CC Alumni Web Journals - Colorado College

Bryan'S JOURNAL

February 2005

During winter break the Political Science Department provided some support for a few Political Science Majors to attend the International Youth Leadership Conference (IYLC) in Prague, Czech Republic. This year, the theme of the week-long forum—which focuses on world politics, law and international relations—was a “cross-cultural exchange of ideas concerning the future of world leadership.” Not only did I have the opportunity to interact with about 149 other students from around the world in United Nations Security Council, International Criminal Court, and Model Parliament simulations, but also in relaxed social situations that allowed exciting conversation stemming from global perspectives.

Prague is a beautiful city overflowing with centuries-old buildings that blow your mind. While the conference was an interesting and beneficial experience, the most memorable part of my time in Czech Republic are the days I spent exploring all that the city had to offer. Along with numerous other IYLC participants, I would jump on the tram— Prague’s incredibly punctual public transportation system—and head to the center of it all—Praha 1 and Old Towne Square. It seems everything from the Prague Castle to the Jewish Museum were in this area, so we spent most our time there.

There were, of course, some nice restaurants downtown as well. While there were plenty of familiar fast-food restaurants to chose from as well, I wanted to dine at restaurants that I would be least likely to find in the US. I only had the chance to try a few since meals were provided at the hotel during the conference (usually dry meat drenched in watery sauce over noodles so soft and heavy it took three tries to finally pick them up with my fork), and my favorite was the Cremeria Milano. They had amazing Italian-style gelato, not better than the real deal if I remember correctly from my trip to Italy one summer in high school, but the best I’ve tasted in a long time. I love ice cream, so I stopped for gelato at least twice a day!

Between gelato stops, I went to a cool jazz concert for only five dollars at a jazz and blues club and spent time at the Jewish Museum. Visiting the Jewish Museum and walking through the Jewish cemetery was a powerful experience. It was sad to see how people were buried—extremely close together with gravestones stacked almost literally one on top of the other. Before going to Czech Republic, I had the opportunity to read an article on Prague brought to my attention by the Dean of Students. The article mentioned that Prague was never really bombed during World War II because Hitler ordered that it would serve as a museum of an extinct race. It explained the centuries-old buildings, but I overlooked the fact that the country and its people were still hit hard. Walking through the cemetery reminded me of that and suddenly made the old buildings even more beautiful to me, serving as a symbol of survival.

I was reminded to expect the unexpected and how important it is not to make assumptions when another CC student and I went to see Cats in Prague at the Black Theatre. We were so excited to purchase tickets to what we thought was a Broadway play for only ten bucks! When we got into the theatre, however, and saw the size of the tiny stage we were very confused as to how more than four people could move without bumping each other while performing. Then the show started and the lights never came on. There were about seven people in the cast, all wearing bright neon colors glowing in the dark. It was a black light show! A black light sock puppet show! We laughed hysterically because Prague is a relatively inexpensive city and a ticket to a production for only ten dollars did not seem out of the ordinary, thus this type of production was totally unexpected. Even so, it was something we had never seen before and who else can say they’ve ever seen a black light sock puppet show?

All of this can be found in the heart of Prague, but if you are taking the tram to get there (and you probably will if you have the chance to go), be sure to purchase your transfer ticket! I misplaced my transfer ticket after changing from the tram bus to the tram subway and was stopped by a validation officer. I didn’t have my valid ticket and was fined 400 Czech Crowns for not having a 12ck ticket. I had to pay a $17 fine for misplacing a transfer ticket that cost less than five cents. The worst part was I found my valid ticket in my wallet after I got off the subway. I wasn’t too happy about that one, but I didn’t let it spoil my time in Prague.

Overall, I had a great time, delicious gelato, and most importantly, a unique learning experience. I would definitely like to return to Prague some time and gaze into the Bohemian crystal shops (there are at least three on every block), experience more of the night life, and explore more of what the city has to offer. Next time, I won’t misplace my tram ticket!

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