Although I’ve felt comfortable in Prague right from the start, it’s definitely been full of its head-scratching, stressful, can’t-help-but-laugh moments.
+ Going to the grocery store is at once a fun and challenging task (not too unlike it was in the States). I love seeing all of the different food and throwing some random items into the cart that I can’t wait to try. I don’t love trying to decipher what things are, how much they cost, or what other ingredients they require. Being surrounded by Czech makes my head hurt! Every task becomes much harder than it ever was–I almost bought a giant block of curd the other day when I was looking for cream cheese. I don’t think it was those delicious cheese curds you get a cheese factories, either.
^^we discovered Jaffa cakes, which are apparently a big thing all over Europe. They’re delicious and probably so bad for you.
^^in the bread section of our giant Tesco (a big supermarket chain). This is definitely my favorite section! Besides ice cream.
+ Speaking of food, our lack of appliances is starting to get to me. I don’t have a blender, a crockpot, a toaster or a rice cooker, and apparently I need those things to make a decent meal. (Also we only have one pan, one pot and one cookie sheet…). We are really trying to keep it simple here, so I am thinking I can maybe buy one of these things. The question is…which one? I would love a crockpot for the rainy days ahead, but how can we not have a toaster? Or make smoothies?…it’s a difficult conundrum. Also…if you have any simple, one-pot/pan meals, let me know! I need them!!
+ Now that I’ve finally figured out the transit system, it’s fairly easy to use. However, it still can seem like a maze since I don’t know the routes very well. Usually, I’m at a tram stop and realize it doesn’t go where I want it to, so I decide to take the metro (subway). Then of course when I get down there, I realize it doesn’t go where I want to go, either! Then begins the convoluted task of figuring out connections and all that jazz. Although I’m finally figuring out the map, I still don’t have an OpenCard, or a transit pass. Mostly because it’s a pain-in-the-butt process full of red tape (come on, Prague!), but paying for individual tickets is getting expensive. So I guess I’ll haul down to the office with my passport and the promise to name my first-born baby after the Czech president next week and get ‘er done.
+ This is something many of you Americans will need to get used to, also, as I hear it’s starting to become a law in states–bags at the grocery store. If you don’t bring your own, you have to pay for one. Which isn’t a huge deal as they are approximately seven cents, but still. Luckily one of my friends gave me the perfect bag before we left the States (thanks, Kris!!!) which has been a lifesaver. There have been several times, though, where we got carried away and had to buy a bag or two (side eye IKEA).
+ Oh, IKEA! What once was a fun place of wonder in Denver (usually because we weren’t actually buying anything but those weirdly delicious meatballs) was a four-hour black hole. Turns out, when everything is translated from Swedish to Czech, it will be hard to figure out what it is. Who would’ve thought? I expected a fun adventure out of the city, and instead we came back and slept for about twelve hours. We had trouble finding our way around the store, and when we finally found everything we needed to buy, we realized that we didn’t know lots of important things, like measurements. Specifically, of our bed. They don’t use King, Queen, or Double here (or at least not that I could figure out)–they use centimeters. I was also convinced I would be able to find a pillow for stomach sleepers there, just like I had found in Denver–but I don’t think that exists over here. Or, it does, and the saleslady just had no idea what we were talking about (which is just as likely). Despite all of this, IKEA counts as a win–we found almost everything we needed, we ate meatballs, and we successfully got it all delivered to the right address! And our sheets fit (mostly).
+ Doing laundry has become an adventurous task, as well, especially as our machine is in Czech or strange pictures. E found a manual of sorts online, but it hasn’t helped us figure out why we tend to get the “ERROR” message every other time, or it refuses to drain, or it refuses to use our soap. We did figure out what some of the numbers and symbols mean–but that doesn’t seem to help us make the thing work! I am thrilled that we even HAVE a washing machine in our little flat (no dryer–which is pretty standard around here), but not so thrilled that it doesn’t like us back.
^^the bottom one is time, and the top number is spin cycles. What the time turner demonstrates, I’m still unsure. 
^^the mystery of the washing machine. we’ve decided that the flower means cotton, and the feather is for a delicate load…otherwise, our brows are furrowed.
