tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46891916121990843842011-10-11T01:55:54.050-05:00Experiencing life one culture at a time.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.comBlogger1391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-5483743747659832782011-06-05T05:23:00.001-05:002011-06-05T06:27:25.132-05:00

To me fringe is a decoration or something on the periphery. In British English, fringe is a hairstyle that Americans call bangs. But this weekend I found that fringe is also a well-known festival that many cities put on to recognize theatre and musical arts performed by international guests. Who knew?! I was clearly a Fringe Festival virgin but Prague Fringe Festival 2011 showed me how its done.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-36441975196402830962011-06-02T11:00:00.000-05:002011-06-05T06:26:02.799-05:00

My European adventure is winding down and I'm headed back to the states in 3 weeks. I'm excited about where my future will be and what my next challenge is. But reverse culture shock is around the corner. I'm accustomed to the easy lifestyle here and in ways it will be difficult to readjust to good ol' Amurica. Of course there are things things to like and dislike about living the Czech Republic.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-71232333826123553032011-05-01T07:27:00.003-05:002011-05-02T16:39:55.857-05:00

Last night witches were aflame all over the Czech Republic . According the the pagan tradition, burning a witch on April 30 (a cross-quarter day falling between solstices and equinoxes) symbolizes winter's demise and the birth of spring. I attended the ritual in a small village with a friend who showed me how Czechs celebrate. It began and ended with Slivovice- the Czech national liquor made of

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-84902424190856745782011-04-28T16:35:00.001-05:002011-06-05T05:30:34.612-05:00

After 8 months in Europe I finally saw some traditional folk dancing. It's something that I had wanted to experience especially in Central and Eastern Europe where rich cultural traditions have been rediscovered after the fall of communism. While out and about in Istanbul, a friend and I unexpectedly hit folk dancing gold. A free outdoor performance for the International Children's Festival of

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-66018144029270395892011-04-28T13:05:00.001-05:002011-04-28T13:06:56.923-05:00

This time last year I was hyped up about graduating and moving to the Czech Republic to teach English. Now it's almost over- the teaching part at least. I have 2 weeks left of class before the examination period begins. Somehow 25 weeks of class flew by and I'll be standing in front of my students for the last time very soon. It's an unusual relationship I have with my students, probably because

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-4988684109887530162011-04-24T13:07:00.001-05:002011-04-28T16:33:58.495-05:00

On a ferry across the Bosphorus Sea between Europe and Asia is the place to be at sunset. Shadowed minarets from countless mosques dramatically pierce the sky and compose an impressive scene- the perfect precursor to an unforgettable night.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-37665974424694039332011-04-15T16:32:00.000-05:002011-04-28T16:33:08.392-05:00

I've been to one European football match before (flashback to my Olympique Lyonnais experience) but Czech football is in a league of its own. A friend scored us some tickets to one of the largest rival games in the Czech Republic- Sparta Praha vs Slavia Praha (3rd row for only 220 CZK- that's about $11)! We were in for quite an experience- surely one I will never forget. Sparta Praha fans

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-32388865308047776692011-03-27T00:00:00.000-05:002011-03-26T18:11:04.711-05:00

Naked vines soak in the early spring rays at Botanická zahrada Praha. It's a matter of weeks before the the botanic blooms!

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-58628690732742496492011-03-25T17:12:00.001-05:002011-03-26T17:54:51.088-05:00

There's always something new to see when wandering around Prague. This weekend my stroll around town led me to the Prague Exhibition grounds- only because I was wondering where the thumping music was coming from. What I found was the annual St Mathew's Fair. According to the Prague Experience website, it is one of the most popular fairs in the Czech Republic. Photos of the neon-colored rides

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-5979704278695424032011-03-22T18:51:00.001-05:002011-03-22T18:52:22.318-05:00

It's become a habit of mine to read a couple books at a time. I don't recommend it, but I can recommend some great books especially on the topic of Central Europe. There are great authors from Central Europe and luckily many of their books have been translated into English. I've already mentioned the one of the most obvious authors from Prague- Franz Kafka in an earlier post about the Franz Kafka

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-4872218001354088672011-03-20T17:05:00.001-05:002011-03-26T18:15:24.883-05:00

The assignment for my class: Write some tips for a foreign visitor to your country.  It was meant to be a lesson about ESL generalizations and social behavior but turned out to be more of a "what not to do" for me as the foreigner. I jotted down a few of the most interesting ones. Again these are straight from Czech students and I don't know if they are always applicable. Feel free to comment on

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-76477122318104160022011-03-14T17:50:00.005-05:002011-06-05T05:30:34.613-05:00

If you follow me, you probably know that I love film festivals.  When I heard about one in Prague I literally jumped at the chance to participate in this year's Jeden Svět / One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival. First allow me to catch your attention with the hilarious festival trailer. The festival slogan this year is "Your energy is needed elsewhere" which hits home

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-77070144597657059982011-03-06T12:07:00.003-06:002011-03-06T12:12:52.181-06:00

Another sunny weekend in the ČR made for a great day trip two hours south of Prague to a smaller city called České Budějovice. It's quite the mouthful, pronounced Chess-kay Boo-day-yo-vitz-say. It is actually quite a large town, bigger than I expected but still easily navigable. It's claim to fame is, you guessed it, the original Budweiser brewery and (completely unrelated) one of Europe's

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-61189241567477647412011-02-27T11:36:00.001-06:002011-02-27T11:38:40.306-06:00

Gathering of the masks in in front of Old Town Hall. Soirées! Feasts! Costumes! Bohemian Carnevale has official begun! 

