A Week in Prague
Dobrý den! Jsem Noah D2 (‘deh dva’)! Studuji film na FAMU v Praze. Výborný!
That is as much Czech as I can remember now. Anyway, I have been living and lavishing in Prague, Czech Republic for a little over a week now, and I have experienced a superb first impression. The arts and food scenes are vibrantly diverse, and the culture has been an enduring adventure to behold. Today, I would like to walk you through the average first week.
Of the 22 districts of Prague, SLU Film Studies students like Madigan Maurer ’26 and me live in Prague 2, between 20 and 25 minutes from the tourist-centric Prague 1. In such a fleeting time, we have explored several of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, primarily Staré Město, the Old Town. This beating heart of Prague settles itself betwixt the internationally renowned Astronomical Clock, numerous carts of local ham and sausage, and –– my personal favorite –– the Baroque bombardment of St. Nicholas Church. Inside the church, many frescos occupy the ceiling and walls and are complimented by gripping 17th century architecture. The church was initially designed by the Jesuits in 1673 and completed 80 years later in 1752. What keeps the spirit of St. Nicholas alive is the church’s almost-daily concert series featuring the greatest hits of any classical music era. If you are ever in town, be sure to keep an eye out for churches holding free Sunday services or cheap classical concerts.
On day two of our trip, we began classes in Vyšehrad, the southern-most town of Prague’s central circuit. The headquarters of CIEE, SLU’s partner program are situated right next to Vyšehrad Castle and its cemetery. From outside our classroom, we have the privilege of hearing the hourly church bells ring out while learning the intensive Czech language. For anyone seeking solace from the hubbub of tourist-dense travel spots, Vyšehrad is a relaxing getaway with walkable backroads and plenty of inviting cafés.
After “borrowing” a fan from CIEE, we embarked on a casual walking excursion. Our first stop was a 7-foot tall R2-D2 statue– a hidden haven for adventure seekers. Later, we found ourselves in respective paddle boats cruising along a section of the Vltava River, south of the Charles Bridge. From the boats, you can pass by any of the city’s floating bars (with the world’s cheapest beer prices) or acquaint yourself with the local nutrias, the feisty yet adorable rodents that roam Prague’s shores. During our paddle, one such nutria stole a fresh tuna sandwich from an unsuspecting mother and her toddler. What joy!
However, the fun was put on hold when some students visited Pelmeňárna, an unassuming dumplings spot. For those unfamiliar, Czech servers are much more honest than the typical American niceties. However, I can say for certain, after working in the restaurant industry for almost five years now, that I experienced the worst service of my life at this place. The owner was rude from the get-go, having begrudgingly set us a table outside and pressuring us for beers. I understand the cultural differences that come with interactions, but my God, I cannot fully explain the quality of service that followed. The best I can describe it is ripping out half the pages in a novella: wildly upsetting and more irritating than anything. The dumplings were subpar, and the man received no tip.
Later that night, we decided to party, pure and true. Vzorkovna Underground Music Club, better known as “Dog Bar,” was our destination. With a 400 Czech crowns ($17.50) cover fee, including two drinks, we knew the night would be triumphant and inexpensive. Asses were shaken, foosball tables were rattled, and chocolate genitals were indeed eaten. For a vulgar-seeming location, the atmosphere was very inviting. The club owners wore bright smiles as traveling students and locals mulled about, aimlessly smoking cigarettes and dancing to remixes of early-2010s pop hits. All the while, a decrepit Willy Wonka mural loomed overhead.
Lastly, our most recent stop was the acclaimed National Theatre in New Town. It’s filled with Renaissance murals, elaborate chandeliers, encrusted emblems of Prague undying artistry, and a gold-accented roof. There is nothing more elegant in the whole country. I will be sure to update readers on their upcoming performances of Shakespeare’s “Othello,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” and “Hamlet.”
Thank you for your time, dear reader. And remember to keep traveling and opening your horizons to the bountiful world of arts and entertainment around you.