Prague One Week On...

So here I am. First week over and finally found a place to live. It was a desperate week to say the least.I must have viewed around 7 to 8 flats - all varying in people and levels of craziness. I think if I could give any advice to expats it would be to NOT go through an agency when looking for a place. The school recommended one company and I of course took the bait. When I arrived in Prague expecting viewings to be lined up they told me that they had nothing and 'will keep trying'. Here are the two flats they ended up showing me:

Flat 1: Old crusty 'documentary' maker/hipster lady looking to rent out spare room in fancy part of town. Room comes with ten years of dust and grime and some rather manky wooden windows. 'Kitchen' (used loosely here) consists of ONE cooking hob only. Would like to rent to tenant for unspecified cost at an unspecified duration with utility bills TBC. Tenant must make themselves scarce and bow down in fear if hipster lady returns from travels and needs to use the flat.

Flat 2: Geriatric American father and son type looking for expat to patronize and share in filth wallowing in 'cozy' abode. Facilities include access to micro kitchen covered in unspecified slime, a variety of splendid cannabis bongs for your perusal and a gentle waft of eau de mildew in the rather unambiguous sleeping quarters.

I ended up arranging all other viewings and luckily on my very last house hunting day I got a nice super clean flat in Prague 3 next to Flora station.

In just a week I've seen so much of this place and its people. The Czech people are famed for their general unfriendliness so I wasn't too surprised when anyone in customer service eyed me like the British swamp toad that I am. They are also a big fan of rules. God help you if you don't abide to their correct instructions!! I don't get why they are so miserable, they live in the most beautiful city!!

The metro is very easy to master and there are so many trams around you can get around really easily. There has been a few times I've gone the wrong way on public transport, but jumping off at random stops is sometimes the best way to discover new areas (plus its easy to get back on track!)

My flat is very very close to the Flora metro which is really handy, although the immediate neighbourhood is rather built up and ugly. To my surprise there is a number of massive graveyards just over the road next to the Flora shopping mall. They are very beautiful, but as gothic as it gets.

It sounds a bit silly but I think the most difficult part of this move is not necessarily being in another country - it is living in a shared flat again. The flatmates seem really nice but I have been on my own for so long it is hard to have a shared space again.

I've been talking to some expats and arranged to meet up with them so that it positive! It might take a while for me to settle here.

First day in Prague

First post from Prague - right now everything feels surreal and odd, it might be something to do with the little sleep I had! Went to bed at 10pm last night, didn't sleep of course and got up at quarter to three. I doubt I will ever get used to early morning flights.

Flight was smooth, I got to my air bnb via taxi thanks to my printed address papers. I had a nightmare situation yesterday - the apartment I booked weeks ago was suddenly cancelled! I was so freaked out that I didn't have much time to get my head round moving and such. It seemed a real shame as this flat was in Prague 2, very close to the house agency and the part of town I fancied living in. Turns out I was pleasantly surprised by the flat booked in its place!

I'm in Prague 8, a bit far from the city centre but it has very good bus and train links. The owner, Bianca is a very eccentric but thoughtful and helpful host. She made sure to write down all the information I need and even got me a short journey ticket to town! The flat is actually lovely! very spacious, proper cooking area and a separate shower and toilet (Bianca added that your 'lover' doesn't need to be that close to your personal habits!) It's surprisingly leafy and quiet here. I hope to use the rooftop terrace at some point, maybe drink some wine :)

After dropping my bags off I set off to the city centre. Super easy and quick to get to. I have however noticed that English is not used as often as I presumed. Most people I met have an extremely basic knowledge of the language with the exception of a very nice African guy who restored my faith in humanity today (long story short, Czech police and ticket operators are arseholes but we all know that!) Even the tourist place names do not give the translation so I had to squint at the little pictures and hope the signs led me somewhere interesting. In short, I'm terribly spoiled and not used to actually having to deal with a foreign language.

I had a good wander round the city centre and snapped a few photos. Every corner has some historical beauty hiding, it was very fascinating! I felt quite relaxed and at ease just wandering the streets and stopping to gawp and take photos when I could. The only downside to this flat is that there is absolutely no corner shops let alone supermarkets nearby so if you need to buy food it all has to be done in town. It won't be too much trouble for this week.

Coming back to the flat after my day in the city I was tired and sweaty and feeling a bit deflated. It's probably a mixture of tiredness, excitement, nervousness and sadness about leaving family behind. After food, shower and skype with parents I am feeling a bit better but I am looking forward to Brian arriving.

Anyway, my battery is low (I forgot to buy some European plug sockets, wah!) so I'll leave this entry for today.