The first impressions were exactly like I imagined: Czech is simply incomprehensible. What a strange language indeed, where even listening carefully, focusing, we understand ... nothing. And yet the Czechs do sometimes their best for us to understand: they repeat, repeat, repeat ... but perhaps we are immunized and pedagogy of repetition has no effect on us. It is disturbing at the beginning (and the beginnings are long), but there is a second shock: when one goes to the writing. We therefore just have a natural question: why so many consonants? To give an example, here is the classic of classics: "Push your finger in the throat" is called "Strc prst skrz krk," what a cool ambition wanting to learn Czech. But that's not all: "yes" written "ano", but can be pronounced "no", easy source of misunderstandings!
And English, fortunately, is widespread. But unfortunately not in the most common cases: the bus driver, the cash till, or with the receptionist of the student residence ... but like everywhere gestures and conviction are often enough. One must not be touched or surprised by their apparent indifference: unlike the Italians, they are not smiling or warm in the beginning. Generally not very expressive, but not any less fun! Indeed, when we learn to know them, we often find people curious, friendly and interesting.
Less expressive ... therefore they moan less than French (note, this is not difficult). I appreciate their simplicity and their sensitivity to nature. It is difficult to distinguish the hikers from the University students by their appearance. Dress codes are ... different, or maybe there are not just any?
I'm talking about the Czechs, but in reality I meet more foreigners. My classes are in English, and not mixed with the Czechs. That is probably what I regret the most, even though it is very rich anyway.
Life is very pleasant, especially in this beautiful city. I was told so and I'm not really disappointed. There are everywhere cultural and historical riches. As a result, some places are full of tourists, but it does not stop us from going there, as it is so beautiful.
Before leaving, some (old) people were worried whether I would find everything in "Czechoslovakia" (!), Prague had to change a lot during last 20 years, and one would sometimes feel a little like in Paris, in Budapest, or Venice. But soon we realize we are in Prague, because as Andre Breton, French poet, said, "Prague is the magical capital of Europe".
In short, come!