Beer, with a side of beer

On our way to our midweek excursion to Cesky Krumlov, the UT Doc. Photo gang stopped along the way at the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Pilsen, Czech Republic. While touring through the brewery, we had a very informative learning session on how Pilsner Urquell brews their beer, and how they did it back in the day in good ole’ 1842. We braced the nippy cold of the cellars where the beer is stored and even got a sample taste straight out of the huge beer barrels.

Honestly, I can’t say I’ve been a big beer drinker while spending my days at UT, but since being in Prague/the Czech Republic, I’ve become a bit more acquainted with the beverage.  The Czechs, however, are very well acquainted with their land’s liquid gold, beer. According to CNBC, Czechs consume 8.51 liters of beer per capita, which translates over to a larger amount compared to other countries. I believe it too. Here in the CR, water is more expensive than beer, and beer is usually the least expensive beverage. Just walking around Prague for a few minutes, and one might see the growing number of restaurants displaying Pilsner Urquell signs/banners. A short walk down from my Prague apartment rests a “beer garden,” which is basically a park + rows and rows of picnic tables + several stands selling beer, of course. Because I’m here in the Czech Republic, I think it’s only right that I experience this cultural entity.

Transient & Homelessness in Prague

Transient/homeless people are not largely dispersed around Prague like they are in Austin. I’ve seen quite a few here, but not to the extent as I see in Austin. In Prague, they are usually alone on the streets. Their position is different than what I have seen where I live. I’ve noticed many people in this position kneel down often on a sidewalk. As they kneel, their heads, their eyes are pointed downward, towards the ground, where their face rests. Extended in front of their body are solely their arms, hands grasping a hat or a cup to collect any spare change a pedestrian may decide to toss away.

I start to wonder more about the person’s life, and how they got there. Prague has already been somewhat of an eye-opener. I went to Israel in December, and when I returned, I had a more optimistic outlook on different aspects of life/people around me. Maybe it’s just traveling, and being around a culture different than my own, but I feel like I’ll come back to America at the end of June the way I came back at the end of December. That’s a good feeling.

King’s Parade: A March Through Prague

Every year, Prague celebrates its history with a parade through the city. The parade first began during the reign of Emperor Charles IV. During that time, the parade would march through the city to transport the King’s jewels from the Prague Castle/St. Vitus Cathedral to the Karlštejn Castle. Today, actors portray the key players of the parade and people gather to enjoy the historic event.

The journey of the parade begins with getting to the start of the parade itself. The parade starts at St. Vitus Cathedral, which is almost like a small hike through cobblestone streets and sidewalks. However, once arriving to the destination, an amazing view of the city appears. After gazing at the city view, I passed the thumping of drums, provided by the parades “marching band.” I then made my way towards the cathedral where men dressed in real armor stood. The crowd began to grow larger and soon actors portraying Emperor Charles IV and his wife, Elizabeth of Pomerania, emerged. As the march around the cathedral plaza commenced, the crowd swarmed to get a picture of the royal crew. Professional SLR photographers and amateur iPhone instagramers chased along the parade’s cast. Down the incline from the cathedral, through the city, across Charles Bridge, and past Wenceslas Square, the crowd persisted to admire the traditional transport of the King’s jewels.