified.  I'm learning tons about Radio Free Europe.  I'm excited to pick the professor's brain more than anything.

Reporting - I'm back to my love! I get to write articles which I haven't done that much of since high school.  Hopefully I haven't lost my enthusiasm!  Best part, I turn in two pieces for the school paper, "At The Lennon Wall."  There's an online version that I'll be sure to share once we've put something together.

Management - Ugh.  That's all I have to say.  Used it as a filler class and wishing I hadn't... Hopefully it ends up being easy?

All of my classes utilize Google Apps and have course sites where students can access handouts, reading and online books.  If there's anything else you need you rent it from the library for the whole semester.  This is the first time I haven't had to buy a single book since before Xavier.  Kinda nice!

When I'm not in class I've been hibernating in the apartment and napping (my fave).  I finally got sick of the cold and needed a few days of avoiding what I call the "frozen land." Good news is, it's finally warming up!!!!! I didn't even wear a hat or gloves today when I was out and about.  I literally stepped out of the door this morning and could not avoid smiling.  We have all been joking that once it hit 30 we would be in shorts... If I had a bikini I would have put it on this morning!  Luckily, I stuck to my coat and actually broke a sweat walking to school - NEVER thought that would happen in the frozen land!

I'm all for adventuring now that the ice is melting and people are crawling out of their hiding spots! I have a few days this week to hopefully check out some of the things on the list.  On Friday, Deanne, my roomate Blair, our friend Tommy and I are all busing it to Budapest! I can't wait to get there and see what Hungary is like! I'll definitely share our weekend :)

Fun Fact #3: When riding on a bus, tram or the metro people are very, very aware of who needs a seat. I know it's a common courtesy in the States to give your seat up to the elderly or a pregnant woman, but in Prague everyone jumps up when one walks onto the tram.  I'm always nervous that I won't be paying attention and I'll get scolded.  Hasn't happened yet!

P.S. My internet in the apartment is very spotty hence why I'm slow to post and terrible with emailing people back.  Hopefully we'll get a new router soon and things will work more smoothly!!