+ A few notes on style: Red lipstick is everywhere here. I really want to jump on this trend (and have for years). Any ideas on a good, inexpensive color? I tried one on today that made me look as white as a sheet…I don’t think that’s quite the look I want. Also, I’m strongly regretting the fact that I didn’t bring any good, tall boots with me (besides my bright orange, fur-lined rain boots). Part of this is because, besides said rain boots, my only waterproof shoes are black flats, which don’t exactly provide warmth. I need to pull the plug and buy some, I think…but I am cringing at the shoe prices here! I’ve found some deals, but I have a feeling they may not be waterproof…ugh.
+ I found a Starbucks and a Pumpkin Spice Latte! How cliché, I know. I had so much coffee during school/work in the U.S. and was obsessed, but I only have it a few times a week here (who am I?). I drink much more tea (again, who AM I?). But with fall exploding on Instagram, and the fall-like weather we’ve (mostly) been having here, I couldn’t resist a little taste of pumpkin (and at $5 for a small, it will be my last for a while). Right after, we found pumpkins at a farmer’s market, so I think it was a good omen. Yay for fall!
Linking up for the #SundayTraveler!
Grocery shopping is on a whole other level when you are in a different country! I vote the blender, I use my blender for so many things!
Thanks for the vote! 🙂 I am leaning towards a blender too because I am missing my smoothies (I think that’s where I get most of my greens haha), but E really wants a crockpot. It is already getting cold here so I get his reasoning…we’ll see what we agree on lol! xo
omg that washing machine. I wouldn’t know how to handle it!
Yes it’s caused a few stressful moments lol. Every time I think we have it figured out, the ERROR message flashes again!!!
It’s funny how much of this I could relate to, despite being quite far away. Our washing machine is rather problematic. Even though we finally understand what the buttons mean, it also gives us lots of error messages and my only plausible theory is that the drum is easily set off balance if the clothes are too heavy on one side.
And we have Tesco here, too, but the bread section is not similar. 🙂 We also don’t have a lot of kitchen appliances, just a 2 burner stove, no oven. But we do have a rice cooker. To not have one would be an abomination over here! 🙂
That’s a REALLY good theory! We get so many random error messages too…I’m glad it’s not just us being stupid but I also don’t want you to go through it, either! Lol. And I’m jealous of your rice cooker…I don’t even think they have them here, haha!!
I loved reading this! I admit being a bit jealous you’re living in Prague. And haha, hey…tea is good. I have never had a cup of coffee (or it’s cousins the mocha, espresso, latte or capuccino) in my life LOL. Give me tea any day! Also – that washing machine. WOW! I wouldn’t have known what to do with it! Great Sunday Traveler read! – Heather, Life of a Traveling Navy Wife
Wow you’ve never had coffee?? Good for you! Stay away, it’s addicting :). Thank you so much for reading. Despite all of the issues (like that washing machine!!!) I feel so lucky to be here in Prague! xoxo
Oh I have had coffee…just sips here and there throughout my life because people try to convince me I will like it if it is prepared a certain way. LOL I do NOT like it at all. Doesn’t matter how it’s prepared haha. Enjoy it. What a wonderful place to live! – Heather, Life of a Traveling Navy Wife
haha well it did take me awhile before I came addicted so good job not getting hooked :). and thank you! I will do my best to enjoy it! Thanks for your lovely comments 🙂 xoxo
Think the triangle must be eco wash? Looks similar to the washers in England (I was rubbish at laundry machines here in Canada when I first came here!) I have never seen strawberry jaffa cakes before – I might actually like them!
Eco wash? Interesting…I’m not even sure what that means haha. And I’ve heard that they have more flavors of Jaffa cakes here (according to a British classmate). My favorite is raspberry!!
Seriously laughing at so much of this, because we went through it too. We bought a toaster, microwave, oscillating fan and blender from a teacher who was leaving (all for about $50 and he threw in portable speakers, frozen veggies and fruit, cooking spices and oils too)so we totally lucked out. I had to take a photo of my washing machine and ask the director of my school to help me out..we had crazy looking symbols on ours too! And last commonality, we almost bought food storage bags because we thought they were garbage bags (turns out you have to purchase them specially from the cashier). Oh, and also, we have to pay for bags at stores too, but I was already in the habit of using my own bag back in the US so luckily I brought a foldable one with me! Oh, one more thing, we almost ordered a $50 hot pot meal at a restaurant that is meant to feed 10 people. Luckily we realized it before the chef started on our order…the waiter had been trying to explain our error to us but we kept saying “yes, that’s what we want” lol! Okay, long comment! Sorry!
