Modernization has overwhelmed the 1500 year old city of Prague in the most beautiful of ways, most markedly in Wenceslas Square. The old gothic and baroque style buildings lining the Square are outfitted with brightly glowing neon lights that declare t
hat there is indeed a Starbucks in central Europe, or that the world’s biggest Irish pub is located nearby. Coca-cola sausage carts decorate the plaza, luring tourists to try their “traditional Czech food” with the mouth-watering smell of greasy sausages of varying size and color. The streets and sidewalks are adorned in 500 year old cobblestones, waiting to trip the unwary trekker. The faces of saints and angels loom down at the masses from their high rooftop pedestals. At one end a beautiful 19th Century architectural marvel watches over the Square. Completed in 1890 as a symbol of national pride, the National Museum is by far one of the most exquisite buildings in Prague.
hat there is indeed a Starbucks in central Europe, or that the world’s biggest Irish pub is located nearby. Coca-cola sausage carts decorate the plaza, luring tourists to try their “traditional Czech food” with the mouth-watering smell of greasy sausages of varying size and color. The streets and sidewalks are adorned in 500 year old cobblestones, waiting to trip the unwary trekker. The faces of saints and angels loom down at the masses from their high rooftop pedestals. At one end a beautiful 19th Century architectural marvel watches over the Square. Completed in 1890 as a symbol of national pride, the National Museum is by far one of the most exquisite buildings in Prague.A great deal of Wenceslas Square in Prague has been reconstructed as a result of first the German then the Russian occupations. It has been the home to political rallies, celebrations and demonstrations since 1348 when King Charles IV founded the New Town of Prague — most notably during the Velvet Revolution in 1989 when millions of protestors gathered in the Square to protest Russian occupation.
In spite of Wenceslas Square’s rich and tumultuous history, or perhaps more because of it, touri
sts flock to the area. It is not unheard of to find smatterings of people from each European nation represented in the Square. And naturally those Asians try their darndest to be just as well represented in the heart of Europe at Wenceslas Square. It is equally common to find a group of tourists from each US state, including those that choose to be a shining beacon of Americanism by sporting their favorite orange and blue football jersey with the name “Plummer” adorning the back (me and my roommate Yisha, who is also a Broncos fan followed him around the Square for a little while trying to get a picture). Oh yes, Broncos fans are everywhere :).The touristy nature of Wenceslas Square also means that most of the pubs and clubs can be found in that area. Beer in most bars costs around 40 czk, which is a little over $2 American. At Juve, the pub in the dorms, it is a little cheaper and costs 21 czk. The beer in Prague is almost always pilsner, and always very plentiful. This is a little unfortunate because even with such a light beer the calories can quickly overwhelm you. The food in Prague is almost always nothing short of amazing. There have been a few unusual meals but in general I have not been disappointed. Goulash seems to be quite popular as a traditional Czech meal, although most foreigners do not seem to appreciate it. The sausage carts, while alluring, have not tempted me enough to have a taste, although I have no doubt that they are as good as they smell.
Prague is a beautiful city and I am determined not to waste a moment of it.
Go Broncos!
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