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-34980745189237367592011-02-26T17:00:00.000-06:002011-02-27T11:40:41.751-06:00

Thousand of names of those who died at Terezín. Terezín is 50 minutes northwest of Prague and provides a different perspective on the horrors of the German occupation of Czechoslovakia. It is by no means easy to get there but thankfully my travel companion Rick Steve's gave perfect instructions. Terezín was built in the 18th century as a military fortress by the Habsburg Empire and as part of

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-65753182728239532282011-02-20T17:11:00.004-06:002011-02-27T11:38:40.307-06:00

Prague is "The City of 100 Spires". This is one city that lives up to its nickname.The spires of Prague from Letná Park.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-66224562175813881952011-02-20T10:32:00.001-06:002011-02-20T10:34:17.471-06:00

Before now I've never had a "quick visit" to my home country. It's always the other way around- a quick visit to Europe or Mexico. But 2 weeks ago I took a "quick trip" to Texas and Oklahoma to visit my family and friends. A quick 10 days to fight jet lag, catch up on X's and O's that just aren't the same over skype, meet a new human being who was born after I left in September, stuff my mouth

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-61670530271913122132011-01-30T10:28:00.002-06:002011-02-27T11:38:40.308-06:00

The Prague Metronome in Letnà Park towers 75 feet over one of the most scenic overlooks in town. The red needle rocks back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth until onlookers are hypnotized by the passing of time. It proudly passes the hours, minutes, and seconds since the largest representation of Josef Stalin in the world once stood in its place. With each tick the needle

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-74254952604866583082011-01-29T06:06:00.000-06:002011-01-29T06:06:36.093-06:00

My affection towards Prague is no secret. I've seen a lot of this magnificent city in 5 months but I can't get enough. It wasn't until recently that I got around to visiting some of Prague's famous museums. I was careful in choosing which museums to see (museum burnout can be harmful to the tourist experience-- e.g. Berlin's Museum Island). Here's the rundown: Mucha Museum You would probably

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-66852025375060751232011-01-27T17:49:00.005-06:002011-01-28T04:12:20.796-06:00

One of the few advantages of traveling in the dead of winter is less crowds in tourist destinations. This was my mindset when I took the 2 hour bus journey to Karlovy Vary in January. This small Bohemian town is in the northwest "spa-triangle" region and the hot attractions (pun intended) are the thermal springs. You may remember from the photo of the week that there are 13 drinkable hot springs.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-45349490501860249792011-01-23T17:03:00.000-06:002011-01-31T04:44:45.067-06:00

It's not enough for the Hungarian language to sound difficult. It even confuses my eyes. I'll never understand it but I will continue to marvel at it's fascinating intonation and alphabet. 

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-37283274172614184132011-01-16T08:15:00.001-06:002011-01-31T04:45:13.443-06:00

Everyone in Karlovy Vary carries around a glass cup to capture a few drops of thermal mineral water from any of the 13 springs in town. It is believed to have health benefits for numerous ailments. The water is hot (between 86°F and 161°F) and salty. In my opinion it wasn't bad nor was it good. If beauty is pain, maybe health is pain too.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-83979456615386468012011-01-15T12:26:00.003-06:002011-01-28T04:18:14.330-06:00

It almost feels like spring here. All the snow has melted and it has been raining on and off for the past week. I expect to see sun any day now. In the meantime I've been exploring the indoor lifestyle and hangouts in Prague. Any beer-lover will appreciate the Czech brews on-tap and large variety of imports available at Pivovarský klub. It is a clean, non-smoking, and friendly atmosphere to try

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-4116422274841554822011-01-11T06:09:00.001-06:002011-01-11T06:11:44.485-06:00

Dear People, I know you're out there. Blogger stats tells me so. Hundreds of people from all over the world read my blog. LEAVE COMMENTS PLEASE! Maybe you have a request, a suggestion, an opinion. I'm a traveler. Travelers love recommendations of where to go, tid-bits of knowlegde, personal anecdotes, anything! If you're visiting and have a blog of your own be sure to leave the url! So let's

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-7175470452771667932011-01-09T15:30:00.033-06:002011-01-28T04:18:14.331-06:00

 If you've ever been to Prague you have walked across Karlův Most- Charles Bridge. During certain months of the year it may take up to an hour in the crowds to cross, but today it was a breeze. Prague is cold and treacherously icy in January but the tourist crowds have subsided (for now). Charles Bridge was pleasurable at sunset with minimal crowds and even a small Czech assembly marched across

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-18170321661135634902011-01-08T04:54:00.000-06:002011-01-08T04:54:37.214-06:00

