Prague, Czech Republic

What to expect in... Prague

16. Smallness
Even the country is small.
I'm American, so I'll never get over the small spaces no matter how much I travel.
I wonder what the Czechs thought when they immigrated to Texas!



15. Rapid westernization
Prague is on the path to glory.



14. Dumplings and pork
Usually accompanied with beer. Then they throw in a little bit of cabbage to make it healthy.
The goulash is good too.



13. Dogs
They're replacing children.

12. A walk across Charles Bridge
It's a beautiful walk with some good entertainment. You'll see scary puppets and listen to folk music.

Squeeze his tummy and he says, "If you like your healthcare plan, you can keep it."

11. Cool words

The language sounds really cool and the signs are even cooler. Makes you want to learn Czech, but on the other hand, not that many people speak it.

10. Parks
Many parks were built during the communist era, possibly in order for people to get away from those dismal apartments.



9. Relative wealth
This is the wealthiest of the former communist countries. Its government is relatively friendly to business.

8. Preference for personal space
The Czechs don't want people all up in their grill.

7. Communist architecture
The Czech Republic was part of the Soviet Eastern Block. The commies built lots of boxy, gray apartments that you'll see outside of the tourist area.



6. Ice hockey
It's a national sport.



5. Tensions with the Roma people
Often called gypsies, the Roma people are discriminated against because of their association with crime. The jails are full of Romas.
Also, political correctness isn't a thing here.



4. Dvorak
Perhaps the most famous person to come out of this country, the composer Antonin Dvorak brings great pride to Prague. He is widely known for writing the New World Symphony and one of the most epic cello pieces of all time (Cello Concerto in B Minor. Look it up.)

3. Booming tourism
Paris, Rome, and London are old news. Tourists are heading over to the eastern part of Europe, especially Prague. Fortunately, the historical areas were very well preserved throughout its Communist rule.

2. One of the world's least religious populations
After decades of Communism, the people gave up on religion.



1. Beer festivals
Some say they have the best beer in the world.
The Czech Republic also has one of the highest rates of beer consumption in the world.

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