Go-Karts and Weekend Trips

So, after saying goodbye to my parents on monday, our Student Assistants (SAs) took us go-karting that same evening. The place was in the middle of nowhere, but somehow still within the Prague city limits. The go-karts were super fast and therefore very fun. The track was very curvy, and it was hard to avoid spinning out. There was also a restaurant there, so we were able to sit, eat, and relax for a bit as well.



After a fun evening at the go-kart track, we walked back to wait for the bus. We noticed that it was coming in 5 minutes, and good thing too, because the next one after that was not for another hour. WELL, right on schedule our bus came... and left. It did not stop to pick us up, but rather blew right past a group of about 15 people standing at the bus stop. There were other people on the bus, and it was not out of service, so we yelled and chased after it. We actually caught up to the bus at the corner while it was waiting to turn, but the bus driver did not stop to let us on, despite most definitely seeing us smacking the sides.



After angrily waiting for another hour and debating why the bus driver would do that (maybe he hates americans? maybe he's just an asshole who thought it would be hilarious to leave 15 people stranded in the middle of nowhere at 9pm for another hour?) our bus came again, with the same driver, and actually stopped to let us on. Once we reached our stop in Prague, our SA asked him what the deal was. First he tried to act like he hadn't seen us. Then he claimed that we hadn't given the proper "signal" so he assumed we didn't want to be picked up, and once he was past the bus stop he couldn't let us on. Whatever this signal is remains a mystery to this day, but apparently standing at the bus stop did not suffice for him. Our SA said that she had never had that happen before and had no idea what sort of "signal" would be necessary. Basically, we all pretty much hated the Czech Republic that night, seeing as there really is no recourse for complaining as people are not really held accountable for doing their jobs.



Anyway, the rest of the week passed and the weekend arrived. That weekend, we went on 2 day trips with CHP. On Saturday, we went to Karlovy Vary, a town with hot-springs that used to be an important city for european aristocracy to gather and be seen. Their were various places around the city where you could taste the spring waters. EWW. Our teacher and SAs were nice enough to bring cups for us to try the water, but it tasted disgusting. The waters were varying temperatures (mostly very hot) and tasted like anything from salt water to mineral water to blood.



We took a walking tour and observed the architecture of some churches and villas. We had a break for lunch (we actually found a delicious czech place) and then met back at the Becherovka museum. Becherovka is a liquor made with tons of herbs that originated in Karlovy Vary, invented by a guy named Jan Becher. The museum was located in the original factory building, (I think...) and our tour included tasting. First we sampled the new Becherovka Lemond, which is a lot tastier than the normal version. Then we had the traditional Becherovka, followed by a disgusting sweet honey liquor whose name I forget.



Then on Sunday, we went to Cesky Krumlov, which is possibly the most beautiful town in the Czech Republic. The streets were old and quaint, and the castle complex was very impressive as it was high above the city supported by an aqueduct-like structure. We got to take a tour of an amazing 15th century Baroque theatre that was an engineering marvel of its time. Since it was a long drive, we didn't have a ton of time there, but it was a gorgeous sunny day in a very picturesque location.

Despite having to leave at 8am both days, the weekend trips turned out to be quite enjoyable.