Hi everyone!
After almost a day’s worth of travel, I’ve made it to Prague to meet with the rest of the group and we had an amazing first day!
I came right from spending a day in Paris beforehand, so I have my first taste of Europe already. But once we all arrived to the airport and approached Prague, it all felt very different.
While in the airport, I was primarily excited just to meet everybody! But then once we hopped on the bus, I was very much looking forward to finally getting to the city.
On the drive to Prague, the towns we drove by seemed quaint – small shops, charming terracotta roofs, and calm traffic. It was a bit cloudy, but lots of the pastel-painted buildings helped brighten things up.
On the bus ride, our group tour coordinator, Petr, gave us all a warm welcome. I’ve heard this before, but he told us that Prague is a very old city. He said it was founded 1200 years ago! I had never seen such a regal looking city before.
In Philly, there is a historic district with classy buildings and important landmarks. But in Prague, it was practically every single corner looked so dressed up – from the gorgeous iron balconies to the classic cars driving by. I captured this one building that looked just like a pillar in a castle, with a guild symbol on it and the Czech flag waving.
Once we all settled into the hotel, we embarked on the first official activity of the trip – a walking tour of Prague! Petr led the way through most of the side of Prague that we were on before crossing the river into more residential areas plus the Prague Castle.
We walked through stunning streets, stepped into jaw-dropping cathedrals, spotted Prague’s Astronomical Clock, and even witnessed the renowned gentleman who lights the lamps by the Charles Bridge! I also spotted the first horse and buggy I’d see on the trip. At our final stop by the bridge, we could see the castle from a distance, and I became even more excited to eventually make it over there.
I asked Petr what his favorite part of the city was, and he said it was actually a traditional neighborhood across the river that was untouched by tourists. He said he could not reveal the name. I got a feeling of mystery, realizing the fact that we would not see everything in the city and that tourists are not welcome in all parts, which is completely understandable.
As someone in the tourism industry, it’s always interesting to BE the tourist, too.
I could really appreciate Petr because he had been a local for almost all his life, and also has the knowledge and compassion to guide tourists around the city and welcome them into what he knows as home.
Finally, the dinner that evening was such a memorable first meal with the team. We were at Kolkovna Celnice, which felt like an upscale pub.
The meals felt endless and I enjoyed almost everything! It was at this place that I started to feel a sense of familiarity while being abroad. It felt like cultures were bridging, although not everyone could relate.
Much of the food tasted similar to what I eat at home with my family, the baked duck reminded me of my mom’s baked chicken, and same with the served sauerkraut which we have every New Year.
Feeling super excited to try even more cuisine!
–Liv