Interactions with the locals :)

Outside at Bolzano's!

       When we first arrived in the Czech over two months ago (it's been so long!), we were so surprised by how many people did not speak English and the overall demeanor of the people. Because of Czech history (being occupied by the Nazis, and then by the communist regime), most of the people here will not smile at you as you pass by because it was once seen as suspicious. Being from Nebraska, if you don't smile at someone as they pass by, the person you pass tends to take it personally. Here it is a little different, because not too long ago they could have been questioned if they seemed too happy. The locals also will not tell you that they are good all the time when you ask them how they are doing. This is also strange because black home, if you say something other than good, sometimes people get annoyed that you actually have something different to say. While all of this little things caught me off guard the first couple of weeks, not everyone fits this more somber description. As in every society there are the people who go out of their way to make things easier and more welcoming for you and I'd like to mention a few of those interactions.

Iced coffee with vanilla ice-cream!

       One of these locals is the owner of my favorite coffee shop, Bolzano's. While he does not know very much English, he knows enough to make conversation. The first times we walked in to his cafe we greeted him in Czech and then asked if he spoke English. When he said that he did, he accepted that we did not speak English. Usually when the locals find out you don't speak Czech, in particular older generations, it is such a hassle to try and communicate and you no longer feel welcome because of the language barrier.  However, I have not once felt that way at his cafe. Today, he even tried to help a group of us study for our Czech language final. He takes so much care to make sure that we have everything and his cafe is my absolute favorite. He makes all of the pastries from home, and even the panini's are hand made, and not from some plastic sleeve. He is probably the sweetest local I have met, and when he sees you he always greets you with a smile which is always welcoming.

"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel."
                              - Maya Angelou
     
       While I have had an amazing experience with the owner of Bolzano's, on a daily basis, my interaction with Czech people is more limited. Because the language is really difficult to try and learn, striking up a conversation while you are waiting for the tram, is not really plausible. However, I will say that overall, most people here are willing to help you, even if you both have to pull out your translator app to actually communicate.