After months of anxious waiting, I was told that I would be going to Prague for my Professional Attachments (PA). I confess I knew nothing of the Czech Republic at that time except that it had been under communist rule. The most common definitions I found of Prague were "The Golden City", "The City of a Hundred Towers" and the "Paris of the East". During my 8-week stay, I found these definitions inadequate to describe one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Perhaps I should start at the beginning. All 2nd year Accountancy students have to do a professional attachment as part of their curriculum. I applied for the Shell vacation placement scheme and was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to work overseas. The company generously provided for all my financial and health needs. I was given a living allowance, medical benefits, accomodation, insurance and a return ticket.

I arrived at Ruzyne Airport on 10th of May and made my way to my hostel about 50km away. Unfortunately, I arrived on a Sunday and there were no shops around my hostel open for business. This meant that I could not purchase any pass to use for public transport.

I had a rather interesting time trying to communicate my problem to the hostel staff, none of whom could speak English. My problem was further compounded by the fact that my guide book only had a map of Prague 1 and I was staying in Prague 4. In the end, I spent the afternoon walking around till I found a metro station and was able to purchase a ticket for all forms of public transport. As you may have gathered, I wasnot exactly having the time of my life, but when I reached WenceslasSquare, my spirits were truly lifted by the beauty of Prague. I spent the rest of the day just wandering around and admiring the ancient cathedrals and the beautiful Gothic architecture of the Old Town.

On the first day of work, I was met by my supervisor, Mr. Jiri Eminger, who is the Accounting Services Manager for Shell Czech Republic A.S. I was assigned to woek closely with his Recording to Reporting (RTR) headm Mr. Stanislav No_ina. Over the next few weeks most of my projects concerned the company's fixed assets.

I was introduced to the SUN Accounting system and was assigned to do some asset reconciliation. This gave me a good insight into how the transaction processing system worked in a large company. During my stay, I completed a review and an update of the fixed asset control procedures, month end closing procedures and helped create the English version of an accounting help desk.

Most of my projects invloved interviews with the staff at Shell Czech Republic a.s. I was very surprised that most of the managers made a special effort to see me in spite of their busy timetables. I would also have been really lost of Mr. Ivor Gilar, the Purchase to Pay (PTP) head, hadnot taken the time and effort to help translate my questions to the non-English speaking staff.

My work experience was not confined solely to accounting matters. I was taken out of the office by a senior developer from the Retail Network Planning department. Mr. Toma_ Vrana was kind enough to take me on a trip to Pilsen and Karlstejn. Throughout the trip, he patiently explained to me Shell's plan for expansion and control of their network of retail stations not only in the Czech Republic but also in Russia. I tis truly an exciting time to be in Central Eastern Europe where the opportunities for expansion are incredible. I was also given an insight into the importance of external financing and the problems facing most of the local businesses.

Lunch was a big event at Motokov building where I worked. My colleagues, Stanislav and Martin Jaro^s would take me to the canteen and guide me through all the Czech dishes. On their recommendation, I stayed well clear of the occasional Chinese dishes.

Lunch was often spent learning new Czech words, much to the amusement of my colleagues. I was told that all Czechs are sticklers for correct pronunciations and it would be best for me not to pretend to be local. This time was also an opportunity to learn more of the Czech culture and their history. Another hot topic for discussion was the elections held in June for a new Parliament. This was my first experience witnessing an election campaign with Communists, Social Democrats, Christian Democrats and the nationalistic Republican party all fighting for seats. It was interesting, to say the least.

It definitely was not all work and no play during these 8 weeks in Prague. In my first week, I attended a home group for the English speaking congregation of the Prague Christian Fellowship. I made many friends that night and they helped me settle in quickly. Through this group and the small church it was part of, I was able to meet many different peoplefrom all over the world: Americans, British, Canadians, South African, Nigerian, etc. Nearly every week, I would get to meet someone from a different country. This was truly a wonderful experience because not only did I get to meet them, many became good friends after 8 weeks.

During my 2nd weekend, I took part in the Prague International Marathon. I joined 20,000 people at Wenceslas Square amd ran my heart out. Of course I did not do the marathon. The fresh air and the coolness of Spring had not made me lose all my senses. I took part in the Family Run which ended in Old Town Square where we were met by a open air carnival with free goodies such as ice-cream and drinks.

Every week. there would be something that was happening at the bottom of Wenceslas Square. There were street soccer competitions, exhibitions and even a pole vault competition. It was never boring.

The tourist in me was satisfied as I explored Prague. My most memorable trip was to Cesky Krumlov - a beautiful little tourist trap about 200km away from Prague with its own castle and pensiones by the river. Evening walks along Charles Bridge with Hrad_any castle towering above and sunlight glistening on the Vlatva river were beautiful, and it was not difficult to understand why Prague is also known as "The Golden City".

Throughout the months of May and June, the Prague Spring Festival was in full swing. It was a case of being spoilt for choice as to which performances to watch, but I finally decided on Charles Adam's "Giselle" at the state opera house and attended the Vienna Symphony's performance at the Obecni dum. On both occasions, I was swept away by the performance as well as the beauty and grandeur of the theatres.

I have learnt more about different cultures, work attitudes and independence during my 8-week stay than in any other time in my life. I truly thank Shell Eastern Petroleum for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to experience life overseas. My stay would also not have been so enjoyable without my colleagues and supervisors at Shell Czech Republic who went out of their way to accomodate me. They definitely made sure I enjoyed my stay. I will always remember Prague as the most beautiful city I have lived in, but I will treasure most the friends I have made. na shledanou.