Czech It Out: Castles, High Heels and Secret Gardens

If you decide to go to Prague (which you definitely should), my advice to you is…

• Keep taking Czech class throughout the semester.  It sounds like extra work but it’s really fun and it will make your time here more enjoyable. Being able to talk to people makes a world of difference.

Repping the []_[] outside Charles University

• Keep exploring.  It’s easy to get comfortable and create habits that involve just coming back from class, but keep looking around town and doing new things. It really will pass too quickly.

There are (not so) secret gardens in Prague! The Wallenstein Garden has white peacocks roaming about

• Take trips in the Czech Republic. People neglect to do this every year but the Czech Republic is beautiful and full of castles and forests.  Take the time to go visit some of these.

Trosky Castle in Český ráj, otherwise known as Bohemian Paradise

• Don’t have your parents send packages.  The Czech Customs Office will hold it miles away and you’ll have to sign forms and give money in order to get the package back. It’s not worth it.
• Don’t wear high heels!  You won’t need them and you could easily break your ankle with them on these cobblestones. I twisted my ankle in tennis shoes, so watch where you’re going.
• Keep in mind the electricity issue.  I brought my computer, DSLR camera, and iPhone with an adapter and I’ve been fine, but other hair appliances you may need to purchase there.
• Bring spring clothes! It’s going to be cold when you first get there so you may not think about it, but it will get warmer.  Not Miami warm, but warmer.

Prague from Petřín during the spring

• Learn everything you can on the Classroom Europe trips with Jiří Holub. Poland, Germany, and Austria were amazing but Istanbul was my favorite.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul

Looking back on my time in Prague, I realize how much this study abroad experience has helped me grow and develop.  I have learned how to interact with different people and how to get around a big city.  I’ve learned more about European history and can now put historical events into a larger and more complex context.

I’ll always remember that day in spring when we rented a paddleboat on the Vltava and slowly floated through the center of the city.  Prague never stopped being magical to me and I imagine it always will be.

Church of Our Lady before Týn in Old Town Square

I’m already looking forward to going back!