On Day 6, our day started with a long bus ride, Until we got to the Pilsner Brewery, then we started with a guided tour through the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Pilsen which was not In Prague. I really love beer, so this was a really fun experience. I thought it was quite interesting to see the brewing process in action, from the ingredients to the production lines. I had no idea how much history and tradition are tied up in this one drink, I just saw beer as beer and not history.
My favorite part and also the best part of the tour was tasting the beer. I have had so many beers in my countries I have viistied but this was something else. We were allowed to try Pilsner Urquell straight from the barrel, unfiltered and unpasteurized. Its taste was unlike anything I had ever tried, it was fresh, crisp, and smooth. I got to have an extra because some people were not a fan. It really gave me a new appreciation for why this beer is such a big deal within Czech culture and beyond.
After the brewery, we strolled through Pilsen’s Christmas Market. It was a bit cozier, more family friendlily than those in Prague. There was even oats and ponys you could feed. There was also Carnival rides and a carousal and a ferris wheel. As we walked through the market, I enjoyed the variety of hand-made products being sold, from wooden ornaments to handmade soaps.
All that, combined with the special taste of Pilsner beer, made it a perfect day. It was the best way to experience all aspects of the cultural and culinary tradition of the Czech Republic. Only bad part of the day was having the bus ride home stuck in traffic for two and a half hours.
Day 7 in Prague was a trip of contrasts a weighing of history countered with joy of diving into Czech cuisine.
So day Seven started with a visit to the Museum of Communism, which was quite serious and thought provoking. As me and my classmates walked through the exhibits, I learned about the rise and fall of communism in Czechoslovakia and its profound impact on the country. From chilling propaganda to re-creations of interrogation rooms and stories of resistance, the museum vividly painted what life was like under communist rule. This was a very though place to walk through just reading some of the stories told. It was very emotional and educational.
What really stuck out to me was just how this dark period still lingers among the memories of so many Czechs today. Being able to see the artifacts and reading personal accounts has given me more appreciation for the people’s resilience during those hard times. Another thing that really stuck out to me was how much the communist era took a toll on politics, but also just everyday life which I would not have know before coming here. For me it is one thing to read about it, but seeing it presented this way made it so much more real. I am a hands on learner and this really impacted me.It was eye-opening to see how much the country has changed and grown since that time.
After a morning of reflection, the afternoon offered a lighter, more indulgent experience, thats when the the Prague Food Tour started. I would say I am a foodie, this was one of my favorite activities of the trip.
Our guide took us to a variety of local spots, each offering a unique taste of Czech cuisine. One standout was the smažený sýr (fried cheese), a dish that was so delicious, even though I am lactose intolerant. We also tried traditional Czech goulash with dumplings a rich and hearty dish that felt like the perfect comfort food. Well I know it was beef but I don’t remember if it was true Goulash, or another type of beef. Also paired with a Red Czech wine.
For dessert, we sampled medovník (honey cake), which was sweet and satisfying without being overly heavy. Pairing it with a locally brewed beer made the experience even better, Czech beer truly lives up to its reputation!