Fall felt very short here in Czech Republic, especially with all of the Christmas decorations and shops popping up. Since Thanksgiving is strictly an American holiday, it jumps from Halloween right into Christmas. It feels odd seeing all of the Christmas ornaments, it reminds me that I only have a few more weeks left in Europe. I can’t wait to go home, but it will definitely be bittersweet leaving this wonderful city. I’ve made my own home and community here.
This last week, I received free tickets from my program to see the classic Czech ballet “Valmont.” The dancers were incredible, but the story itself was… interesting. It’s basically about two lovers who have a bet to see who can corrupt two other lovers within a certain time frame. Both lovers are successful in corrupting, but then they both explicitly cheat on each other. Then everyone dies in the end? There was a lot of angst throughout the show, but it was fun. I met a new friend named Elaine and we hung out after the show.
My program also provided tickets to a tour of the Cold War Museum, which is set in an old bunker below a hotel. It was neat, but with sixteen of us it was very cramped! I really enjoyed going into the an old tunnel used for hotel guests to escape the shelter. It still works too!
My highlight of this week though was definitely my trip to Dresden with Ari. It was so nice to stroll along the Christmas shops and meet the locals. Besides seeing a few churches along the way, Ari and I also bought tickets to go inside the Dresden Castle. There were multiple exhibits, including the Green Vault, that contained probably the most interesting pieces I’ve seen on my travels yet. We also met Max from Dortmund while viewing the exhibits! We all really connected throughout our time in the castle and he decided to join us for the rest of the Dresden trip.
While walking with him, I learned more about German culture. According to Max, Germans are very punctual and play by the rules. For example, Ari and I jaywalked across the street, and Max physically tensed up and grunted before following us. He said that crossing before the light “felt wrong.” Man, he would not survive in Italy.
Germans are also perfectionists. If they feel like they can’t get something done the “right” way, they likely won’t do it. This is starkly different from America’s scrappy culture.
Max also mentioned the “invisible wall” between East and West Germans. Even with the wall down, the different lifestyles and mindsets are still very prominent within the areas. It was very interesting to learn about.
Next weekend, I’m headed to Vienna for more Christmas markets! Enjoy my Prague and Dresden pictures. I’ve really loved living in Europe.
The National Theatre where the ballet “Valmont” was performed. Mozart also performed in this very theater 
Me seeing the Czech ballet! 
A medical room in the Cold War Museum. The tunnel leads outside and was an escape route for hotel guests 
Gotta crank to make the air flow in the bunker! 
Learning more about Czech Soviet history 
Ryan and another ISA student wearing old Czech Soviet uniforms and carrying old Czech Soviet guns 
Ari and I arrive in Dresden! 
Me on top of the Holy Cross Church 
View of Dresden from Holy Cross Church 
View of Dresden from Holy Cross Church 
Us in the front of the Frauenkirche Church 
Dresden Christmas markets! 
The Dresden Castle 
An artwork from the Green Vault in the Dresden Castle. It’s a cherry pit with over a 100 faces etched on it. It is so small! 
This was a dinner centerpiece with Athena sitting on a centaur that moved along the table. When it stopped, the centaur shot an arrow. If you were hit, you had to give a toast. I think Germans were bored in the old days 
The horseshoe Augustus II broke with his own hands to show off his strength 
Inside the beautiful Dresden Castle. Max, don’t touch! 
The Renaissance section in the Dresden Castle Museum 
Max, myself, and Ari in front of the Dresden Castle 
Me at the Semperoper Opera grounds 
View of Dresden from Augustus Bridge 
The Golden Horseman 
Dresden Clock Tower and Town Hall 
View of Frauenkirche at night 
The Holy Cross Church I climbed up earlier 
Christmas is everywhere!
From Portland to Prague 
What an incredible adventure!
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