meeting locals

[rookie]

Hey Ray, what would you say is the easiest way for a backpacker staying in hostels to meet the locals? Are many young high school/college students able to communicate better in English or German?

I hope you're still having a blast. Now that I have a newfound interest in visiting Prague, your entries have become a pleasure to read.

[BigRay]

Thanks for the note. As for meeting locals, the best way is to try, try, try. It's very easy when staying in a hostel to meet some cool travellers, trade stories, and end up spending all your time with them. If it is important for you to meet locals while you are in Prague, you will have to take the first step.

That said, it still may not be easy. There are a lot of foreigners here, and sometimes I think the locals would wish they would all go away. Even if they didn't, the people here aren't overly outgoing. Don't get me wrong, though. I have met some extremely warm and friendly people here, but it is not easy. But get in good with one, and it's not hard to meet their friends.

I think the best thing to do is ask yourself what it would take for you to befriend a foreigner at home, and follow that advice. I think this rule applies anywhere, but sometimes the language barrier can be a bigger barrier than you may realize.

Cheers,
Ray