Prague

I am finally settled back into my life in Salamanca after six days in the City of Spires.  Prague was absolutely breathtaking.  I traveled there with three other girls from AIFS and we met up with a tour company called Weekend Student Adventures.  I met students from all over the United States who were studying in London, Ireland, and Spain.  For the first four days of the trip, the length of the WSA tour, we had a local Czech tour guide who showed us around the city.  On Friday, we woke up bright and early for a walking tour of Prague, Praga, Praha, or however you want to call it.  It is pronounced several ways throughout Europe.  Before arriving there, I did not know what to expect of the city.  I had heard that Prague was a beautiful city and was especially popular around the holidays.  It surpassed my expectations.  Throughout the tour on Friday and Saturday, our group visited the Museum of Communism, Old Town Square, the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, the John Lennon Wall, Saint Vitus Cathedral, and the Lobkowicz Palace.  You may not believe me, but we actually met Prince William...of the Czech Republic, not the United Kingdom.  He is seventeen years old, very polite, and completely ordinary.  He took us on a tour of his family's palace as if we were his friends.  Of course, all of us girls were giddy when we found out that we were going to meet a prince.  But it was refreshing to realize that he is a normal kid and is so comfortable with people from all different backgrounds.  For dinner one night, our entire group attended a Medieval feast and show.  I have not laughed so hard since I've been in Europe.  We were entertained by fire breathers, belly dancers, jugglers, and knights, all while enjoying an authentic Czech meal.  I had roasted duck, cabbage, and dumplings.  It was delicious.  But, as it was a Medieval show, we had to eat with our hands.  The performers took special pride in making the guests feel right at home, whether that meant climbing over the table and sitting right next to us, holding our hands and bestowing kisses on the girls, or taking a turn on the dance floor.  Somehow, by the end of the meal, I ended up with a Czech boyfriend named Stefan.  It was difficult to leave him behind.  I'm just kidding, obviously.  It was an interesting experience to say the least and it was a meal I will never forget.  Our tour guide also took us to see the famous John Lennon Wall.  It is the only place in Prague where you can legally graffiti.  It has become a memorial to the artist but also a place to write things you can't say out loud.  It was extremely moving to read some of the inscriptions.  We all got to spray paint something on the wall.  It was a powerful feeling, taking part in something that so many people have done over the past few decades.  As amazing as all of those places were and as helpful as it was to have a local guide, my fondest memories of this trip are of the days we didn't plan.  My friends and I stayed two extra days in Prague and I'm so happy that we did.  It was so relaxing to wander through the Christmas markets, sipping hot wine, and take in the beautiful scenery.  I felt no need to have an agenda for each day.  I feel like Prague was a special place.  If you wanted to, you could do all of the typical tourist things...see all of the landmarks, visit every museum, stop to take a picture every three minutes.  But I think a city is more interesting when you partake in every moment as it happens.  Prague left a lasting impression and I only wish that everyone had the chance to visit it.