Strike!

For years, the public transportation union here in Prague have been threatening to strike due to changes in their contracts. Supposedly, they are upset because they are pushing back retirement benefits to 60 years old but making them retire at 50 years old which leaves them hanging for 10 years! Also benefits lost and salary cuts. I would be TO'd too! So after years of threatening, they finally had enough. This Thursday June 16th, 2011 the WHOLE public transportation workers refused to work. The trams, metro, and buses refused to run. The workers gathered together to do a march. It was quite exciting at work because we were all wondering how we would get to work on Thursday. We thought taxi's would work, but everyone needed a taxi in all of Prague, so the chance of getting a taxi was slim to none.

Thursday morning came and I met up with my coworkers to figure out how we will get to work. We walked down I.P Paplova and found ourselves right in all the action. Some union workers still need the money and a few trams were going. Although as you can imagine were packed with people hoping to get a ride. Talk about bad timing. In one of my pictures, you see the tram right in the middle of the protest. Surprisingly, it was peaceful and just an awkward situation for that driver who decided not to protest. Whoops.

After a bit more walking towards school, we hoped on a tram that could take us up to the castle. My school is located right behind it. Thankfully we made it up the big hill on a tram but had to walk to the rest of the way. It was hot and long but we finally made it to work. Phew! The strike was 24 hours and we were lucky to all get taxi's home. It was strange seeing everyone walking and no trams working. I hope the Union got what they wanted otherwise, there will be some fit people here in Prague from all the walking ;)

Paris Pictures

Weekend in Paris

Now that my time here in Prague is almost up! (crazy how fast a year can go)... I am trying to see as much of Europe before I leave. I went to Paris with my family when I was younger; however, I felt now that I'm older I would appreciate it more by visiting Paris again. I was right, Paris was magnifique!

I left Friday evening where I met two girls at the boarding gate who were from America. They were studying abroad for one month in Law School from Boston. They were also taking advantage of living in Europe by having a weekend in Paris. It worked out great because we arrived at 11pm and went together on the train to Paris center. When we got off the train (RER) we walked out to see Notre Dam. Wow. However, it was almost 1am so I hoped in a taxi and went to my hotel. My taxi driver didn't speak English but he was so enthusiastic to show me his city. He would point and tell me what each famous building was. Well, act out with saluting for what I assume a military building. My hotel was right by the Eiffel Tower and to see it lit up at night gives you goosebumps.

The next morning, I woke up early and took a stroll around Paris and went to find a breakfast/pastry place my coworker suggested. The weather was perfect and warm, even tho the weather channel said it would be pouring. I found the bakery and sat down to a nice french breakfast. Of course, I got the french toast and a coffee. YUM! Paris got the pastry down. After a delicious breakfast, I headed back to my hotel to meet me new friend Morgan to spend the day with. The other girl was named Tara and she and another friend who flew in from America went to Paris Disneyland. Morgan and I decided to enjoy sightseeing and shopping. We had a great time walking around and looking at french fashion. We ate at the same place I had breakfast (since I loved it so much) and shared a crab sandwich, cheese plate, and a nice chilled glass of white wine.

Later that afternoon, we met up with her friends Tara and Kate and we decided to have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. We bought a few bottles of french wine and champagne and a bagette. We sat there for a few hours just marveling the tower. We stayed til it was lit up and sparkly. When it grew dark, we got on the canal cruise. We sat outside but the weather made a turn and it was pouring. It was still enjoyable seeing the city at night.

The next day, I head to Notre Dame. I listen to my free Rick Steve's ipod tour guide and learn about the fascinating history of the church. Then I went inside and attended the Mass in Notre Dam. Brought back memories of when I went to Catholic High School. Amen. I sadly had to venture back to the airport that afternoon and back to Prague. It was a great weekend and I really enjoyed Paris. <3

Jet setter Alison

Next travel destination....... weekend trip to.........