It's the dawn of the new year and I just got around to thinking about resolutions. A resolution... a firm decision to do or not to do something. I prefer to do something. Lots of things, in fact. I have made an extensive list of things to do. In Prague, in the Czech Republic, and in Central/ Eastern Europe. This list is private. I don't expect to complete the list by any means but it is a

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-78804393177314812992011-01-07T17:24:00.000-06:002011-01-28T04:18:14.331-06:00

Today is the last day of the winter semester at the Czech university where I teach. The school system is different to say the least. For the past week I have spent my class time calling each student to my desk and signing their student index (a book which resembles a passport) if they passed my class. Započteno- requirements fulfilled. About 275 times. I'm proud of most of my students. Most of

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-31782114932254409002011-01-02T18:03:00.000-06:002011-01-07T18:08:22.384-06:00

This time last year we were on a family ski vacation near Granby, Colorado. Winter was beautiful and the aspen trees were calling me.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-39942200382194330742010-12-27T12:31:00.000-06:002011-01-07T17:00:47.999-06:00

About this time last year I was returning from an adventure with our northern neighbors in CANADA! The  torch for the Vancouver Winter Olympics was passing through Toronto the night I arrived. It was a reunion of sorts with my dear friend Clara M. who I met during my 6 month séjour in France. I met her wonderful family and boyfriend whom I felt as if I had met before from so many shared anecdotes

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-1861573781332061522010-12-23T21:09:00.004-06:002011-01-28T04:18:14.332-06:00

The Christmas Markets are closing up shop. Who wants to work on Christmas?! It's been a magical Christmas season in Prague. Happy Holidays to my readers! The video below does an amazing job of capturing the mood of Prague at Christmas time. Watch and enjoy:

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-77156841576192905182010-12-22T12:06:00.001-06:002011-01-28T04:12:20.800-06:00

Maybe you've heard that the Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. After living here for 5 months I can vouch that it is indeed true. Czechs love beer. They love it so much that they bathe in it. Since I'm here for the culture why not do as the Czechs do! So I journeyed 3 hours by train to the western most region of Bohemia to Chodová Planá home of the Chodovar

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-78086961798171908382010-12-14T18:21:00.002-06:002011-03-06T11:39:50.379-06:00

How should I describe Kraków, Poland? On the particular weekend of our visit it was COLD. A cold that burns your face and calls for a double layer of socks, pants, and scarves. Snow swirling in the atmosphere enveloped the city in an eerie haze, concealing the tip tops of Corpus Christi Church and the Wawel Castle. About every 20 minutes we popped into Ciasteczka z Krakowa, which became our

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-89171770809745445602010-12-12T19:26:00.000-06:002011-01-28T04:12:20.801-06:00

Going in and out of the cold weather in Poland gave me and my camera quite the chill. The lens of my camera fogged up inside a dim bar and captured the ambiance perfectly.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-48623919799232520272010-12-12T13:11:00.002-06:002010-12-12T13:18:10.733-06:00

Last summer I hung out a lot with Lala's dog, Marlowe. She often became the subject of my aimless photoshoots but to be fair she liked the attention. Maybe you remember my efforts to make her famous. I sent in her photo to two dog-loving websites- hipsterpuppies and Oscar Blues Brewery. First her Old Chub photo made it to the OB website. And finally this week, Marlowe has stolen many hipster

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-91016776209616028942010-12-06T16:54:00.002-06:002011-01-28T04:18:14.332-06:00

The season is in full throttle and I've never experienced anything quite like it. Christmas markets galore! All over central Europe the markets are hopping even after the sun goes down. Despite the Christian connotation of the Christmas holidays, the markets are just as prominent in the Czech Republic where there is a large atheist population. People swarm the outdoor stalls buying traditional

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-44948121126472940062010-12-06T16:10:00.000-06:002011-01-28T04:18:14.333-06:00

It's been snowing in Prague just about non-stop for about a week. The campus seems to always have a fresh layer of snow on top, keeping the dirty snow from scratching the White Christmas soundtrack that plays over and over in my head. At the moment I think the snow brightens the mood on a campus of the boxy, communist-era architecture. But ask me again as I grow tired of the bleak winter weather

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-64911995130615212482010-11-28T15:24:00.001-06:002011-01-28T04:12:20.803-06:00

A view of the abandoned St. Sebastian Church at the top of the Holy Hill in Mikulov. Looking down on the snow covered countryside was well worth the hike. My first visit to Moravia was timed perfectly with the first snowfall of the holiday season. It was only appropriate to warm up in cozy wine bar after seeing the snow covered vineyards! There we sampled wines from the Moravia region. Ordering

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-86056152633865176092010-11-25T04:54:00.000-06:002010-11-25T04:54:35.521-06:00

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, NFL Thanksgiving Classic, Thanksgiving Dinner and Dessert, the ridiculousness that is Black Friday. These are some of the things I will miss about Thanksgiving. But this list of American Thanksgiving traditions that I taught my classes about this week isn't the real reason why I will miss the celebration this holiday. I will miss being with my family. Every

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-2201721784603271252010-11-22T03:33:00.004-06:002011-01-28T04:12:20.803-06:00