Wow awesome! You got the goods from that teacher. And I love your long comment! It’s funny how much is similar in the “expat” life even though we are across the world from each other! Judging by yours and the other comments, the washing machine is a common problem when you move abroad. Great idea taking a picture for your director! I think I will show mine to a Czech teacher at the school…maybe she can help because we still get ERROR messages every time. Ugh! Your story about almost ordering a giant feast made me laugh SO MUCH. The poor waiter was probably like “NO listen you don’t want that!” hahaha. Gotta love when things get lost in translation…I’m so glad you caught it and didn’t end up with food for 8 other people! LOL!
A rice cooker?? I had no idea such a thing even existed! You really don’t need that! 😀 however you can be really glad to have a Tesco around! I miss Tesco!!!
I’m such a spoiled American haha–I’ve never cooked rice without a rice cooker! Hopefully I can figure it out on the stove though, lol :). I love Tesco, it’s been so awesome to have one nearby!!
I have Jaffa cakes trivia for you – apparently there is a great deal of controversy about whether they are classed as a cake or a biscuit. Something to do with the amount of import/export tax that has to be paid. Hilarious social media exchanges on the topic abound.
The good news is that branded Jaffa cakes (which are, I’m afraid, strictly orange flavoured) are, according to their advertising, relatively low in calories.
Forgive me if I am assuming too much difference between continents on the washing machine issue, but the numbers on your washing machine dial are the temperature. I’m guessing the triangle means ‘synthetics’ too. The shower symbol is ‘rinse’ and the spiral is ‘spin’. I think the bucket with the downward arrow is ‘drain’.
OK, too much. But I know how disorientating trying to actually live somewhere new is. Sounds like you are getting it sorted though!
Oh my gosh I’m going to have to look up some of these Jaffa cake discussions–that is too funny! I had no idea they were such a point of controversy lol. One of my classmates is British and she informed me that TRUE Jaffa cakes are only orange-flavored, which is too bad, because I like raspberry the best!
Thanks so much for the tips! I had figured out the spiral and the downward arrow, but I could not figure out the shower or the triangle!!! YOU are amazing!!! I need to put all of my issues online and you guys will solve them for me, haha 😉 xo
Sounds interesting! A lot of it reminds me of living in Korea, like needing to bring your own bag. That bread section at the grocery store looks delicious. I’d go with the crock pot, since you could make rice in a regular pot, and one pot meals are so much easier. I was always too cheap to buy a toaster in Korea, so I just started frying my bread in a pan with a little butter. Worked pretty well!
Thanks for the vote! Lol 🙂 That’s what E wants, and I do love crockpot meals. It’s already been pretty chilly here, too, so it makes sense…but I miss my blender. Wah!
That’s a great trick for a toaster–we will do that instead of buying one! Thanks for the tip 🙂 xo
No problem! It was also a great way to make garlic bread 🙂
Oooh good tip!!! 🙂
Love this post! Thanks for sharing your life in Prague 🙂
Hmm i don’t have a crock pot but i hear it’s pretty good. You can make stew, porridge, and soup. I use my oven instead of a toaster. Rice cooker does make life easier BUT you can make rice in a pot … just a lot more hassle … Maybe the blender is the appliance you need since that’s specifically for making smoothies. I don’t think any other everyday appliance can do that :p
Interesting about paying for bags in Prague. Didn’t know they did that. In SF, they charge $0.10 for each bag if you don’t bring one so I’ve a stashed of reusable bags now – which is great for the environment even though it’s a lot of hassle :p
Haha I would be so confused by the washer too but it is nice to have one in your flat!
Oooo I just bought a red lipstick from Bite Beauty. They’re my current fave lipstick brand since it’s all natural and made of food-grade. You should check it out!
Who could resist Pumpkin Spice Latte in the fall? They go together so well!
Happy Fall!!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂 it was fun to write so I will do more posts like this for sure! I feel silly but I never thought to use the oven as a toaster, lol, so thanks for saving us that 🙂 we are definitely considering the crockpot more as it is already getting chilly here…I just love my smoothies! And I’ve let go of needing a rice cooker, I hear it’s not that hard in the pot…keep your fingers crossed I don’t destroy our one pot lol.
I don’t mind re-using bags, I’m just not in the habit so I keep forgetting! I will get into the habit though, and I hope the rest of the USA gets into that habit as well.
Thanks so much for the lipstick recommendation! I will definitely try them out (if I can find that brand here!) and keep ya posted.
