Our drive from Berlin to Prague was very scenic. The fields alongside the highway were brilliant green with bright yellow flowers. The terrain was rolling hills most of the way. We were excited to be going to a different country — at least that is what most of us anticipated. We were not disappointed.
As we crossed from Germany into the Czech Republic, we were stopped at the border and the border guards entered the bus and collected everyone's passports. The guard was very stern and everyone became very quiet. One of our group, an international student, had his papers examined more carefully. He was called from the bus and after talking with the guards and answering their questions, we were on our way. It made everyone realize that the rest of the world is not like the U.S.
As Prague came into view, it was clear we were in another country. The architecture was fascinating. It was very old and visually interesting. The streets were narrow as we entered the city and our bus had to drop us off a long way from our hotel. We were an interesting sight as we walked single file along the cobblestone streets pulling our luggage behind us. Fortunately, it was not raining.
The students were in for a unique experience. They stayed at a youth hostel, called the Unitas, which is a remodeled prison. The accomodations were spartan. Each room had iron bunk beds, a sink, a small window and a heavy door, which contained a small door within the larger door for passing meals to the prisoners. Breakfast consisted of bread, water and tea. It was a good experience and everyone was glad there was so much to do that they spent little time in their rooms.
Our first full day in Prague was our second day without rain! It was also the first city we have been in that looks like a European city (or what we think of as a European city). The buildings are ornate in contrast to the boxy buildings in Berlin. We decided that post war architecture in Berlin is little more than "variations on a box".
We observed: many tall women, many streets of cobblestones, confusing currency (25 crowns to $1), American music from the 70s and 80s was played everywhere, and most clothing is drab. During our first dinner together, a gypsy placed a rather large snake around the necks of Amber Kinneer and Ivy LaPaglia. Amber's expression was priceless as she bravely tolerated the experience. Ivy seemed slightly more confident. The Charles Bridge was absolutely magnificent at night. Dr. Nitsch had purposely delayed taking us there until we could see it at night with all the buildings lit up.
Activities were unlimited for us in Prague. We spent a lot of time going through the Prague Castle complex and then broke into different groups to explore sites on our own. Jon Lowe spent many hours running all over Prague to find the Jewish Cemetery only to realize, upon arrival, that it was Saturday. The cemetary was closed on the Sabbath. At least he got a good workout! Katelyn Penny established herself as the group's chief negotiator and bargainer with all shop keepers. Group members got many bargains as a result.
There was clearly too much to see and too little time in the opinions of the students. Many rolls of film were shot and we left having a much better understanding of what life was like during the Communist era.
— Karen Reynolds