Plzeň is only a one hour bus ride from Prague, and with a Brewery like Pilsner Urquell it is well worth the trip. If you want to try "Pilsner from the original source" or Plzeňský Prazdroj as it is called in Czech then Plzen is the place to go. The brewery tour is available in English 3 times per day and only costs 80 CZK for students (roughly 4 USD). The tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes a tour

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-50696215504756144062010-11-14T18:27:00.000-06:002011-01-28T04:12:20.805-06:00

40,000 human skeletons decorate Kotnice Ossuary in Kutná Hora, Czech Republic. The bodies are from Black Plague and Hussite Wars of the 14th and 15th century. The chandelier in the middle of the Ossuary might just be the most interesting piece. It makes use of every bone in the human body. This scene can't help but remind me of the Catacombs in Paris I visited a year and a half ago. Seeing

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-70511547208610606612010-11-07T17:57:00.000-06:002010-11-07T17:57:27.860-06:00

The last viewing of autumn on a tree outside the Dresdner Residenzschloss in Dresden. Colors are fading quickly in Central Europe but this tree took advantage of its time to shine before winter.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-2326280815136387172010-11-07T17:37:00.003-06:002011-01-28T04:19:30.645-06:00

Last week's grammar lesson reviewed the comparative and superlative. I quizzed my class by asking relatable questions. "What is the busiest street in your city? What is the nicest beach you've ever been to?" Another was, "What's the ugliest building you've ever seen?" I was amused and surprised by some of the responses to the latter. Many students responded: "The Dancing House" in Prague. The

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-72130225330348199222010-11-04T04:24:00.001-05:002011-01-28T04:19:30.646-06:00

Today I received my first "job-that-requires-a-degree" paycheck. The woman at the cashiers desk counted out thousand bills right in front of my eyes. I decided to hold out on the crowns-to-dollars conversion in attempt to make the good vibes last throughout the day. It wasn't a large amount, but it was enough to make my first month of teaching worth all the hard work. As expected teaching is much

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-34428737500780619572010-11-02T17:13:00.002-05:002010-11-02T17:17:12.307-05:00

Halloween in Europe is nothing to get excited about. There are no pumpkins, no candy corn, and no costumes. The lack of holiday spirit in Europe (especially the Czech Republic) inspired me to teach my Czech students about traditional American Halloween rituals, only to realize it's more of a "you have to be there" kind of holiday. My large arm motions and funny words earned me some crazy looks.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-87062459640279734132010-11-01T19:31:00.000-05:002011-01-28T04:13:43.923-06:00

A flower? No, a beautiful antique phonograph for sale at the Naschmarkt in Vienna. This massive food market blossoms into a flea market on Saturdays where you can find anything from hardware tools to fur coats.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-19098635030224789092010-11-01T19:10:00.000-05:002011-01-28T04:19:30.647-06:00

Expats.cz saved the day. Getting sick in a foreign country is not a fun experience as I learned this past weekend. Having foreign insurance is half the problem. The other half is finding a healthcare provider who will accept foreign insurance and GETTING THERE. Cramming onto 3 consecutive buses over an hour while you have a fever and are overcome by nausea can be quite the dilemma. This was the

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-38710333683542756252010-10-24T12:24:00.001-05:002011-01-28T04:13:43.924-06:00

Český Krumlov has earned it's UNESCO World Heritage Site title. Nestled in the meandering Vltava River, it is complete with the 14th century castle, churches, Eggenburg brewery, and more romantic overlooks than you would expect in a small town. This panorama was one of the many photos I took after touring the castle and wandering through the gorgeous castle gardens. It was a perfect location for

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-57525744259478831622010-10-24T11:48:00.002-05:002011-01-28T04:19:30.647-06:00

Counting down from 30 minutes is daunting when you don't know what's in store. The crowd in  Staroměstské náměstí scrunched together like an accordion to accommodate the growing numbers. I happened to be walking by on my way to a restaurant, and was struck with curiosity. Attention shifted quickly from the digital countdown to the Astronomical Clock when it was illuminated literally by the hands

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-68587955237527371752010-10-17T07:16:00.000-05:002011-01-28T04:19:30.648-06:00

Hundreds of tombstones from the early 15th century lean and wither away in the Old Jewish Cemetery. Synagogues, cemeteries, and halls in the Jewish Quarter are testament to the turbulent history for the Jews of Prague over the past millennium.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-63496134528357414712010-10-15T18:09:00.003-05:002011-01-28T04:13:43.926-06:00

It's a novelty to see hot air balloons floating in the sky. It's like spotting rainbow or a shooting star- it doesn't happen often. What is it like to dangle from a basket in the sky on the blow of a hot flame? When Jon surprised me with a hot air balloon ride over the Bohemian countryside for our anniversary, I imagined people looking up at us from below smiling and pointing as I have done. The

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-55120179444732176652010-10-09T17:20:00.000-05:002011-01-28T04:19:30.649-06:00

