An Educational Adventure in Prague

This week has been filled with school work and studying, probably from catching up after the weekend trip. I have also been catching up with everyone from home before I leave again this weekend for Milan! I am very excited about visiting Italy since I’ve never traveled there before. I’m especially looking forward to shopping and dining. My friend and I are hopeful that we will be able to get tickets to see “The Last Supper” which is another attraction of Milan.

In EDP….

This week we further discussed schemas and how they influence our everyday conceptions of “how things should be.” For instance, I have a certain schema and script (predictable sequence of events for a common activity) for going to the grocery store. Usually you place everything you want to buy in your cart then pay as the groceries are bagged for you. In Prague there is a different “script” for going to the grocery store. You have to pay if you want a cart, carrying baskets are free. At certain stores if you buy fruits or veggies you have to weight them yourself and place a printed sticker with the price on the bags. Also don’t be surprised if you feel like you are being “watched” as you shop because there is usually a normal dressed man walking around the store watching everyone as they shop to prevent thieft. Finally as you reach the check out be sure to grab a plastic bag if you haven’t brought your own, or you will be standing at the end of the conveyer belt with a bunch of groceries staring at the cashier who does not speak English. Yep, you must pay for these plastic bags, they will not ask you if you need a bag. And forget the “bag boy” you have to be a swift grocery bagger to prevent getting the next persons groceries slung towards you down the belt. The different script for grocery shopping took some getting used to, and when I return home I will have a greater appreciation for the “bag boy.”