SOOOOO TIGHT

I know, I'm terrible, but I've been in the rural town of Slavonice for about a week and internet has been LIMITED so there.

I've had many observations of the Czech fashion scene however, in both a metropolis and country setting.

HU ZZAH!

There is a lot to write about, but an interesting observation I made today was that a local fashion trend appears to be wearing cropped pants with vibrant-colored tights or kneed socks. This is something completely different, almost reminiscent of the knickerbockers of yester-year. Why so? It's interesting to contemplate. Most of those spotted appear to be in formal (or as formal as any Czech can get) attire, probably coming from work. I would also assume that this look is used to stretch the Czech wardrobe, which also seems limited in their respect. Ingenious, Czech folk, to utilize your crop pants in such a manner. Not many Americans would have the guts to be so brazen with their own knee socks.

Today's weather was the beginning of a possible Indian Summer so it's possible that many wanted to feel comfortable yet cautious- weather in Prague is never predictable and layers are almost as popular as jeans. No jean cropped pants and tights spotted however- YET.

I have to admit though, that normally I would criticize this kind of attire. Especially because of how the colors draw bold cuts across the bodies of those wearing the style, it would look frumpy and retro to most. But for the Czechs, it seems to work- God only knows why. I was tempted to stop many on the street and ask them in my poor Czech why such a combination? But then I realized that I wouldn't be able to understand their answer, if they chose to answer me at all.

This is probably because of the formality of the situations in which the style is worn, but typically nice shoes, mainly pointy Oxfords, accompanied the dress, as well as a blazer, giving in more to the Leprechaun-esque look that seemed to captivate so many today. One woman I noticed had raspberry colored stockings with a matching scarf- at least she matched. A popular combination seemed to be navy blue, brown or black however.

The Pilgrim style is in, ladies in gentlemen. I'm surprised this pragmatic and practical trend has not caught on in the US.

On a side note, what the fuck is up with the economy, people? I'm beginning to wonder if I should abandon all hope for Graduate study and just remain here for a while. I feel as though I'd be fucked either way, but at least if I stayed here I wouldn't have to live with my parents.

I hear they have internets out Californi' way...

JEAN COUNTRY

Taking a new approach to this blog...not that anyone really reads it but my friend Caitlin is starting to do a "theme an entry" type of deal, so I thought I might follow suit...

WITH FASHION!

Since that is the reason why I am here?

All right...here goes...

Statement number one: Prague is not the fashion capital of the world.
...And that's not a BAD thing...they have their own unique style...but it is neither Milan, nor London, nor dare I say New York...it's just Prague...I think because the people have had to deal with so much other shit that they haven't had time to really become "fashionable"...you know, communism, repressed individuality, that kind of junk

That being said, what I have observed thus far is a tradition of "comfy casual" that somehow seems to work for various occupations also...there is the more formal attire consisting of black polyester pants and a neatly ironed oxford shirt, complete with high heels (although I don't know how anyone can walk in them around here). But for the most part, the fashion trend in Prague can be summed up in one word-

JEANS.

Everyone wears them. Light denim, dark denim, shirts and shorts and skirts- everyone wears jeans. It's like the tuxedo of Central Europe, it seems. Jeans, jeans, jeans, jeans, jeans. Jeans are very dependable. They can endure snow and rain. They are extremely comfortable and mobile. It's not wonder the Pragueians got it right when they decided that Jeans would be they staple of their wardrobes. Jeans are acceptable for work or play, rain or shine, and unless you are going to a wedding or a funeral, there really is no one place you CAN'T wear jeans.

So perhaps. Prague is the "denim" capital of the world. I will focus on that for now. In fact some days I feel overdressed because I'm NOT wearing jeans.

I am beginning to realize that this truly is my kind of country.

HOMESTAY

So I have my homestay business to attend to. I am living with a single mother named Renata and her 3 year old son, whom I have other names for other than his own. Although he is getting better, Benj needs to learn the word "Ne" to not come from his own mouth. End of story.

But it's been nice, she's a wonderful cook and although she cannot speak english too well, we still manage to get along nicely. The one problem has been that they go to bed quite early but I've been sick so it's been a blessing, really. I'm learning to live without internets and to savor quiet time.

Talked to Sean and my parents on Skype. It's weird, I feel more detached from the world being in a metropolis than I have been in the jungle. It's harder to get into contact here I feel like. Maybe it just takes some getting used to and finding the right cafe.

I've been a little loopy since being sick but it's been a great time so far. I really love being in a city and being surrounded by so much to do and see. And even though the language barrier has been somewhat hard, it's been great to NOT hear so much english as a way of sort of slapping America in the face- we're not such a huge super power after all, and not everyone knows our language. So SHUT THE FUCK UP.

And by the way, the food is the tits.

Fin.

OFFICIAL PRAGUE UPDATE 1

DAY 1
So after about an 8 hour flight where i freaked out (as per usual) and actually got to sit in the jump seat to quell my fears a bit, i made it to Praha, home of the Celts, Germanics and Slavs (as i was to find out)

everyone had serious jet lag and no one really knows why...we settled into our hotel and went to a cafe, talked a bit, went to another cafe and talked a bit, and then everyone went to sleep around 6...and woke up periodically throughout the night....we were to do a drop-off the next day so it was a bit stressful but i think everyone made it out pretty alright but it was totes weird

DAY 2
The fun begins...we get a tour of the "classrooms", which is an old three floor flat located above a coffee shop that is AWESOME and has a lovely terrace and is just cool...then we all were sent to different locations around Prague...i got to go to Praha 7 and explored the botanical gardens, and the zoo...the portions for food are HUGE here and cheap...i don't think i've spent above $5 yet...CRAZY...it really all depends on whether or not you eat in the city center or even in praha 2, just over the bridge- the difference could be a small beer for $3 or a large beer for $1.60. CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY

DAY 3
We had our first CZ language class...all in all it went well and i am excited about learning how much i'll be able to retain, understand and use...i use as much as i can and it's great to have this crash course i feel i learn better this way...then we talked about policies and junk and introduced our topics, etc, over delicious cakes and coffees at the cafe...we also had a performance piece which was AMAZING from a group called Farm in the Cave...it was called "the Immigrant's song" and was a mix of movement, art and voice...so touching and energizing...we went to a pub later and had our first beers, and had a lot of fun

TODAY
It's weird, it's only been 4 days but it feels far longer...probably because we really lost 2 days in travel...another cz language class, lunch, a cz lesson on history with an engaging professor...we found out our host families and houses...i am with a fashion designer with a 3 year old boy living in prague 2...it's wonderful, i walked past the apartment and it looks great, in a lovely neighborhood with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes, and i also have a dog and cat...pretty SWEET deal i'd say

so yeah...the people are cool, "class" rocks...i'm being exposed and taking a lot of risks...i have no idea what's going to happen but it's all exciting and new and wonderful

will add pics as soon as i'm settled

CAU BITCHES