This week John Lennon turned 70. You may ask, "Isn't he dead?". No, he is still very much alive. I saw him today at the John Lennon Wall in Prague. His messages of peace and love have been illustrated on this wall by dissidents since his death in '80 leading up to the fall of communism in '89. The candles and flowers scattered beside the wall prove that Czechs have not forgotten the man who gave

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-43386311123927095522010-10-07T12:30:00.002-05:002011-01-28T04:19:30.650-06:00

Metro stations. Everywhere they are different yet the same. Or are they the same yet different? Certain things about the Prague Metro will bring you back in time- Soviet Union perhaps? This blog focuses in on the interesting and rather earthy tones seen in the Prague metro stations. Many stations do have these "convex and concave shapes" shapes seen in the photos, but as you get outside the

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-35175849739713191542010-10-04T04:28:00.002-05:002011-01-28T04:19:30.651-06:00

To welcome myself and the 2 other new English teachers, the Department of Languages gathered in the lounge for a little get together a couple hours before classes began. Everyone grabbed a glass of bubbly (or was it wine? I'm not sure..). This was a toast to our cooperation and success teaching with the Department of Languages. We all said Na Zdraví, or cheers, and downed our drinks. Refills were

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-24924595598010975202010-10-04T04:09:00.001-05:002011-01-28T04:19:30.651-06:00

Time Warp: Let me bring you back to Monica in college. I fluttered my social butterfly wings all over campus. I loved being involved in organizations and stayed busy working, volunteering, and attending this and that event. Put me in infront of a large group of people? See ya... I wouldn't do it, or not without a fuss. Leading up to my senior year I knew this had to change. I enrolled in a public

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-39271463393106138652010-10-03T14:18:00.003-05:002011-01-28T04:19:30.652-06:00

This chandelier hangs in the Chapel of St. Wenceslas in St. Vitus Cathedral. The Czech Republic shut down on September 28th to celebrate "Good King Wenceslas" and Czech Statehood Day.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-22733490097475374792010-09-26T16:46:00.001-05:002010-09-26T16:48:06.880-05:00

A couple years ago a friend advised me that Berlin is not a city to see in a couple days, but more like a week or two. With this suggestion I reserved 7 full days to tour this evolving city. From what I had read about it in travel books and online you can not pin this city down. It is one that you can visit in the year 2000 and then again in 2010, 2020, etc and it will be like a new place each

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-57017141959669695952010-09-25T18:35:00.004-05:002010-09-27T13:55:25.382-05:00

Fall leaves decorate the maze-like Denkmal für di emordenten Juden Europas (Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe) in Berlin.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-43896558519390597672010-09-25T18:23:00.004-05:002010-09-25T19:16:44.353-05:00

September 18th began the 3 week long drunkfest that is Oktoberfest in Munich. This year was the 200 year anniversary of this massive celebration that grows larger every year. This day has been much anticipated. Bavarians and tourists alike waited anxiously and quite grumpily reserving tables hours before the first keg was tapped at noon. As soon as the beer was flowing everyone instantly became

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-33442822556882942622010-09-01T17:54:00.000-05:002010-09-01T17:54:47.777-05:00

It's a wonderful feeling when you poke around between the vines and find veggies perfectly ripe and waiting to be made into a spectacular dish. I already have it planned... zucchini pancakes, zucchini bread, and herb-baked zucchini. As for the yellow summer squash, well the name says it all. It will be squashed.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-13077755086245728562010-08-28T00:39:00.000-05:002010-08-28T00:39:54.409-05:00

You may remember my efforts to become a Stage Aunt by submitting Marlowe's headshot to the HipsterPuppies blog. Well, it seems that Marlowe has made her internet debut not as a hipster but as a "Chub Dog" on the Oscar Blues Brewery photosite! Thank you, Oscar Blues for providing Marlowe her well-deserved 10 minutes of fame!

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-89672693134711161462010-08-28T00:25:00.003-05:002010-08-28T00:46:10.452-05:00

 The book Drinking and Driving in Colorado is not what it sounds like... It is A Guide to Colorado's Brewpubs. There's a lot of talk about Colorado microbreweries, but it wasn't until Jon and I sacrificed a weekend (yes, it was terrible) to hit the road drinking. MADD supporters relax, there was always two DDs: a designated driver and designated drinker. From Boulder to Golden and Longmont, we

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-17054305501054325142010-08-26T12:00:00.003-05:002010-09-01T18:00:55.784-05:00

Alas, nighttime is creeping into day and this can only mean that Summer is ending. Summer could go out with a bang, but why be cliché about it. I can honestly say this whole summer has been a bang. I don't know that I could have fit more into these 3 short months. Between graduating college, moving home, working semi-full time in Denver, frolicking in the mountains, family time, cross-training

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-11838093723801921022010-08-25T00:23:00.000-05:002010-08-25T00:23:44.814-05:00

For those of you who haven't already been introduced to Wordle, you may hate me for getting you addicted. Let's just say I spend WAY too much time making rando word collages. I figured that I might as well use it as a language learning tool, so I came up with a word scramble that will mesmerize you. Try to match the English word to the Czech word and then find the number. Or, a much easier and

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-74755537990895921742010-08-20T19:47:00.051-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.313-05:00

