|
||||||
|
|||
Czech Republic: April 2009 |
|||
|
This trip had been in "the works" for two years. My hao pengyou [good friend] Liu Yang (whom I met while living in China), told me in 2007 of his application to a program which would allow him to study abroad for a master's degree in Belgium and Czech Republic. Meanwhile, another good friend & Frat Brother, Lawrence Hamm was playing pro Basketball in the Netherlands. Now wouldn't you know, the very next season, he was signed to a team in Praha [Prague], Czech Republic! With two very good friends living in the same country, that I had barely ever heard of; I had to make my way over to Eastern Europe to check it/them out. Lawrence lived and played ball in Praha, while Liu Yang attended school in Olomouc. I stayed for about 2 weeks. And a great two weeks it was! Good times with old friends, good & cheap beer, and good parties. The food however, was... well "if you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all." My time was divided between Praha and Olomouc. Prague has been the political, cultural and economic center of the Czech state for more than 1100 years. This is proven by the cobblestone streets and sidewalks, the "old town" with very narrow, mazelike streets, and the Prague Castle. To provide efficient transportation throughout the city, there are Electric Trams (Trolleys) and a modern subway. The train ride to Olomouc was 3 and half hours (through what looked like unused farmland) and about $20. Olomouc was also old; the streets made of stone and the buildings ornately carved. It was a very chill, small, cozy and comfortable city. Another visitor called it a "Central European fairy land". On a tuesday or Wednesday afternoon, Liu Yang and I were walking along the town streets (that are inaccessible to cars) and came upon a free outdoor jazz concert. I liked the town immediately. It was not a holiday or any special occasion. However, I did wonder why so many people were "just chilling" on a weekday afternoon. The most memorable part of my trip to Olomouc was playing basketball at Liu Yang's University with people from over ten differnet countries in the gym/on the court all at the same time. Enjoy the pics... |
|||
©2006-2010 |
|
