First off, many apologies for the length of time since my last post… so much has transpired between this morning & January 5 when I put in my last post, and I am going to have to concise with what I write as I could go on all day! I am using a free open Wi-fi network in the flat, and am having to write this early in the morning in order to get a strong enough signal.

Our flat is very close to the city centre of Prague a short walk away from Josefov (the Jewish Quarter) and we are in a location that is roughly half way between Florenc & Namesti Republiky Metro stations for those of you who are familiar with the city. Some of the city’s nightlife is close by, so I will attempt to post more information on that once we’ve unearthed more.

Prague so far has been very cold, the highest temperature has been -4 degrees, so wrapping up every time I’ve stepped out of the flat, cafe or pub has been paramount. 2 pairs of socks are a must  after having been out on the first evening for a quick recce in just one pair! We haven’t had any fresh snowfall since we arrived, but as the mercury hasn’t topped 0, it is still on the ground & giving the city a wintry crisp feel. 

So far I’ve managed to adjust to the Metro pretty easily, its much simpler to understand than London’s Underground as there are only 2 Transfer (Prestrup in Czech) stations on the entire network, and only 3 lines. This means that the informational design and sign-age on platforms is so simple that you often find yourself wondering if you’re heading the wrong way! Having acquired a long term pass (these weren’t advertised, but a guy from Vuste Envis called Igor hooked us up with a 3 month pass for 1510Kr, which is just over £60), we now haven’t got to worry about having pockets full of Koruna for the change machines, as this was seriously holding us up in the first day or two. The stations are much more minimalist in their design and decor when you compare them with somewhere on London’s Underground, which are often decked in elaborate illustrations.  The shot below is a typical tube tunnel wall that you see from the platforms.

Regarding my Czech lessons, the third one will take place at 1230 this afternoon. Pronunciation wise, I feel I’m doing pretty well so far. This may be down to me geeking it up before I came away, having downloaded a Czech podcast from the i-Tunes store (head there & there are 7 episodes so far). However, grammar wise, I am struggling to hoold my own, though it is only early days so there is no need for panic yet! One thing proving pretty interesting is the fact that our teacher, Sylvia, is only about the same age as me… and can speak very little English! Imagine a room full of people trying to signal stuff & shout pretty loudly like you do when you order a beer on holiday in Spain, and you’re pretty much there!

On the placement front, Lukas Cetera is looking after sorting the Creative Internships out. So far he has passed my details onto 2 or 3 firms, and I am hoping to hear back within the next week (when I know, so will you!). He is also having to accommodate an animator, 2 or 3 architects/interior  spatial designers, an artist and a journalist amongst others. Cross your fingers for me!!