Bratislava First Day

So today is my first real day in Bratislava.

I had a meeting with Prof. Magdolen this morning at 10. He asked how things were and passed on the fact that we'll be having a meeting on Monday for the Atlantis students to get all registered and settled in. I also learned that we're going to be required to take a Slovak language class. This is because the students last semester didn't do enough cultural things and failed their language class. I was a little surprised to learn this but I'm really looking forward to it. I think formally studding the language will actually put me at much greater ease. I aslo met one of his former students Peter who looking to do a PHD program in England. He's still waiting for his acceptance letter but it's very likely he will get the spot.

After my meeting Peter showed me the buffet downstairs. For 1,70€ I was able to get the main dish which consisted of something like giant couscous and a couple of thick slices of chicken in a very flavorful mushroom gravy. I actually really enjoyed it although my stomach and I are regretting the consumption of mushrooms. It was a huge portion but apparently was just the small. Peter stayed with me for lunch and then walked me over to the Radio Station (a Giant Upside Down Pyramid) which had a bank machine (ATM). So I could finally withdraw what I needed to pay for my room. My room is cheap, really cheap at 3,73€ a night. I might have to pay for the internet in it. But I won't be able to deal with that until October anyway. After the ATM we ran into a friend of his Abe, a fellow student and we went to the main shopping street and grabbed some coffee. We sat there and chatted for a bit. Abe is from Lebanon and speaks French, Slovak, English, and Arabic. We were joined by a few more of his friends. It was quite pleasant and they were all very friendly.

When Prof. Magdolen finally called we went back to the university to meet up with him and then walked back to my dorm. He helped me settle up with them for the first 15 day's rent. I have to go back around the first of each month and pay for that month. I might see if I can take care of at least through December with the next part of the stipend comes in. On our walk back to my dorm, Prof. Magdolen pointed out a few more bank machines, and also proceeded to tell me that unlike in many places it is perfectly legal to be drinking / drunk in public, but there was an absolute zero tolerance for guns and drugs. Peter said there is a wine festival going on in a town near here and there is a unfinished wine that is in its first stage of becoming a wine that I really should try; I will have to ask him again for the name of this type of wine again.

Anyway I think I'm going to head over to the university again now to actually post my stuff and see if I can get my pictures uploaded. Then it'll probably be time to find some food and go to bed. Steve is supposed to be getting back to night so I might try to meet up with him.

I'll write again soon.