Today was such a rich blend of flavor, history, and engineering, it honestly left me in awe of just how layered Czech culture really is. We began the day with a Czech cooking class where we prepared Kulajda soup, Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) dumplings, and potato lokše. The recipes were surprisingly simple but deeply rooted in tradition. What stood out to me most beyond how delicious everything, was the Czech love for potatoes. From savory dishes like dumplings and soup to even desserts, potatoes are everywhere! But it’s not just about the ingredient—it’s about resourcefulness. Czech cuisine finds a way to transform the most humble ingredients into comforting, filling meals, and that says so much about their history of resilience and simplicity.
Later, we took a walking tour that truly opened my eyes to the engineering wonders of Prague. The Charles Bridge, which I had seen before, suddenly felt different when I realized how advanced the masonry and structural planning were for something built centuries ago. The city is designed not only for beauty but also durability. The arched supports, cobblestone drainage patterns, and even the way the buildings shift in color and shape depending on the light. I noticed how Prague uses elevation smartly; uphill streets lead to grand views, while underground paths keep foot traffic moving seamlessly in dense areas.
At Prague Castle, one detail that surprised me was how layered its construction is—Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, all in one complex. Also, the facade of the castle tricked me. It appeared smaller from the outside but I was really shocked by the immense size of the courtyard. The thousand-year-old St. Vitus Cathedral was breathtaking, but what really struck me was the symbolism—every window, statue, and spire reflects the Czech commitment to faith, identity, and persistence through centuries of political change. I got to take so many pictures which I am very excited to share with my family and my friends. It’s only day 3 but I’m starting to feel like a local!
Swanson School of Engineering 