Why yes, I am an American...

Today our class lecture was especially interesting.  Martin Elbel, one of the program coordinators, started class by asking us about stereotypes.  "What are some Czech stereotypes about Americans that you've noticed?" I said, "loud" and he said (in his Czech accent) "Yes, but I'm afraid that is not just a stereotype." We (loudly) laughed.
Even though we've been here three weeks now, we still stand out as foreigners.  All we have to do is talk.  If the perfect English didn't immediately give us away, the volume of our voices would.  We are definitely accustomed to receiving stares.  And, if I was a European, I would stare at us too!  Oh, I love having a foreigner's perspective!