Set the mood by pressing play.Norah and I are on a first name basis (although her given name was Geethali Norah Jones Shankar). Her music has been a part of my life for 8 years, or since my freshman year in high school. My devotion was amplified when I travelled to Germany through Lone Star International Jazz Exchange with her jazz piano teacher from UNT who strongly encouraged her music. Her 4

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-72987830035435025072010-08-17T22:00:00.005-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.314-05:00

I've been addicted to the HipsterPuppies blog for about 5 months now. The puppy pictures are hilarious but the captions that the author gives are even funnier. I've been trying to come up with a good picture of Lala's dog, Marlowe, to submit in hopes of making the cut on the website. Wow is this what it's like to be a stage mom?! Anyways, I got the idea after taking Marlowe on a long walk. She

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-87265532006840438612010-08-12T23:47:00.000-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.315-05:00

With less than a month before my departure to the Czech Republic, my brain has been on information overload. I'm cutting back on the travel guides and history books and focusing my energy on what will really help me out: language. I have done my fair share of research this summer on programs to study the Czech language. Most of what I found was disappointing. Rosetta Stone was my first

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-34909073892270091062010-08-11T17:44:00.002-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.319-05:00

After an almost too long hiatus, Summit Sunday resumed August 8th and you bet my calves and buttocks know it!! My special guest requested a long scenic hike, so I delivered with one of Colorado's famous fourteeners. Sunday afternoon Jon and I hiked the almost 7 miles up Barr Trail on Pikes Peak. 3,800 ft in elevation later, we arrived at Barr Camp soaked of rain and exhausted. Our "practice" hike

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-143048817549952822010-08-07T00:00:00.002-05:002010-09-01T18:02:51.633-05:00

The day after my "It's a small world" moment, the world assured me just how small it actually is. Jon and I were headed out to a hike in Red Rocks Park and decided to take a peek at the Red Rocks Amphitheater only minutes away from the trail head. We're walking around checking out the sights when I see a familiar face. I call out this persons name and there's no response. Funny. So I nudged Jon

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-6178583225184395372010-08-03T17:00:00.003-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.321-05:00

Picture this: Jon and I are driving through Eastern Kansas. OK, this is not a good way to start an interesting story but I promise the story will pick up. Bear with me. National Public Radio is the only station with a signal along this god forsaken stretch of highway. Between each NPR program, a local broadcaster for the region will sign on and do a short news and weather update then introduce

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-28048592479685479972010-07-08T00:59:00.002-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.322-05:00

As paperwork comes together for my Czech Visa, plans are forming for my first adventure this year in Euroland. Luckily, Prague is very accessible and a great hub for traveling by rail or air. Berlin is only about 7 hours by rail from Prague and will be my first stop. The second stop and real reason for this post will be Munich. OKTOBERFEST. September (Yes, September) 18th is the kickoff of

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-42315516734148622922010-06-27T22:59:00.001-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.323-05:00

For two days this weekend, my sister Lala and I stepped into the world of cycling by participating in the Colorado Chapter MS 150 bike ride. No, we didn't ride in it, but we did volunteer as Road Marshals. It was a great way to support our dad in the ride. Waking up at 4:30am in the morning was more fun than I thought the second I saw the sun rise painting bright colors over on mountains. In our

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-30738596678450423392010-06-24T21:00:00.004-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.324-05:00

There's much to be done before I depart for my upcoming adventure in Eastern Europe. The plane tickets have been bought and my visa is underway. Besides the formal travel logistics, I am trying to prepare culturally. For 9 months I will be eating, seeing, and hopefully speaking everything Czech (outside of the 10 English classes I'll be teaching each week). Although my language preparations

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-15781524593104395562010-06-23T19:53:00.000-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.326-05:00

What a sight. Helmets, metal frames, and spandex galore. Today bikers took over the streets and trails of Denver for Bike to Work Day.  The Cherry Creek Path along the Platte River was buzzing with sounds of bike bells and people screaming from near accidents. Promoting biking as a means of transportation is a grand idea but half of it is teaching people how to ride bikes safely. This aside, the

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-81118779206111656182010-06-12T23:20:00.003-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.327-05:00

I double and triple checked my calendar. It is indeed June but Summit Sunday #4 is postponed due to snow in the mountains. Remember, I grew up in Texas where the daily highs are in the 100s May through September. The summer climate in Colorado is going to take some getting used to! Although the hike is off, I still worked out my hiking muscle this week by attending a free *REI class on "14ers".

