we're in

We're completely out of our old flat and in to our new one... it's nice and cozy and full of boxes, and I can hear the neighbors' casual conversation (not a high point) and piano playing (which is quite good and makes me long for my own piano even though I no longer play) and things will be fine here.

If you're American we're on the 4th floor - no elevator. If you're not... it's no big deal so nevermind.

We have internet but we don't have heat just yet - for some reason we can turn the dial on the radiator but nothing happens. Hope to have that fixed soon.

I hope you've all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I love you.

room service?

I'm living in a new, furnished flat - sometimes it feels like I'm living in a hotel room... I went through this with our last flat too.

There are moments when I am genuinely confused, usually upon waking or when I'm late returning home, and wonder why the heck the maid didn't pick up.

Even thought I know better I am still waiting.

flat debate and the BS job debacle

Uh... that whole request for input fell FLAT!!! not one little bit of advice?? unreal!! never mind you people!

Wait - I think there might be a comment on FB... Yes, there is a comment attached to my brother's post about his new apartment as he is moving too... funny thing that, we're both in uni, living outside our homeland, in countries that start with a "C", and moving to new homes... on the opposite side of the ocean.

So, I still haven't viewed flat #2 but I'm not going to. I made up my mind - flat #1. We will meet on Saturday for Coral to see it and do the paperwork.


I had the interview yesterday and should hear back today as the position starts Thursday and the teacher needs time to prepare a new class.

I had it confirmed at my present main job that no one has been paid this month. No one. And the owner is not responding. Last month he came through almost 3 weeks late, this is now 4 weeks and WRONG! It's ridiculously wrong. So Wednesday is my last day. If you happen to read this and are considering an English school in Prague - the initials are B.S. - and they're an accurate description!

hunt for a new home

My year lease is ending in a month. Yes, I know I haven't been here a year but I've had a flat I've been paying rent on for a year now, and the one year lease I signed is coming to an end.

We live fairly remote from the center and I'd like to change that. Today I was scheduled to see two flats. Scheduled, mind you.

Flat #1 - this flat is 1,000kc more a month than what I pay right now (translates roughly to $50 USD). HOWEVER - it is cute, clean, adorable, and right in the center - less than 5 minutes from Mustek (in Wenceslas Square), literally around the corner from the Vodickova tram stop. We would be 15 minutes from our lives' focal points rather than 45. It is 1 bedroom, with 2 beds, a large living room and separate kitchen/dining area, with a side room for storage (former maid quarter, literally the size of a twin bed), another storage room, an American style shower/tub combo, and entry way. No terrace but plenty of windows. To get there you open a metal gate (it is opened during the day as businesses function on the zero floor) walk through the courtyard, crossing a cement parking area, enter the building on the opposite side and walk up to the 2nd floor.

Flat #2 - not as immediately accessible - from Mala Strana it's 17 minutes by tram. Not remote either, and only one tram stop fro the red line (we don't use that though), and maybe 25 minutes total to CISP (it takes Coral about 25 minutes right now not counting walking time.... so close to the same.) However, that's all I can tell you about this one as I got lost on my way, my battery died, and I missed the realtor. It's listed as 2,000 kc less than what I"m paying right now but doesn't include non-necessity utilities like the other one. To get there you open the door to the apartment building on the street - unknown if there is a lift or not, or what floor it's on.

Flat #1 - above and beyond the basic utilities it includes cable and internet and a tv and very complete modern furnishings - TONS of storage space both built in and with wardrobes
Flat #2 - includes basic utilities

Flat #1 - no commission fee, a deposit only
Flat #2 - deposit plus a commission fee of 50% of the total monthly fees (I think that will be about 7,500kc)

Flat #1 - very friendly owner, he showed it to me, willing to purchase and supply whatever we need - bedding, blankets, furnishings, etc.
Flat #2 - no idea as the owner is not involved in the rental process

Flat #1 - location - in the middle of the city but buffered from the noise by being the building inside the courtyard - cement, unattractive building with views on to flat unattractive roofs and a parking lot - very convenient to shops, restaurants, food stands, clubs, etc...
Flat #2 - situated 2 blocks from the tram, across a park and a playground, the building faces on to a well-kept school, quite attractive, quiet location... it has one neighborhood mini-shop but not a convenient grocery store, close to Cross Club, not far from Letna, near the Tesla Stadium

Here's the deal - I need what money I have to pay tuition. I am working like crazy and taxing my body and looking for a new job to replace the old ones... I have an interview on Monday to teach 1 lesson a week but at a higher rate than any of my other lessons (yay!). I am also trying to find something else to supplement us while I am in school. Fifty USD goes a lot farther here than you probably realize. It makes a big difference - I'm not getting child support, and am trying to function on my own (but props to Mom who just helped me get current with Coral's tuition and took a bit of pressure off my back!) - I think the flat closer to town would be a good choice. The difference in rent is technically 1,000 crowns, but our internet costs almost 800 crowns, so it's more like 200 crowns in actuality.

I would really appreciate thoughts and input as I should make a decision soon.

Thanks!