Today, I landed in Prague, Czech Republic. As soon as everyone arrived, we began a walking tour of Prague led by our wonderful host, Jana. She took us through several stops in both Old Town and New Town. Highlights from the tour included seeing the Estates Theater, the Powder Tower, the Prague Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge.
Charles Bridge is Prague’s oldest bridge and was completed in 1402. For decades, it was the only way to cross the Vltava River. It connects the eastern and western sides of the city. Its iconic architecture has stood the test of time and has appeared in films like Mission Impossible, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and The Gray Man. The bridge is named after King Charles IV, who ruled during the Golden Age of Bohemia. Charles prioritized cultural preservation and education. He founded Charles University, the oldest university in the Czech Republic, and commissioned the construction of the bridge. These developments allowed Prague to grow in both size and cultural significance. The bridge features sculptures of various saints created by prominent Bohemian sculptors of the time, preserving the artistic legacy of that era while still remaining iconic today.
I had a conversation with my friends today about how it feels to be in the Czech Republic. It’s hard to process being in a different country, especially after being immersed so quickly in a new culture. Still, I’m excited for the rest of the trip—especially since this is my first time in Europe!
Swanson School of Engineering 