Technically you can Prague more than once, but it’s a good title!
Ahoy collegiettes™! My name is Joycelyn and I’m a HC member studying abroad in Europe.
Today is my 19th day in Prague! It feels like only yesterday when I arrived here. The program ends next Friday, where did the time go? When you are having fun, time really does fly. In case you are wondering where Prague is, it’s in Czech Republic and it’s absolutely stunning. Even though most people here don’t speak English very well, it’s pretty easy to get around once you get the hang of things. I’ll tell you and show you a few of my favorite things here in Prague and my non-favorite things!
- The Beer
So in case you didn’t know, Europe, especially Prague, is known for its good and CHEAP beer. The average price of a beer here is roughly $2. When you go to restaurants it’s even cheaper than water! So who’s been drinking water? Not me. My favorite kind of beer is Krušovice. So whenever you come to Prague make sure you order one of these! Jedno pivo prosím! (One beer please).
A round of my favorite type of beer here in Prague!
- The People
Surprisingly, the people here are not as nice as you would expect them to be. Everyone here seems to be pretty reserved and cold. You can always tell when Americans get in public transport because we are loud, happy and usually laughing. Czechs are quiet, they do not really converse in public transport; they don’t even smile. One of our advisors said that Czechs don’t like to waste time on people so they only invest their smiles and conversation on people that matter. To each his/her own I suppose. However, our advisors are the nicest people ever! Very sweet and fun to be around.
Two of my advisors from the trip!
- The Gardens
The gardens in Prague are by far my favorite place to go. I’ve been to the Prague Castle Gardens, the Palace Gardens beneath Prague Castle, Wallenstein Garden, Vrtba Garden and Petrin Orchards (These are all the English translations). The pictures that I took really do not do it justice and every time I stand in a garden it feels surreal. People always tell you to take in everything you see when you travel and it’s crazy how much it really applies. I’m the happiest I’ve been in a really long time here in Prague; and I’m a pretty happy person! (If I may say so myself). Even if you’re in the states, take a Sunday and go to a garden to read a book or just sit there and enjoy the nature. Side note! The beer gardens in Prague are SO MUCH FUN, especially if you are watching a sport. My friends and I went there to watch World Cup Games and it was truly an experience. There were at least 500 people there each time, amazing!
Me at the Vrtba Garden! Easily one of my favorite places in Prague!
4. The Nightlife
The nightlife in Prague is always a good time. The drinks are affordable and the company is always good. The people that I am meeting in Prague are truly one of a kind and I’m so blessed to have met them. I’ve met people from all over the states and even Mexico, Italy and Russia. Seems that everyone chose to do a study abroad in Prague this summer! If you ever come to Prague definitely check out Duplex, Usudu and Déjà vu. There are many other places, but this is one club and two bars that I loved. Surprisingly, everywhere plays American music so there’s always a bit of “home” wherever you go. Yet to find a Caribbean connection here!
Good night with good people!
- The Architecture
Walking around in Prague is a different experience everyday. The buildings are all colorful and most of the rooftops are red with the buildings having a lot of history to them. The Prague Castle is a must see! The buildings and the monuments are astonishing. Most buildings seem to have the monuments either in teal or gold. You definitely have to check out the Petřín Lookout Tower! You have the most amazing view of the city from the top of this tower. It’s the Eiffel Tower of Prague so of course it’s a must see!
Michelle and I in front of the Dancing House in Prague!
- The Currency
1 USD is roughly 19.4 Czech crowns. Once you change your money, you’ll feel like you are ballin’! An average beer is 25-40 crowns and some meals can be around 100 crowns, pretty good deals here for us if we convert every transaction!
- Where is the A/C?
One thing that I miss is the A/C. We are so spoiled in America. Our rooms don’t have A/C, the public transport doesn’t have A/C and most buildings don’t have A/C. Luckily it’s not terribly hot here if not I would be dying. The weather is pretty nice!
- P.S. Berlin and Vienna Treated Me Well
I visited Berlin on my first weekend here and Vienna on the second weekend! They are both beautiful cities and the people there are much nicer than those here in Czech. The Berlin Wall is a must see in Berlin and the Ferris wheel is a must do in Vienna!
The Berlin Wall! Amazing Street Art!
A photo from the inside of the Ferris Wheel in Vienna!
There you go! A little of what I’ve been up to in a nutshell. As my friend Mo says, “You Only Prague Once.” I’ll probably come back but you know; it’s a catchy phrase! I hope you all are having an amazing summer. Smile, laugh and make memories!
Stay tuned for more of my study abroad adventure next week!
HCxo,
Joycelyn