2 Unforgettable, Unplanned Days in Prague

Some people don’t like to plan or prepare for trips. Rather, they enjoy going to new locations, discovering places without any kind of information about it. It’s the spontaneity of it all that can be more enjoyable than anything else.

I am not one of those people!

Still, trying the unplanned, non-itinerary trip does make for unforgettable memories. I enjoyed this kind of trip in 2014 when I traveled to Prague without knowing how the trip would be and where I was going to live.  It was amazing!

I worked as a journalist at Al-Hayat newspaper, focusing on stories related to technology subjects most of the time. One tech company has an event in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. I made my reservations within 24 hours, and the company arranged my accommodations.  I grabbed my bag, preparing my stuff and going to the airport. I had no knowledge about the company other than its name and the person picking me up at the airport.

That’s the beginning of my story!

What I Discovered During My Journey to Prague

For the first time ever in Europe, I arrived at Prague airport. Now, I was aware the Czech Republic had its own language; they do not speak English.  This made communicating with people there a bit difficult, but it was their behavior and hospitability that made the language barrier a little easier.

I saw ancient buildings and breathtaking scenery. It all enthralled me. I was more interested in learning about the Czech culture than I was for the tech event that I originally came to the city for.  Here’s what I learned:

Prague, which is located along the Vltava River, is the largest city in the Czech Republic (also its capital city.) and the 14th largest city in the European Union (EU).

Prague is the political, cultural and economic center of central Europe with an abundance of history. It was founded during the Romanesque period and grew throughout the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras.

It is home to many well-known cultural attractions, many surviving the violence and destruction of 20th century Europe.  The key attractions of this great city include the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Petrin Hill, the Jewish Quarter, Vysehrad and the Old Town Square with the astronomical clock.  There are also more than 10 big museums, numerous theaters, galleries, cinemas and other historical exhibits.

An expansive modern public transportation system connects the city.

Prague has a plethora of public and private schools. In fact, the oldest university in central Europe – Charles University – is located in this city.

How Did The Czech Republic Gain Its Independence?

Prague was a city smack dab in the middle of the Soviet Union’s military and political control. Stalin Monument, which was unveiled in 1955 on Letna Hill, was destroyed in 1962. In 1989, after riot police took down a peaceful student demonstration, the Velvet Revolution crowded the streets. This led to a new kind of mood in the Czechoslovak capital.

Prague split from Czechoslovakia, becoming the capital city of the new Czech Republic.

Beginning in 1995, the city saw the development of high-rise buildings in great numbers. Once more, it became Europe’s cultural center and was notably influenced by globalization. In 2000, the IMF and World Bank summit took place where anti-globalization protests were also held.

In 2002, the city suffered widespread flooding that damaged buildings and its underground transport system.  I’ll be honest; I never noticed any kind of damage from it when I visited the city.

Where Did I Go In Prague?

I was fascinated by the many places I saw in Prague, which has a combination of historical, modern and natural places that one could visit. I recommend checking out the following:

·         Prague Castel

·         Carl Bridge

·         Art District

·         Treasures of St. Vitus Cathedral

It’s also a good idea to check out the old Jewish Ghetto and watch the Astronomical Clock strike an hour.

Prague is a stunning city brought together by beauty, history, civilization and industry. The Czech Republic people are very friendly and welcome visitors from all around the world with open arms. My visit to this country and its capital city showed me the new horizons of Eastern Europe. I recommended everybody visit it, and to go without a plan.