Prague: the crossroad between east and west

I was waiting with big excitement to move to the historical city of Prague. But hearing so much about it and visiting a couple of times isn’t the same thing as actually living here. But it feels like home after only one month, thanks to the people and the amazing adventures.

Prague, Charles bridge and the castle in the background

Home

I was surprised by the fact that Europeans know quite a lot about Prague: amazing beer and good times, wonderful sites, historical monuments, and beautiful Czech girls. For me, all these things were obvious after the first few days. Although the first week I felt quite strange about several things: new country, new city, new room, new school, new people, new semester, new courses. I guess people never get used to moving, at least I couldn’t. Personally, I think you can find a home everywhere as long as you can integrate and accept the people.

Languages

During shopping, on the bus, in the climbing hall or simply on the street you bump into the Czech language continuously. As a foreigner, and not knowing any Slavonic language, the first days are a shock. How to differentiate the words from a flowing stream of jangle? A simple solution is to start to listen carefully, and take a language course. I was surprised to see how many common or very similar words we share (in both Hungarian and Romanian). Many people think that their English is horrible, although I think most of them are just shy. Maybe having not enough self confidence. But reality is the complete opposite! Most of the young people after the first few sentences are getting better and better! Especially after a few beers: language barriers are dismissed.

Prague's nightlife

I was amazed and sometimes shocked by the number of pubs in the city of stunning buildings and lovely old squares. The atmosphere is really amazing, especially if you’re a student and you are willing to have some dreamless nights. Visiting the “touristic” pubs and discos is a must, but you’ll know the real deal when you have a Czech friend who is willing to take you to some “normal” places. Being part of the Erasmus family is another possibility to have great adventures: partying at 100 m high above Prague - in the TV tower or in a bunker built during the cold war, meeting people from all over the world or just getting out from the city for some climbing and mountaineering. The possibilities are endless.

Never-ending story

Prague is on the To Do lists of many foreigners taking their holidays in Europe. Although getting around for just a few weeks or months is simply not enough. I guess a lifetime is too short to get around, be familiar and know every corner or pub in Prague. But it’s a good start to love, feel, experience this amazing city!

About the author:

Eng. Róbert Marc is pursuing his double MSc. at Czech Technical University Prague, studying space science and technology. He is a Hungarian from Romania, who lived and studied in five European countries so far. Being at the age of 24, he tries to experience as much as possible abroad.

(hopefully my article will be published somewhere, somehow :-) )