Foreign policy while the sun comes up

A quick update to keep you up to speed on things, although there's nothing terribly exciting to report.... it's been a relatively normal week here in the Czech Republic. For two of my classes we went to Prague Castle (two days in a row!). It's really amazing how there's SO much to see up there and so many angles to study it from. The first class we were studying the religious evolution in Prague  and how it is reflected in the complex (from pre-christian settlements to monastic catholicism to more modern catholicism). And the next day we went as part of my architecture class. It really makes it better every time I go there to know how the cultural, religious, and historical contexts interact with one another.... it makes it really exciting to see the final product and understand why it is how it is, as well as how it got to that point. The 2nd day, we were finally able to visit the interior of St. Vitus Cathedral, which is one of the best examples of Czech Gothic architecture, not to mention the most famous and grandiose cathedral here in Prague. 

On Thursday night I was treated to a performance of Smetana's opera "The Bartered Bride" at the National Theater. For those of you who have been reading pretty consistently, you might remember that I was pretty underwhelmed with Turandot at the State Theater. Well, this was a complete turnaround from that experience. Smetana is considered the "grandfather" of Czech music, and The Bartered Bride is a classic example of Czech opera (to give you an idea, the 2nd act opens in a beer hall with the entire chorus singing praises to the beverage!). Not only was the opera itself surprisingly a fantastic, fun work (my familiarity with Czech music leaves much to be desired), but the singers and the production itself were really top notch. I intend to go back the National Theater more often!

In other news, NYU took us on a trip to Kutna Hora yesterday. Kutna Hora is (believe it or not) a well-known Czech city famous both for its churches and architecture and also for its legacy as a silver-mining town. We were able to learn all about Kutna Hora's silver minting, dating back to the 14th century and even went way down into a silver mine to walk through the very narrow corridors dripping with slimy limestone! Of course, we went to St. Barbara's Cathedral, the most famous church in Kutna Hora, as well as Kutna Hora's well-known bone church. Yes, a church adorned entirely with human bones! It was actually pretty creepy, if you ask me, but nonetheless a cool thing to see. To the left, you can see the bone chandelier, comprised of at least one of each type of bone from the human body. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera to Kutna Hora, so I had to steal this picture from a friend!

Last night, a bunch of my friends and I decided to watch the first Presidential debate, which wouldn't be a problem, save for the fact that it aired at 3am Prague time and didn't end until 4:30 or so! So we all had an early morning pow-wow in the common room of Osadni (my dorm). It's been really interesting to follow the election abroad, really having to go entirely from the online news, and also talking with some Europeans about our current politics. Every local person I've come into contact with here in Prague (and a lady we talked to on the train coming back from Berlin) suggested that the overwhelming majority of people here in Europe  support Sen. Obama and really have trouble wrapping their heads around how Americans could choose otherwise. Of course, they find the Bush regime totally out of line.... as they see it, electing McCain would really be an affront to the rest of the world.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and greetings from home! If you've been reading, let me know..... sometimes it can feel like I'm just writing into cyberspace! (Don't worry, Asher. I know you're reading!) Feel free to email, skype, or comment on my posts here by clicking the blue link below each posting.

Na Shledanou for now!