Prague Journal

Thursday, September 16, 2004.

new year, but we are attending the last full day of the Fulbright orientation activities, including our second “Survival Czech” lesson, sessions about recent Czech higher education changes and a brief history of Czech culture, and a scholars roundtable. Most of the questions at the roundtable centered around expectations and behaviors of students, since most of the scholars will be teaching regular classes.
The best thing about the Fulbright program from my perspective is the opportunity to meet people who are in my field and/or have connections and information that can help me in my research. Throughout the Fulbright sessions I’ve met people at both the University of Economics and Charles University, mostly former Fulbrighters, who are doing similar research or teaching in my discipline. Rick, too, has met people who share similar interests. Best of all, we have met very interesting people who, like us, are sponsored by this year’s Fulbright grants. Most have traveled extensively; some have taught in other countries.
Our “closing dinner” this evening was held at the Cloister Brewery, a brewpub with (according to those among us who should know) superb beer. I can personally attest to the fact that the food was good also! An additional treat was a Czech bagpipe performance by a Fulbright student who is just finishing his stint here researching old Czech instruments.
We returned home early by the clock, but already dark. Fall is evident in the cool weather and the rapidly shortening days – noticeable in just the two weeks we’ve been here. I imagine signs of fall are also evident in Colorado.

posted by JWinn @ 8:33 PM