A New Day, A New City

Post by: Leah Ranta
Location: Prague, Day 6

The tour of Prague was very different from those we took in Berlin. Instead of looking through a bus window, we had the opportunity to experience Prague along side the locals. Our tour guide picked us up from the front door of our hotel and we walked to the metro station. From there we ran to see the changing of the guards at the Prague Castle, which holds the current office of President Milos Zeman. This visit was nothing like going to Washington D.C., or even the parliament buildings in Berlin. Street performers and cobblestone walkways surrounded the building, not a single back was checked by security, and the view overlooking the city was breathtaking.

Some other highlights of the day included seeing the oldest town square in Prague, viewing memorials from protesters that contributed to the fall of communism, and walking through the former Jewish ghetto.  We have seen many historic sites, but my favorite part has been witnessing the contrast of the two cities, Prague and Berlin. Though the bus ride was only a few hours away, the equivalent of traveling from Minnesota to Wisconsin, the two countries could not be more different. The architecture, atmosphere, local food, forms of transportation, people, pace, and even pubs, could not be more different. That being said, one day is not nearly enough to begin to understand this beautiful city.

Though the weather is more rainy and cold than Berlin, I am excited for what today has in store for us!

Photo 1: Touring the oldest town square in Prague

Photo 2: View of the Charles Bridge at night

Photo 3: Street performers in front of the presidents office

Photo 4: Group picture in front of the Prague Castle