Czech out Prague

The first step off the metro in Prague was magnificent. The cobblestone streets are still intact, and the buildings survived the world wars. As my friends and I wondered through old town, past the square and clock towers, we found ourselves to be in a different neighborhood. We kept walking towards the hostel, but the buildings became less beautiful, and more modern and run down. Once we found our hostel and settled in, I realized what a difference there was from old town to new town.
Prague is the capitol of the Czech Republic, which it has been called since the breakup of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Just 21 years ago, Prague was behind the iron curtain of the Soviet empire. The city today is one of the most visited in Europe, but it has yet to overcome the socialist past.
After we slept in and got bagels and unlimited refills at Bohemian Bagel , We spent the day walking around the city, across the Vltava River on the Charles Bridge, and walked around the Prague Castle. The city is gorgeous. World War II, which destroyed entire cities like Berlin, did not destroy Prague, as few buildings were destroyed.
Once we arrived in the center square, the first thing I noticed was not the beautiful astronomical clock that has dominated the skyline since the 15th century but the huge Hyundai Fan Park. The fan park presented by Hyundai consisted of a huge TV screen that aired all of the World Cup games. In-between the USA and Slovenia game and the England Algeria match, we saw “hobos” dancing in the square to techno music. After our obnoxious laughter, I realized that this was not a scene in many European or western cities. Along with the dancing, thousands showed up wearing their flags, jerseys, hats and horns. Although I rarely watch soccer in the US, I found myself chanting “USA” at each good play.
The Czech people do not have a national team in the world cup, but since many countries that border the Czech Republic like Germany do have a team, many still gather in the main square to show their support. Although the world cup is in South Africa and most nations do not have teams, most Europeans still show emphatic support for a nation. The central square of Prague that has been converted into a festival for soccer, food and beer symbolizes the nations hunger for fun and nationalism.
After the games, I became so involved in the architecture around me as we overheard the tour guide; he stated that the Czech government required all newborns to have one of the names inscribed on the clock. I could not imagine the United States having such a law, or if anyone would follow it. Beautiful churches and beautiful bohemian architecture similar to Germany’s Bavaria also surround the skyline of the square.
The city of Prague is a must see for all students. It offers the sights, architecture and history of most European countries, but it is also is a growing economy that has recently been admitted into the European Union. The currency is still the koruna since the government has postponed the adoption of the Euro. Although the currency is difficult to use since every euro is 26 koruna, mostly everything is cheap or affordable. For around 70 euro, 6 people along with myself enjoyed a 5 star Czech meal along with beer and appetizers. For the best bargain’s, move away from the center square, or visit new town to find beer for under one euro. Once I got my money, I received a 20-koruna coin dating from 1993, or the first year the country was called the Czech Republic.
As we left Prague on the very slow train towards Munich, I got a taste of old Eastern Europe. The stations we passed were in disrepair, plants grew from under the tracks, and the communist style apartment block buildings lines in graffiti screamed “Iron Curtain.” It was my only picture of what life was like in the Czech Republic outside of the glamorous life in Prague.
I arrived in Prague knowing that the city had an intense history, like every other European city. Although, the past Soviet influence and the western European world are clashing, the city is thriving in the 21st century, but it is also recovering from the command economy it was under only 21 years ago.