The day was full of traveling with non-stop flying from 10 am in Pittsburgh to 10 am in Prague. I was very surprised that my flight was able to make it to the airport in time as every single connection I had booked was delayed. However, arriving at our hotel was relaxing and well worth the commute. Getting to walk around the different parts of Prague (specifically New Town and Old Town) was fascinating as we learned about the architectural history of each building. Our tour guide Jana was extremely helpful and supportive in our exploration and having the chance to hear the story told from a professional really makes an impact. One important landmark was the Charles Bridge. As Jana explained, it once served as a connection between the different parts of Prague across the river. Named after King Charles IV, a beloved ruler, it holds a lot of symbolic meaning for the people of Prague. These bridges dictate how the people move throughout the city and designing aspects like lookout towers and important cultural sites near these bridges is important for the people.
After the walking tour, we stopped at our first local restaurant to get food. During this dinner, I got the chance to have a meaningful conversation with Jana about her background and why she loves the history of Prague so much. It gave me confidence in the tours she gave and made me excited to learn more about the city.
Swanson School of Engineering 