Adjusting

We have lived in Prague for a little over two weeks.  In some ways, it seems like much longer than two weeks.  We have done so much and constantly feel like we are on the go.  

Going somewhere takes a lot longer than we expect.  We think that something will take a couple of hours, and then it ends up taking 5 or 6 hours.  We are learning to adjust to how long it takes to get somewhere using public transportation.  In the states, I knew exactly how long it would take to get to the church or to the store.  However, here we have to plan out trips according to the bus schedule.  Thank goodness for lovely apps that help us figure out which bus, tram, and metro to take to get to a certain destination.  Even after figuring out what time the bus leaves from our stop, you have to figure in the time it takes to get two children out the door.  Don't forget to pack the bags with water, snacks, jackets, and umbrellas.

I have learned that comfortable shoes are a must!  We could get by with flip flops or cute shoes for Ada in the states.  However, if any shoes cause you the slightest blister, they must go!  Ada wanted to wear some of her cute mary jane shoes the other day.  After 10 minutes of walking, the shoes were rubbing her foot and causing a blister.  The rest of the day was not much fun since she cried every time she walked around.  Believe me, we do a lot of walking!

We have learned to be ok with eating hot dogs all the time.  I know that once I get more comfortable with the food here and reading labels in the store, I will try my hand at some of our tried and true favorites from the states.  However, we are learning that we really need to plan our day out.  We have been getting home late and realize that what we planned for dinner will take much longer than our bellies can stand.  There are plenty of different sausages here so we are trying them all out!

Life without a dryer, big refrigerator, and microwave has its drawbacks and benefits.   I do miss my nice warm clothes right out of the dryer.  The microwave is always nice to have to heat things up quickly.  Here, I have to use the old fashion oven to warm things up.  Having a small refrigerator means more trips to the store for food.  We cannot keep things in there for a week.  There is just no room.  However, having to line dry my clothes makes it easier to put socks together.  I also cannot possibly do more than two loads of laundry a day.  I don't have the room to hang up all that laundry.  So the stress of getting all the laundry done is at a minimum.  Not so sure what the benefit is from not having a microwave.  I guess it is healthier.  Without a big refrigerator, we do not waste as much food.  Believe me, I can find everything in the little refrigerator.

Overall, we are adjusting well.  I think Eli and Ada are doing better than I am.  I have had a few meltdowns in the past week.  I miss my puppy dog, Lucy, so much!  There are days that I miss our old house.  Of course, I also miss all my friends and family.  It seems like everything over here is different than in the states. Here are a few that come to mind: time (military time), measuring cups, length (everything is on the metric system), keys to unlock and lock everything (even doors inside the home), the banking system and online banking, different size paper, which store to choose to buy certain products, how to hold a spoon and fork, the need to take off shoes at the door and the need for house slippers in the schools, etc....  The list could go on.  We are learning to adjust, but sometimes it is difficult. I am very thankful for the friends that we have made in Prague.  Many people have come to our rescue by helping us put furniture together, helping us with visas, showing us where to go for some "american" cookies, and much more.  One friend has helped me by setting up an appointment to get my hair cut on Wednesday.  She has even volunteered to go with me to speak czech with the stylist.  Hopefully, I will come out with a good cut.  She did tell me to be prepared that I might cry at first.  Hmmm... not a good sign.  Let's hope for the best!

One thing that I have loved about living here in Prague is that the kids have grown so close.  Ada just told met that Eli was his best friend.  I guess Eli is going to sleep in her bed tonight for a little bit.  They are so cute.  Overall, our family is getting closer in this experience.