The City of Historical Disguise

When I first arrived in Prague I found it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a view shared by most tourists who visit and is also a source great pride seen in the faces of the Czech people who live in and around Prague. I am always asked by my students why I am here. When I tell them that the beauty, culture, history and people "sold me" on the city they respond with satisfaction and gratitude. Prague's architecture, monuments and sculptures, cathedrals and castles all radiate its facinating and, sometimes, harrowing history. But hidden in this veil of antiquity is another side of Prague, a side few tourists are unaware exists.
Since the revolution of 1989, Prague has become a vibrant modern urban metropolis that contrasts greatly with the historical city that most visiters see. While central Prague is strictly maintained for its grandeur and beauty, a short drive to the suburbs reveals a modern, free enterprise zone that rivals anything similar in the U.S. All one has to do is make use of the city's efficient and inexpensive public transportation system to find oneself in a huge mall, an expansive enterprise zone of business parks, or "big box" zones that include Super Walmart sized "Hypernovas"(supermarkets), Circuit City sized electronics stores, a Czech version of Home Depot (and it is really big), and several other very large retail stores. Prague also has a technology center just ourside the cental city that includes Microsoft, I.B.M., S.A.P., and several others home based in Europe.
In this blog I have included two more pictures of Pragues grand historical buildings but I have also provided you a look at the modern side Prague. The first picture is a view of the twin towers of Tyn Church which overlooks Old Town Square. The second was taken of the neogothic Church of St. Ludmila which sits a the heart of Namesti Miru, a neighborhood near Wenceslas Square. But the third picture stands as a symbol of the modern Prague. This office building sits on the river and was playfully named by the architect, "Fred and Ginger".
So I invite you to visit and when you do notice look beyond Prague's historical disquise and wonder at their great progress in westernization. As the people of the Czech Republic look west for models for their new society, they stand as symbols of individual diligence and a great love of freedom.

Adventure in Prague

I am writing this from beautiful Prague in the Czech Republic. Since retiring from teaching in January of last year I made the decision to continue teaching and to travel. I am well educated and have read about so many places but I never had a chance (or the funds) to see them. I made the decision maybe even before I retired as I considered Asia and South America. But the more I thought about Europe with its magnificent cities and incredible history, the more I was drawn to this amazing continent. My friend Dave and I took a whirlwind trip to Europe in May of '06 and saw great cities such as Munich, Lucerne, Salzberg and Prague. When I arrived in Prague I knew this was the city in which to begin my adventure. In July of that year I received my TEFL certificate which allowed me to teach in Europe and in September I began teaching English to some wonderful students. There is much to say about Prague, its people, history and my experiences in a new, urban city where the Czech language can be quite challenging. But these are topics for future blogs. I hope to write a new blog about once a week.
So this is another part of my Prague/Europe adventure and I look forward to your comments as you read my weekly entries. It has been fun to join my son Sean in Europe as he is working at a university near Stockholm. It was also a great experience to take my TEFL class with Peter and Chris Kay and Sam Thomas. It was a challenging class but we found time to recreate enough to keep life in balance.
This adventure could not have been possible without the support of my family and friends. I am particularly grateful to my brother Pete and his wonderful wife Kim who have provided critical support as I settled into my Prague life. Ahoj from Prague

The three pictures were taken during a brief but fun snowstorm resulting in a "white Prague" for three or four days. The first pic is me standing on the Charles Bridge. It was colder that day than when it was snowing. The next picture is from the entrance to the Charles Bridge looking over the Vltava River that flows directly through Prague. On the other side of the river is the Prague Castle, a magnificent structure used by the current government for state dinners, special meetings etc. The third pic is a front view of The Rudolfinum, a stately concert hall next to the river. Its beauty is only exceeded by its interior.