The infamous Prague. When I told people from back home about where I was going on this trip, I got the strongest reaction about Prague. Everyone that has visited the city, really built it up for me, saying it’s the most fascinating city in Europe, but after visiting, I hate to say that it didn’t meet my expectations. The architecture, atmosphere, food, and cobblestone alleyways drew me in, but I think it’s the people that truly make a city, and the locals of Berlin and London were by far more welcoming, making those cities enjoyable.
One thing about Prague that really intrigued me was the history. In contrast to Germany, I didn’t know much about the Czech Republic’s history. My group this trip focused upon the topic of Prague’s Velvet Revolution. At first I was apprehensive as to if I would find the topic interesting, but after touring Prague I am really glad that we were given this topic, especially since I didn’t know much about it prior to researching the event and visiting the historical sites.
Something that I found really interesting after yesterday’s tour and adventure was the violence that I expected to not be present amongst the revolution. One of the aspects of our topic that we really stressed in our presentation was the peaceful demonstrations and smoothness of the revolution, giving meaning to the “Velvet” name, like the material. After watching the video in the museum and hearing more from the tour, I really saw the violence that was present from the police force in Prague during the 1990’s. It was almost hard to watch at times. This was an important factor that made me view the revolution differently, and see it’s violent aspects- just how brutally treated the people were.
Stepping out into Wenscelas Square, after seeing the photos of the revolution in the museum was definitely a moment for me. Seeing the McDonalds, restaurants, vibrant advertisements, and almost “Time Square” feel in the Square was really fascinating to see after watching a video of thousands being brutally hit and tortured, trying to fight for peace and democracy, because it wasn’t very long ago. My group decided to take a picture in the Square for our blog not thinking much of it, but as we turned around and looked at Havel’s photo and the Square while holding up a peace sign, it brought we back to what I saw and what the people of Prague must have gone through.
Our group topic ended up having more of an impact upon myself than I expected and leaving me with more of an insight and look into Prague than what I would have gained otherwise. Although the city didn’t meet my expectations, it was still fascinating to see and learn about, as I reflect on it now, heading to Nuremberg for a new adventure.
-Tori Ford
One thing about Prague that really intrigued me was the history. In contrast to Germany, I didn’t know much about the Czech Republic’s history. My group this trip focused upon the topic of Prague’s Velvet Revolution. At first I was apprehensive as to if I would find the topic interesting, but after touring Prague I am really glad that we were given this topic, especially since I didn’t know much about it prior to researching the event and visiting the historical sites.
Something that I found really interesting after yesterday’s tour and adventure was the violence that I expected to not be present amongst the revolution. One of the aspects of our topic that we really stressed in our presentation was the peaceful demonstrations and smoothness of the revolution, giving meaning to the “Velvet” name, like the material. After watching the video in the museum and hearing more from the tour, I really saw the violence that was present from the police force in Prague during the 1990’s. It was almost hard to watch at times. This was an important factor that made me view the revolution differently, and see it’s violent aspects- just how brutally treated the people were.
Stepping out into Wenscelas Square, after seeing the photos of the revolution in the museum was definitely a moment for me. Seeing the McDonalds, restaurants, vibrant advertisements, and almost “Time Square” feel in the Square was really fascinating to see after watching a video of thousands being brutally hit and tortured, trying to fight for peace and democracy, because it wasn’t very long ago. My group decided to take a picture in the Square for our blog not thinking much of it, but as we turned around and looked at Havel’s photo and the Square while holding up a peace sign, it brought we back to what I saw and what the people of Prague must have gone through.
Our group topic ended up having more of an impact upon myself than I expected and leaving me with more of an insight and look into Prague than what I would have gained otherwise. Although the city didn’t meet my expectations, it was still fascinating to see and learn about, as I reflect on it now, heading to Nuremberg for a new adventure.
-Tori Ford