First Week in Prague

Today is Friday.  It is the last day of the first week here in Prague.  The people and the culture are amazing.  Everyone is so incredibly friendly and willing to help.  I spoke with a man on the tram that barely spoke English. He was so kind in trying to help me.  We were following an app to tell us how to get home. He saw our confusion and gave us completely different directions.  It was funny. He was smiling when we got off the tram, but I think he thought we were helpless.  We did get back home just fine. Our tour guides were incredibly friendly as well.  They were smiling and telling jokes.  We learned about communism and what it was like to live with a limited supply.  It is amazing that this country was under communist rule while I was still alive.  It’s even more amazing to see how they advanced so quickly.

The tram is the greatest gift here.  We are able to get anywhere in town.  We also have these universal passes that help us get on any public transportation, which is totally different here.  At home, it is sometimes scary to get on a bus alone. Here it is typical. Even wealthy people ride the tram here. However, there is some strange etiquette. It is expected that we speak softly or not at all. At least, the locals don’t speak much on the tram. This pass allows us to get on a train, tram, or some buses. It is great.

Another interesting thing that I have noticed about the local women is that they walk with their shoulders back and face looking forward.  They seem to have such confidence.  Everyone is celebrating and seems to be proud of who they are regardless of where they come from.  Prague seems to be the central “All is welcome” area.  There actually doesn’t seem to be many people that were born here.  Many people are from all over the world and have decided to live here for a while.  It never seems to be a permanent destination, but it does seem to be loved by all. 

The buildings are amazing and beautiful.  I walked in a building that was 800 years old.  Many of the buildings here are over 100 years old. Some of the newer buildings people despise because a more beautiful, historic building was torn down during either WW2 or the communist regime.  I learned a lot about communism today, going through the Museum of Communism.  I also went to the Mucha art museum as well.  I climbed Powder Tower, named because this was where they kept the powder for weapons. I climbed to the top and I am not sure how old those beams were that were holding me up. It was terrifying. Beautiful but terrifying. 

I am loving my time here.  I am learning so much, but I am missing my family too.  We talk almost every day. Everything seems to be going well at home and I am enjoying my time here.  I am excited to learn so much more.  Who knew how much of a nerd I was?  I love these museums and I can’t get enough of the history. The Czech people are so proud and amazing.