The People

I’ve been in Pilsen for a month now. I’ve had the chance to meet many people, but I’d like to focus on the Czechs I’ve met. Before I left, I was often told that Czechs are somewhat reserved and don't talk much to foreigners. And, to be honest, my first interactions on the street seemed to confirm this idea.

However, over time, I’ve been lucky enough to meet other people who changed my opinion. For example, there’s the bar owner with whom I shared a few shots of whisky after we got talking outside while smoking a cigarette. Two weeks later, my friend and I decided to try a new bar. While waiting for her to arrive, I was approached by some other Czech customers who had heard me speaking English. We started talking about why I’m here and life in general over a beer. The evening went on, and in the end, my friend and I found ourselves at a table with 10 Czechs, drinking and laughing.

I’ve had other nights like this one. In the end, I’ve found that Czechs, for the most part, are very welcoming people, always ready to share a beer and a good joke.

The Food

There won’t be any pictures here. Why? Because, to be honest, food hasn’t been the highlight of my experience. I eat often in restaurants or at the university canteen, but I haven’t yet had the chance to discover a dish that really excites me.

I love food in general, but here, most of the dishes are local specialties that I find hard to appreciate. After trying about ten traditional dishes, I have to admit that they’re not my favorite. However, there’s one thing that reminds me of home: potatoes. It’s a universal food, and I’ve definitely found some comfort in this familiar taste.

The Housing

As for my housing, I’m staying in a university residence. The cleanliness isn’t really great, and I have to admit that when I arrived, I was a little shocked by the state of the place. The place was quite dirty, and the facilities are old. It was a bit of a shock at first, but after a good cleaning, the environment became livable.

I’m not going to lie: it’s far from ideal, and it makes me look forward to returning to France to enjoy a bit more comfort. That said, I try to keep a positive perspective on the experience, and I think it’s a necessary step in adapting to a new country.

Thank you for reading my article! See you in 4 weeks!