On meeting new people

The way the new USAC program is structured has made it hard for me to meet students who aren't from the United States. I have gone out of my way to try to meet people, with some success!

First, I met Klara at the Blind Eye. She's a more unconventional Czech in that she is very talkative and has told me some rather personal details of her life but I always have a good time with her the few times we've hung out. She works at Bohemia Bagel and I've visited her at work when she was bored.

Second, I met Ksenia. She's a Russian student who I briefly mentioned before I met at the international party I wasn't supposed to be attending. I love what she said about people from the States:

"Your chatty guys but you don't open up your soul, your heart."

It's very true. She said she went to the States but was unable to make real friends because our friendships tend to be many but more shallow. I know her pain because I have trouble myself making deep connections with other people from the States because getting to that point can be hard. I actually need to call Ksenia this weekend ...

Third, I met Alena today. I put up a tandem advert for a language exchange with a student and she is one of the ones that responded. We met at a cafe/bar that I'd only been to once before and talked about Czech culture, music, the State elections and education. She was shocked when I told her that we aren't encouraged to learn another language and our first opportunity to learn is in high school, way past the recommended age. She said the debate in the Czech Republic is whether it is better to start at age four or six!

I can see why she was shocked. I would have loved to have the opportunity to learn Spanish or some other language when I was young so I would be fluent in it by now. Although the way the world is turning, it might be better to learn Chinese.