The weather is cooling off here and the leaves are beginning to fall. It's my favorite time of year, execpt for the allergies. But nothing is perfect, is it? So here is another story....

Last Wednesday, I was going to Sokolov to meet with the other ESI teachers there. When I get to the train station all of the ticket windows were closed. So I make my way towards the international ticket window with which, I am now well aquainted. I stand in line and ask for a return ticket to Sokolov. I felt quite confident about this because I have done it successfully several times. But the lady started to scream at me in Czech. Of course, I just stand there in a "tharn" state (like a deer caught in headlights). Two men try to help me. One tells the lady the exact thing I did, to no avail. The other tries to speak to me in German beacuse everyone assumes I am from Germany. I am about to cry and I tell the man I don't understand German. He then tells me in English that it isn't possible for me to get a round trip ticket. I still haven't been able to find out why not. Have I told you that I HATE the train station? Well, I do. But my students have assured me this happens to them, too. They say the ladies who work there are old and cranky and yell at everyone. So I have some consolation there.

But there is a bright side to this story....when I got to the platform, I noticed something was different. All these people were there with cameras. I look up and there was the most beautiful train I had ever seen. It was blue with gold trim and lettering. It was the famous Orient Express! Wow! It was quite posh. I wish I could have gone aboard and explored. So I had to suffer a little yelling in Czech, but it was worth it!

Ok, I have some time so I will relate a few stories of my existence here in Cheb. Two weeks ago, I had to go to Munich. Now, this was not an easy feat, as I had to buy a ticket from people who do not speak English. I have mastered how to buy a ticket to Sokolov (the next town over). But nothing I learned in that process prepared me for buying a ticket to another country. First, I went to the CEDOK office. I was told I could by any type of travel tickets there and that they speak English. Well, they do speak English but would not sell me a train ticket. Off to the train station. I get there and go to the ticket office and explain where I would like to go. No dice. Apparently there is an international ticket booth. I go there and state my request. I get a nice print out of the itinerary I requested. I asked where to pay and how much. She said "tickets" in English. So off I go back to the ticket counter only to be told that I can not pay for that ticket there. Through charades and broken English and Czech phrases, I realize that I must go back from whence I came. Frustrated and near tears, I got back to the International office and figure out I spoke to the information person and the ticket booth was closed and had been for 30 minutes. It opened shortly and I got my ticket. Whew! But let me say this....I HATE the train station!

However, that is not the end of my story. The train didn't leave until 1:12 am. I had to ask one of the guys to walk me to the train station at midnight. We get to the train station at 12:25 and it is locked. Go figure. We walk around and try all the doors to no avail. Finally some comes and unlocks the doors. I said good bye to Josh and made my way to the platform. It is dark and cold and there is only one bench. I sit down and try to memorize the phrases I think I will need on the train when I see a man walking toward me. There is only one bench so I move over but I don't look at him. He gets right up to me and says, "Hello, Jessica." I look up shocked and it is Honza, one of the English teachers from my school. He helped me buy my cell phone the week before. I was relieved at once because I had been nervous about taking a night train by myself . He helped me out once again and I made it to Munich in one piece.

That's all for today. I will tell you another story next time. Have a good weekend! Jessica

I was in Prague again last weekend to see my friend Penny. We only got to have dinner together but it was nice to see someone from home, especially someone I am really close to. I have finally met with all of my classes and I am beging to get the hang of things. But, of course, there is a catch. I have one class for only 3 weeks. I am not sure if they will have me teaching another class during that time or not. Ah, the joys of a Czech school.

I am told we will have a washing machine this week. We'll see. I am learning that time carries different meaning in Central Europe. Patience is a virtue, is it not. Must go and teach another class then run home so they can add a speaker to my doorbell, I think. That 's what we have learned from charades. Later....Jessica

Ok, it's been more than a week, I know. I don't have a password for the school computers yet. Someone has to sign in for me, it's a pain. Anyway, classes have started. This is my first full week. Last week I didn't meet with all my classes so I am still meeting new students. My classes are going well. I think I am getting the hang of it. I had problems with only one student but that is expected. Today I will have my first conversation class. I'll let you know how that goes.

Well last Friday, I had to go to Munich to fill out some more paperwork for my visa application. Then go straight to Prague for an ESI retreat. I know it sounds really glamorous, traveling to Munich and Prague in the same day but it wore me out!!! I am tired of trains, that is for sure.

I am not learning the language very easily. It is hard! I told one class they were lucky.....they only have to speak English in class. I have to try to speak Czech everywhere I go. I am figuring things out slowly....it will come. Until next time.....Jessica