I'm very excited about things, as usual.

For the past few days, the czech army marching band has been practicing across the street from the Kolej where I live. It makes me really excited in the mornings- even if I just spend a better part of an hour laying in bed and listening. I think they are preparing for St. Wenceslas day, which is this Friday. I believe it is a national holiday. Oh- here it is...St. Wenceslas is the patron saint of the Czech Republic... very cool. I won't be in Prague on Friday, though. I am going on a free trip offered through my program. Actually, this weekend will be spent mostly on trips through my program... On Friday I am going on this trip:

The trip will explore three main sites in Příbram region: Vojna: Reconstruction of an infamous former communist forced labour camp located next to a uranium ore mine where the prisoners worked. Holly Mountain: The most important pilgrimage site in Bohemia, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Holly Mountain will be reached via half-a-mile staircase that the pilgrims have used. Castle Orlík: Private castle of Schwarzenberg noble family is a magnificent fortress looming over Vltava river dam “Orlická přehrada”. The interiors preserve the decorations and furniture from Napoleon’s era (owner of the castle Karl Schwarzenberg defeated Napoleon at Leipzig).

On Saturday I am going to the Hluboká Castle, City of České Budějovice, and the Budweiser Brewery.

I am so excited!! I haven't been to a brewery here yet. I've heard the Pilsner brewery is a bit ridiculous- with history blurbs such as, "and then World War II started.... BUT, we kept brewing beer!!!!!!!"

I'm going to miss czech beer.

Anyhow, I am sort of sad about possibly missing the marching band in full effect but I'm also glad I've gotten a private performance!

Last night I went with a group of students to see one of my teachers perform... so cool!! She does experimental stuff - singing but also poems over songs that she's written. it was very inspiring. Laying in bed listening to the czech army band has had a world of video footage running through my mind. I'm very excited about things, as usual.