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-61132786421873322472010-06-08T21:43:00.002-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.328-05:00

This weekend my new knowledge of townships and sections from working a summer job as a geo-tech consultant was put to use. We hiked Section 16 right outside of Colorado Springs on Palmer Trail. It is known for its wild flowers, ariel view of Garden of the Gods, and panorama of the foothills of Pike's Peak. Along the way, Joei and I saw a gardener snake and a lizard. We'll take any kind of

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-58231628394887204852010-06-05T22:24:00.001-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.329-05:00

It starts like this: And turns into this:Sidewalk chalk IS art. Thank you Denver Chalk Art Festival.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-91353619866877183662010-05-30T22:10:00.000-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.330-05:00

This Sunday we took on Windy Peak in Golden Gate State Park. Who knew there was an amazing State Park in Golden, CO?! The trail lead to an amazing view of a peak that was not at all windy. Windy Peak was, however, breathtaking with a 180 degree view of the mountain range. There's nothing like a 12,000 ft summit view to reward an upward climb. Group picture at Windy Peak

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-55003873620176707472010-05-22T20:34:00.000-05:002010-08-25T00:57:13.331-05:00

Colorado is beautiful. I don't think anyone can argue with that. In efforts to get out and see it's beauty, my sister, brother-in-law, and I have decided to spend our "day of rest" becoming part of the picturesque scenery in Colorado. Our first hike was tough, as expected. The "strenuous" Bear Peak overlooks the town of Boulder from 8200 ft. Surrounded by beautiful rock formations and luscious

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-24535048548738664202010-04-15T13:01:00.001-05:002010-04-15T19:58:20.592-05:00

In exactly one month from today I will graduate from the University of Missouri and leave the town I fell in love with 4 years ago. 30 days until the "real world". I am going to try my best to spend this time left wisely, appreciating all the things about Columbia that I will miss. Today I kicked off the countdown by running my weekly 5K on the Missouri Katy Trail instead of in Mizzou's Rec

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-57418904969253375612010-04-08T10:37:00.006-05:002010-04-08T11:03:32.229-05:00

I apologize for the delay in posting about the amazingness that was the True/False Film Festival this year. I've become film festival volunteer enthusiast to a)meet international filmmakers and film followers b)give back to my community and c)get into films for FREE! The growing popularity of this festival over the past few years astounds me. But it's really no surprise that the liberal and

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-40600259007186023872009-12-06T19:11:00.010-06:002009-12-07T13:38:48.486-06:00

Every year The District puts on a Living Windows festival in downtown Columbia. It's one of my favorite events in this city and I've never heard of anything else like it! Participating locally owned stores clear out their window space for humans to do their holiday thing. Every year is different, for example, see last year's post. This year two French exchange students, my roommates, Jon and his

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-7640415409112488712009-11-19T23:56:00.006-06:002009-11-20T00:49:26.919-06:00

Last weekend when LaLa and her hubby came to visit me in mid-MO I didn't have to look far for stuff to do. The XCX was a perfect commencement to a relaxing weekend with my sister. What's more fun than rising with the sun to take on a 4 mile obstacle course in the middle of a forest?! Now hear me out....1. the Cross Country Xtreme is a private race where there's no stop-watch2. the prizes aren't

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-61694045905579963552009-11-02T13:17:00.009-06:002009-11-19T23:56:16.442-06:00

What would you think if you saw 50 zombies walking down the street mumbling and screaming bloody murder? This was the scene in downtown Columbia the night of All Hallows Eve. Columbia Access Television (CAT) from the Stephen's College campus sponsored the first annual Zombie Walk in Columbia. Participants met at Stephen's in costume to have their faces painted before prowling downtown and scaring

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-43104352380609387932009-10-29T13:13:00.008-05:002009-10-30T13:14:53.508-05:00

This time last year Obama spoke at Mizzou and won Columbia's heart. Obama visited Columbia a week before elections in attempt to win Missouri's swing vote. He swept us off our feet with his eloquent speech and promises of change (something we weren't used to with ol' Bush in office for so many years). It is exciting to look back and realize that heard the President of the United States speak,

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-45599161277809316392009-10-20T10:18:00.000-05:002009-10-20T13:28:50.412-05:00

Last weekend the Citizen Jane Film Festival, sponsored by Stephen's College, highlighted female filmmakers and celebrated female creativity in the male-dominated film industry. The opening night film, "Say My Name", featured female hip-hop artists from around the world. After hearing some inspirational life stories from the documentary, festival-goers were able to hear the artists at work,

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-50580900472665159082009-10-17T10:25:00.002-05:002009-10-17T10:51:44.038-05:00

I love living above the Peace Nook, a non-profit resource center managed by Mid-Missouri Peaceworks. Last Sunday I heard them marching outside my window in a War Protest. This is just one of the many things you might find going on in Columbia, MO on any given Sunday.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-75869260139411037742009-10-06T18:44:00.002-05:002009-10-06T23:29:20.346-05:00

Oktoberfest in Munich is legendary. Who wouldn't want to drink obscene amounts of beer while socializing with family and friends in the crisp autumn October air?? Germans who settled the quant town of Hermann, Missouri adapted the festival to honor their culture and complement Missouri's agricultural forté- wine.Last weekend I took advantage of my old age of 21 and headed east to Hermann with a

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-58565404280383127482009-10-04T18:11:00.005-05:002009-10-05T12:38:36.630-05:00

Friday morning was a bizarre time in downtown Columbia. Things were falling from the sky east and west of my apartment around 10 o'clock in the morning. It started in the morning when I heard cheering outside of my window. When I looked outside this is what I saw:Yes, there were men descending from roof of the Tiger Hotel building. Were they window washers or recreational repellers? When I went

