Our first stop of the day was another exceptional adventure. We met with the country's Deputy Vice Prime Minister! I cannot believe the access we've been given to officials who hold such high offices. This fellowship has created so many different learning opportunities, not only involving various cultures, but politics and their economies as well.
Czech Deputy Vice Prime Minister Marek Mora met with us and brought along several government aides at an official building in Prague. He spoke about the way the Czech Republic has changed since it became a member of the European Union. Currently, Government officials are very busy promoting the future Czech Presidency of the EU. That will take place in the coming months. It was quite exciting to meet with a top government official and to learn so much more about this beautiful country.
Prague also known as Praha is about the size of Virginia. There are ten million people living in the country (1.2 million in Prague) and a big chunk of its gross domestic product is thanks to tourists.
According to the Czech Republic Official website nearly seven million visitors came to the small central european country throughout 2007.
This bit of history comes straight off the U.S. Department of State Website:
"The Czech Republic was the western part of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. Formed into a common state after World War I (October 28, 1918), the Czechs, Moravians, and Slovaks remained united for almost 75 years. On January 1, 1993, the two republics split to form two separate states.'
After the morning session ended, we had the rest of the day to ourselves, before flying to Belgium later that night (NATO and the European Union are later this week).
I spent the remainder of the day walking around the central part of Prague. I was with other fellows Gerri Shaftel (FOX Los Angeles) and Kathleen Graham (RTNDF). We browsed different shops downtown (Prague is widely known for its crystal creations) and of course, even hit a local Starbucks store. One thing I did notice is there are similar stores in every direction you walk. We hit what looked like the same jewelry stores again and again. We also saw a lot of lace stores and the ice cream here is amazing too.
We also had the opportunity to visit the spectacular gardens surrounding the mystical Prague Castle. The castle is the current seat of the President of the Czech Republic. It serves as the historical political center for both the city and country.
The Prague Castle is rich with history. It was here the Czech Kings, Roman Emperors and the leaders of both Czecheslovakia and the Czech Republic had their offices. According to the Gusiness Book of World Records, the castle in Prague is one of the biggest in the world. Of course it was raining today, but that did not stop us from soaking up the natural beauty of the castle and its splendid garden landscaping.
We learned there were several devastating fires and wars in addition to political forces that helped create a plethora of palaces and churches all across the site.
The Jagellons reconstructed the Royal Palace at the end of the 15th century and there was even more work done following a fire in 1541.
Final touches came about under Empress Maria Theresa. She employed architect M. Pacassi. But after World War I, renovations to the castle buildings and gardens were overseen by architect J. Plecnik.
The views from the castle could take your breathe away. We snapped a few photos and moved on, to continue our adventure in Prague.
We also strolled across the famous Charles Bridge but did not have enough patience to wait and see what would come from the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall Tower.
It was amazing though to see hundreds of tourists huddled around the square waiting to see the procession of the 12 Apostles every hour, on the hour. Apparently, once the door opens Christ marches out before his disciples, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a Turk replica. The beauty and intricate details of the Astronomical Clock are unreal. This creation I am told, dates back to the 15th century.
The Old Town Hall Tower is another of the most famous buildings in Prague. It was built back in the mid 1300s. You can also climb to the top to take in the astonishing views over Old Town Square.
Today the Old Town Hall is home to the Prague Tourist Information Center. What a sight to see!
On the way back to the hotel we came acorss a very large outdoor market. The people there sold everything from fresh vegetables to bags, cigarettes, wooden dolls, blankets and more. We then found a few more fellows at a nearby cafe, where some of us soaked up some tea (to keep warm and grab a bite to eat).
Then it was back to the hotel to gather our belongings and board a bus for belgium! Tonight we are heading to Brussels to learn more about the European Union tomorrow.
Czech Deputy Vice Prime Minister Marek Mora met with us and brought along several government aides at an official building in Prague. He spoke about the way the Czech Republic has changed since it became a member of the European Union. Currently, Government officials are very busy promoting the future Czech Presidency of the EU. That will take place in the coming months. It was quite exciting to meet with a top government official and to learn so much more about this beautiful country.
Prague also known as Praha is about the size of Virginia. There are ten million people living in the country (1.2 million in Prague) and a big chunk of its gross domestic product is thanks to tourists.
According to the Czech Republic Official website nearly seven million visitors came to the small central european country throughout 2007.
This bit of history comes straight off the U.S. Department of State Website:
"The Czech Republic was the western part of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. Formed into a common state after World War I (October 28, 1918), the Czechs, Moravians, and Slovaks remained united for almost 75 years. On January 1, 1993, the two republics split to form two separate states.'
After the morning session ended, we had the rest of the day to ourselves, before flying to Belgium later that night (NATO and the European Union are later this week).
I spent the remainder of the day walking around the central part of Prague. I was with other fellows Gerri Shaftel (FOX Los Angeles) and Kathleen Graham (RTNDF). We browsed different shops downtown (Prague is widely known for its crystal creations) and of course, even hit a local Starbucks store. One thing I did notice is there are similar stores in every direction you walk. We hit what looked like the same jewelry stores again and again. We also saw a lot of lace stores and the ice cream here is amazing too.
We also had the opportunity to visit the spectacular gardens surrounding the mystical Prague Castle. The castle is the current seat of the President of the Czech Republic. It serves as the historical political center for both the city and country.
The Prague Castle is rich with history. It was here the Czech Kings, Roman Emperors and the leaders of both Czecheslovakia and the Czech Republic had their offices. According to the Gusiness Book of World Records, the castle in Prague is one of the biggest in the world. Of course it was raining today, but that did not stop us from soaking up the natural beauty of the castle and its splendid garden landscaping.
We learned there were several devastating fires and wars in addition to political forces that helped create a plethora of palaces and churches all across the site.
Here is a list of what you can see on the complex:
Saint Vitus Cathedral - which is the most recognizable landmark in the city. You can also check out museums, art displays, several palaces like Lobkowicz Palace and the St. George Basilica (classical concerts are often held here)
Back in the 9th century, the first known building on the site of the Prage Castle was created. In the 12th century a Romanesque Palace replaced it. Then again in the 14th century it was rebuilt in the Gothic style thanks to Charles IV.The Jagellons reconstructed the Royal Palace at the end of the 15th century and there was even more work done following a fire in 1541.
Final touches came about under Empress Maria Theresa. She employed architect M. Pacassi. But after World War I, renovations to the castle buildings and gardens were overseen by architect J. Plecnik.
The views from the castle could take your breathe away. We snapped a few photos and moved on, to continue our adventure in Prague.
We also strolled across the famous Charles Bridge but did not have enough patience to wait and see what would come from the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall Tower.
It was amazing though to see hundreds of tourists huddled around the square waiting to see the procession of the 12 Apostles every hour, on the hour. Apparently, once the door opens Christ marches out before his disciples, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a Turk replica. The beauty and intricate details of the Astronomical Clock are unreal. This creation I am told, dates back to the 15th century.
The Old Town Hall Tower is another of the most famous buildings in Prague. It was built back in the mid 1300s. You can also climb to the top to take in the astonishing views over Old Town Square.
Today the Old Town Hall is home to the Prague Tourist Information Center. What a sight to see!
On the way back to the hotel we came acorss a very large outdoor market. The people there sold everything from fresh vegetables to bags, cigarettes, wooden dolls, blankets and more. We then found a few more fellows at a nearby cafe, where some of us soaked up some tea (to keep warm and grab a bite to eat).
Then it was back to the hotel to gather our belongings and board a bus for belgium! Tonight we are heading to Brussels to learn more about the European Union tomorrow.
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