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| Many European intellectuals, from Kafka to Einstein, have spent time in Prague and have been known to congregate and share their ideas in now-famous grand cafes like Slavia and The Louvre. During communism, these subversive havens would attract their fair share of dissidents. You can still enjoy the Old World atmosphere in many of these cafes that serve the double satisfaction of menu quality coupled with an atmosphere of historical significance. An interesting aspect of the Czech culture is that it proudly celebrates myths and embraces the fairy- tale world. Native children are often raised on Czech “pohadky” (fairy-tales) that are broadcasted on television as often as every night; the nightly “vecernik” feature is a common before-bed ritual for many young children. There are also theater productions that feature the country’s well-known craft of puppet-making and talent for puppeteering. Given the country’s fascination with the magical world, it is no surprise that movie productions choose Prague as a setting for historical epics and vampire classics. The city is a visual marvel with a historical center that makes a visitor feel like an anachronism stuck in the past when royalty ruled on castle hills and horse carriages below flooded the narrow streets. For these reasons and more, Prague is a well-suited destination for the adventurous, the curious and the artsy. It is the ideal location for university students to study abroad and is also accommodating to solo travelers who are fond of history, art/architecture, literature and the realm of mystery (Harry Potter fans- Prague is for you!). Prague natives, “Prazany”, are sophisticated, modern Europeans. When it comes to the surface appearance of street style, some dress to impress, while most have a sense of style that showcases how far the Czech Republic has prospered economically under capitalism. Most Czechs speak English well and there is bound to be little trouble communicating with natives. Children usually start learning a foreign language (most often English) as early as second grade, and commonly tend to be bilingual by the time they enter high school. In the city center, most people have an additional command of German, French and Russian. Prague is truly a cosmopolitan city! The demeanor of the Czechs varies from warm and friendly to indifferent and stoical. The latter attitude is usually encountered in the service industry and when dealing with Czech bureaucracy. But, as it happens everywhere one travels, it is a fact that some people will be unfriendly just to be difficult and dramatic or to burden you with a negative attitude toward their life situation. An occasional universal sentiment, one has to learn to brush it off gracefully. Although it is hard to get lost with a map in the city adorned with prominent landmarks, when one is in need of public transportation, Prague is topnotch at providing it quickly and efficiently. There are three lines composing the Prague metro system that are fairly easy to navigate and which are well integrated to cover all parts of Prague. A random trivia fact is that the fourth largest escalator in the world is located at the green-line stop at Namesti Miru. The trams are great and efficient for the picturesque exploration of the city center and can serve as a cheap visual alternative to the more expensive Prague tours. Tram no. 22 stops at the major Prague sites and has the most scenic route for a visitor’s introduction to the city. However, a personal recommendation is to explore the city by walking and purposely getting lost. It is probably the most memorable and fun way to discover off-the- map surprises, escape tourist traps and get familiarized with the true essence of the city. The beer culture in the Czech Republic is as famous for its beer production and consumption as France is famous for its wine. Beer is produced in excess and there is great abundance of it coming from cities such as Plzen (which produces world-renowned Pilsner beer) and Ceske Budejovice (a historical town with a Budweiser/Budvar brewery). For a little over a Euro (equivalent of thirty or so Czech crowns), one can get a sizable mug-full of the native liquid at any restaurant, bar or club. Aside from beer and other alcohol, it is common to find tea and coffee served at most bars and clubs- what a classy and consciences idea that accommodates to non-drinkers. Nightlife in the Czech Republic is considerably pocket-friendly, with tips being usually optional and the exchange rate favoring the UK Pound, the US Dollar and the Euro. This knowledge usually attracts quite a few tourists from the currency-favored countries, especially the young party-seekers who make Prague their Spring-break equivalent destination spot. The best time to visit Prague is probably during spring and early fall. Visitors can truly appreciate the burgeoning of nature during spring, which truly sharpens all the senses with emerging smells, colors and sounds that intensify the visiting experience. Early fall gives Prague an enchanted quality full of colorful, natural charm. It is during this time that the most captivating photographs can be taken of this Bohemian gem. Prague is still relatively cheaper than its European neighbors to the West. Other foreign cities can also be easily reached from Prague. Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Prague should not be missed for those that are Europe-bound. If you are thinking “Europe adventure…here I come,” make sure to place Prague on your list; I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed! |
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