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-79618643797834465392009-09-28T13:01:00.000-05:002009-09-28T00:31:55.868-05:00

I might have a long term case of the blues. I'm not depressed and I'm feeling very happy, actually. It is due to the large amount of blues music I was subject to this weekend of the 3rd annual Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ Festival in Columbia, Missouri. About 25 bands and artists filled the downtown streets with blues from Friday to Saturday night, while over 55 BBQ smokers taunted the town with their

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-46033212275118088382009-09-21T13:03:00.014-05:002009-10-30T13:14:53.508-05:00

When I'm sitting around or in class, sometimes I reflect on things I did 'this time last year'. I thought why not share some of my past experiences with my readers since I am not currently traveling. Who knows, maybe I'll convince some people to come visit the great town that is Columbia, Missouri.In this episode of 'this time last year', I'm reflecting on the 8 hours I spent spelunking under the

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-2824957625879215702009-09-17T12:34:00.006-05:002009-09-21T13:42:43.526-05:00

Today Mizzou hosted a Farmer's Market on campus. Thousands of students strolled through the market buying locally grown fruits, veggies, and herbs. Two enthusiastic men whistled and shouted to passer-byes as they grilled hamburgers and franks made from local meat. I sampled the homemade honey ice cream from a local bee-keeper and peacock farmer. There were Amish farmers selling their baked goods

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-7881952059661491622009-09-08T12:07:00.007-05:002009-09-21T13:43:20.837-05:00

artwork by Genevieve ContiIt's almost cliché to write about, but the Swine flu is making its mark around the world. It's amusing to see what different institution are doing in order to prevent, or manage the swine flu for large populations:At my University in Missouri, we have had over 100 hand sanitizer dispensers installed all over campus. Teachers who have a zero absence tolerance are required

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-4164476327323131042009-09-06T17:11:00.002-05:002009-09-21T13:43:31.631-05:00

My professor sent this video out to my blogging class. It's essentially a vlog (video log) of a man who walked from China to Germany and documented his mood, location, milage, and facial hair growth along the way. Watch it- I think it's worth a few minutes of your time.

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-46323268680248476642009-08-31T15:58:00.001-05:002009-09-21T13:43:09.932-05:00

This semester I am taking a EuroKulture blogging class, a class related to the University of Missouri School of Journalism and the Romance Language Department. The purpose of it is to explore European culture via blogs in different languages and to comment on the European popular culture we discover complements of the world wide web. We're diving fast into the world of "weblogs" and soon we

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-2862319302102417402009-08-26T14:22:00.006-05:002010-04-05T22:06:49.414-05:00

I've been sitting through lectures all day. I do love school but I can't help but to be jealous of those still on Vacances in France. One year ago I had just returned from being a beach bum in Nice with the rest of France while they enjoyed their annual 3 weeks vacation. I find myself sitting in class dreaming of white sand and the freedoms often associated with nude beaches of the Côte d'Azur. I

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-48315701616429800452009-08-24T14:19:00.004-05:002009-09-21T13:42:43.527-05:00

Last week I was stressed when searching for a way get to travel from Columbia, Missouri to Oklahoma City without breaking the bank. I quickly realized that traveling in the United States is much harder to organize after experiencing the European Rail System. America has interstate freeways but no public rail transportation. If you don't have a car and/or don't want to pay obscene airline prices

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-29008678866443594292009-08-04T10:33:00.008-05:002010-04-05T22:06:49.414-05:00

Lateness is an epidemic in France. Maybe the laid back lifestyle and the 2 hour lunch break skews a person's perception of time. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, but it is certainly annoying for a person who grew up learning the importance of punctuality, like myself and many other Americans. The French tolerate an excuse for those who are perpetually 15 minutes en retard. It is

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-46583905305577212482009-07-29T22:34:00.001-05:002009-07-30T09:15:06.609-05:00

Seven years ago, I embarked on my first oversees adventure with the Lone Star International Jazz Exchange (aka Pink Jazz). It was a musical exchange in which students from the U.S. played with students from Kepler Gymnasium in Germany and a few French musicians from Gourdon, France. It was an experience of a lifetime playing the universal language of music in an international setting. We

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-87974504333624650612009-07-28T21:23:00.004-05:002010-04-05T22:06:49.415-05:00

Today I was rather disappointed when I squared up to the "exotic cheese" aisle at my local grocery store to discover the lack of quality cheese available. After eating a hard and bitter goat cheese that I had settled on, I felt homesick for all of fresh and unpasteurized cheeses that I ate as a staple food while I was living in France.I was spoiled rotten with bountiful fresh fromage de chèvre in

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689191612199084384.post-83233055068996663242009-06-15T18:59:00.007-05:002010-04-05T22:06:49.416-05:00

A train ride through beautiful European countryside is the perfect prelude to arriving at a romantic destination. I fell in love with the foggy green hills of the Tuscan countryside from behind a smudgy train window. That's all it took for me. This all led to my second visit the magnificent city of Florence. I went to Florence when I was a junior in high school as a Youth Ambassador with Sister

Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773367751164254220noreply@blogger.com1