Cara Rossetti, Plus3: Czech Republic Summer 2023
I have never been particularly passionate about world history. I studied it sometime early in my high school career but have not read much beyond that in the past years. However, my time in Prague absolutely changed my perspective. I feel fortunate that my program, Plus3: The Czech Republic, had prerequisite readings before the trip. I familiarized myself with the culture, as well as some famous Czech literature. However, if I could go back in time, I would certainly have read much more about the rich history of the country.
During my time abroad, my peers and I visited many museums and historical sites. Though these experiences often resulted in my exposure to a piece of history or fact I was unfamiliar with, I wonder how many jewels slipped through the cracks on my trip as I was unaware of their rich cultural or historical meaning. Prague is an old city with something to be uncovered around every turn and I wish I had the knowledge, insight, and time to explore everything. Before I next visit the Czech Republic or any other country, I am going to read many books learning about the history of the place I will be as to appreciate it more deeply.
I understood before visiting the Czech Republic that the country was much older than what I—an American who had never been abroad before—had experienced. However, I still struggle to articulate how awe-inspiring some of the locations are in the Czech Republic. I think specifically about Prague Castle and how it is home to so many events that altered the course of history, forever defining the future of the country and sometimes those surrounding. I was additionally surprised and delighted to learn about how well this ancient architecture is maintained. Walking through Prague felt like I was transported by a time machine in the best of ways. The streets are lined with tall, brightly colored homes and buildings, each very uniquely adorned with décor, that have stood much longer than I have been alive. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to visit a country so rich in history and culture, and that I got to experience such well-preserved locations.
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