Hey there! My first week and a half in Prague is in the books! It’s been an exciting and adventure filled time. I learned very quickly that jet lag is a very real and not fun thing! But don’t worry, I am finally on a normal sleeping schedule and no longer feel exhausted all day!
I was going to start in lab last Thursday, however, Thursday was the faculty of Chemistry’s annual hike outside. Because of this, instead of starting in lab we got to take our first trip out of the city. We took our first train and got to see a bit of the Czech countryside which is BEAUTIFUL!! Our 8 km (~5 miles) hike took us through the woods and ended at a pub, in true Czech fashion.
This past week was my first official week in lab! I’ve been learning a lot about electrochemistry and am very thankful that I was just a TA for a class that talked about electrochemistry and analytical chemistry! My project is a lot of both! This week has been a lot of training on learning how the electrodes work, how they detect the compound I’m looking at, and troubleshooting when things don’t go right! I have a lot of work ahead of me but it’s an excellent opportunity to expand my tool belt of chemical instrumentation.
Of course I have done some of the touristy things as well as the science. We’ve explored Old Town which has been around for hundreds of years. We’ve also walked a lot of streets and admired the beautiful architecture. My favorite place in Prague so far is Vyšehrad. It is one of the oldest castles in Prague and is by far the best as there are very few tourists. It’s also about a 15 minute walk from my university and I see it on my way to work!
Among other tourist attractions we have climbed to the top of the Petrin tower which gives a very nice view of the city, including Prague Castle.
And finally we found the most interesting tourist attraction in Prague: the two men peeing, also know as “Piss.”
It has definitely been an adjustment living over here but I am having a wonderful time! I think my body has finally adjusted to the constant 85 degree temperatures! Everyday I am incredibly impressed by the architecture that is throughout this city and the beauty that lies throughout. I am also gaining an immense appreciation for the Czech people that deal with our inability to speak their language and the patience that they have for us. For now, best wishes from Prague!
Jenna Goes to Europe 