Prague was a country ruled under a communist regime until December 1989. 1989! If you are reading this, then chances are 1989 was not only in your lifetime, but a time that you can clearly remember. The end of communism came after The Velvet Revolution, and what better way to learn about this than from someone who not only lived through it-but was THERE, at the demonstrations! Our guide, Honza, was a student who participated in the student demonstrations in November 1989. We were given an amazing 1st hand account of what life was like for many Czechs during communism. We also walked alongside Honza as he retraced his very steps during the demonstrations, stopping along the way to take it all in as we watched the now democratic Czech people walking by. As we walked the path he and thousands of Czechs took, we had many discussions surrounding how the Czech Republic had to change and learn a new way of being as they exited communism, and then current-day political environments. We ended as we arrived at St. Wenceslas Square, which is where the people of Prague stood in 1989, demanding more for their country and citizens!
We then parted ways for the afternoon-but not before hitting up Budvar for some more delicious food and of course, pivo!
Did you know that Budweiser originated in Czechia?
We then parted ways for the afternoon-but not before hitting up Budvar for some more delicious food and of course, pivo!
Did you know that Budweiser originated in Czechia?
After enjoying lunch with a few of our group friends, we made our way back to the hotel and prepared for our final night in Prague. We again walked through Old Town and along the Vltava River before we arrived at the Bedrich Smetana Museum for a private performance by two of Czechia's best opera singers. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The sheer power and engagement from the singers was electrifying!
After the performance and time to explore the museum and learn more about Smetana, we took a stroll to our final dinner. It had been a hot day in the sun, that ended with the warmth of good conversation, food and drinks-but also with GREAT air conditioning!
After the performance and time to explore the museum and learn more about Smetana, we took a stroll to our final dinner. It had been a hot day in the sun, that ended with the warmth of good conversation, food and drinks-but also with GREAT air conditioning!