Happy Fall to you too…I maybe had to get another (small!) PSL to commemorate today 🙂 xoxo
Aw I’m so happy you love Prague! There are so many thoughts — too long to try to comment on them all so here goes nothing: first, I didn’t know Czech Rep. had Tesco! That’s cool – I’ve gotten used to it in the UK and quite like it. Although I hate Jaffa cakes and yet they are everywhere! Also, it’s very weird because in Canada we pay for grocery bags – and I expected the same in the UK, but it wasn’t, or at least not where I was living! So weird! I definitely think people should pay for plastic bags since they are so terrible for our environment! Good incentive! And doing laundry in the UK was so confusing – especially with the whole laundry/drying machine in one – I got the Error message so often it always made me angry – like this machine isn’t supposed to be smarter than me! It’s not a computer either!
Yeah I was surprised, because I’ve heard of Tesco but thought it was only a UK store for some reason. I don’t like orange Jaffa cakes which I’m told are standard, but the raspberry are pretty good once in awhile :). I’m glad that it seems more and more places are starting to charge for plastic bags–even though I’m not used to it and keep needing to buy new bags, it’s a fantastic idea!
Even though it sucks to have laundry issues (why is it so hard??) I’m also glad to read that so many other people had issues in a new country…it’s not just us, it’s the machine lol!
What a great post! I feel like I’m reliving my expat experience in Budapest. I can relate with pretty much all of these things. Of all the kitchen items you listed, I ended up buying the rice cooker because I probably eat my weight in rice every month. I’d suggest skipping the toaster – you can toast bread on the stove top. Toss up between the blender and crockpot though. I don’t use either very much. I LOVE jaffa cakes too. I brunch a bunch of them home with me. So gooooood. Does Prague have Deichmann? That’s where I ended up buying most of my shoes. When they go on sale, they’re so well priced.
Hmm I’m not sure but I will keep an eye out for this Deichmann! I’m getting desperate for some boots :). And I think I’m addicted to jaffa cakes. They’re my new comfort food!! I’m so happy you can relate…I love hearing about your experience in Budapest! We still haven’t decided but E insists rice is easy to make in a regular pot (can you believe I never have??) so I don’t think we’ll be getting that one! Maybe a blender 🙂
Have you jus moved to Prague? (New reader-sorry If you’ve already said this!) I’m an American currently living over in Lithuania. When we moved here we faced similar issues (particularly with our washing machine!). I’m visiting Prague for the first time next weekend and have been blog-stalking you for tips 🙂
No, don’t apologize for the questions! I’m so happy to have you here! I just moved to Prague (although it’s been almost two months now) and I love it so far. How interesting that you are in Lithuania! What brought you over there? I’m really interested in visiting but I don’t know much about it…I’ll have to pick your brain if we decide to go! If you have any questions about Prague, feel feel to email or message me–I’d love to help!
Thanks! I’ve been looking up Prague and cannot wait to visit this weekend. My husband and I are in LT for work. It took us a long while to settle in but now we love it here. If you do end up visiting let me know!
Oh Prague is almost perfect right now! Much fewer people and we’ve been having great fall weather. I hope that sticks around for you :). My favorite deli is Jan Paukert’s–you should find it if you have time! Enjoy! 🙂
Thanks for the tips! I’ll try to make it 🙂
I faced quite the similar issue with the woeful lack of appliances. Here’s what I did: for toaster, use the oven… it works great! Rice: cook in a pot (use 2 pts water to 1 pt rice) & cook on low, cover, and remember to stir after a while so it doesn’t start sticking to the pot (that will burn). However after over a year in CZ without a blender, I finally broke down and bought one last winter using Tesco points I’d saved during a Grundig appliance promotion they were doing– it only cost 900czk with the points!
And awwww: I think I’ma need to go get a PSL soon! :)) I missed out on them last fall.
THANKS for the tips! The rice tip is especially appreciated. I’m so excited to make rice, haha! I’ve been so tempted to buy a blender or crockpot but they definitely aren’t cheap (at least that I’ve been able to find). Hopefully I’ll be as good as finding a deal as you were!!
(and yesssss for PSLs! I’ve only had one and it wasn’t cheap–although when is Starbucks ever cheap?–but worth it for a treat!)
There are sooooo many Starbucks in Prague!
Haha yes there definitely are in the center–but we live a little outside so it’s harder to find them. Which I’m okay with most of the time…except I really wanted that PSL.