Klikov, Czech Republic

I ventured on a five day exploration of the small village of Klikov in South Bohemia. With a population of 200, this village plotted next to a newly declared "Biosphere Reserve" offered an interesting study for my social ecology class. "Studying Local Rural Systems" took place as a field study of the 'community' and biological impact of this shrinking village. Traditionally a potters community, the area fell under communist control and went from 1000 inhabitants and 13 studios to 200 people and 3 studios present day.

Tiny town, tiny train, tiny station

Sunset the first night:

Our room- I shared with a Spanish girl (practiced another foreign language!), an Austrian, and a girl originally from Colorado.

The accomodations were perfect.

I spent a lot of time napping in the grass (and waking up covered in ants)

As part of our studies we went on a 34 km bike tour of the region. I'm not especially fond of biking, so this was quite the experience for me.... It was very beautiful and definitely an adventure-- I'll leave it at that!

Regardless of anything that happened the whole week was worth it for the sole reason that the non-native speakers said cow shit and horse shit instead of manure. We'd be in lecture or doing presentations and someone would say cow shit when talking about sustainability and I'd about lose it!

My small group had the opportunity to interview a local

potter named Martin. Martin was an extremely interesting man with
an unequaled positive outlook on life. After talking to him we were able

to form our opinion on village life and the community interaction there. He had pretty flowers, swallows nesting, and lovely pottery.

Martin!

Typical Czech: A Pilsner glass as aquarium decoration!

Train ride back to Klagenfurt from Vienna

Anddddd the food

The whole weeks accomodation, travel, and food was paid for by a grant for education. We ate traditional Czech food which was good, but very heavy. It was a terrific cuisine experience, but I'm ready to have a salad or two!

Above is Mike's favorite, dumplings, and below is Jolyne's

 favorite, potato pancakes!

Czech cola! Made with herbs and super yummy

I want chips, salsa, guac, queso, enchiladas, mexican rice, and refried beans.

I miss you Tex-Mex, happy Cinco de Mayo

We've had a series of themed parties recently,
                     here's some pictoral documentation:

Sunglasses birthday party (gangster attitude optional):

Black&White:

"Bad Taste"

It worries me that we're so good at having bad taste...

Family picture

Andddd Neon Party:

 Birthday girl! She turned 22 at midnight during the party!

Thanks to Gem and Thibault for pics :)

My mom and one of my dear bosses, Dave Riesenberg, sent me a Belle Isle shirt and some stickers. I miss work so much! I can't wait to get back into waiting tables on Friday nights. When I left, I had worked there for 4 1/2 years, so it's weird not turning in my 'dream' on Wednesdays. I love and miss all my work friends-- Georgia, Jim, Crystin, Murph, Neill, Frank, Samuel, Hanna, Gina, Dave, Adon, Joel, Manuel, Chelsea, Gaby, Kody... and former co-workers- Dan, John, Trafton, Gina, Kayla, Kelly (and everyone I forgot!). And of course our regulars, notably Steve and Star and Jim and Teri!! Without all of you, there's no way I'd be missing 'work'! If there's anything people here know about me, it's that I'm a biology major and work in a brewery- the two things that always seem relevant!

I can't wait to go home and have a chicken tender salad and a honey pepper bacon burger and black bean and chicken nachos--probably all in the same sitting. Y'all should probably start gearing up for a party December 27th, I'll finally be 21! We'll definitely spend the night in Belle Isle-first thing I'm ordering is a sampler. I want Neill and Dave there to drink one with me!

I took a Belle Isle sticker to the best bar here in Klagenfurt, the Claddagh. The owner, Julian, stuck it up on a beam on the bar. Forever united!

Growin' me some lettuce in my room. Good thing I picked some

when I did because I think I killed it!

Making the oreo balls!

 Banana milkshakes mmmm

Potluck for Gemma's birthday!
 Everything was yummy and seemed to all go together perfectly.

Stripes!

We were the only ones on the bus. I mean it's basically like a limousine...