Our first full day in Prague was one of our "vocational" days, where the team split up to have more individualized experiences directed toward our professions or interests. As an accountant, I had the opportunity to meet with the head audit partner of a large international accounting firm. I found it interesting to compare and contrast my experiences as a CPA in Orlando to that of one in the Czech Republic (and in case you were wondering, there are more similarities than differences).
After my morning meeting, I met a distinguished Rotarian from one of the Prague Rotary clubs for lunch. For over an hour, I sat glued to my chair, captivated by the incredible modern history of the country told through personal stories of this deep-thinking gentlemen. WWII, a communist regime, a bloodless revolution, a division of two countries, and the continued progression of a modern nation. I was riveted by the highs and lows (and some very low lows) of the country's recent past. Before we had arrived in the country, our GSE team had done some research about Czech history, but hearing it first hand from one who lived and struggled through those events is quite another experience - both moving and powerful. In only the first week of being in this country, I find myself more appreciative of the many freedoms I can so easily take for granted at home in the United States. (I have a feeling this will be a common theme throughout our experience, for both myself and the other members of the team.)
The rest of the afternoon was free for exploring and absorbing the city. The team regathered with our Rotarian hosts for dinner downtown and then headed to the Municipal Theatre for a Prague Spring Music Festival concert in the famed Smetana Hall known for its art nouveau design and architecture. From fantastic balcony seats, we listened to works by Janáček and Dvorák and were awed by a world-premier piece specifically commissioned for the music festival and composed by a living Czech composer, Adam Skoumal, whose piece featured an incredible virtuoso violin performance!
The next morning, we met a friendly English-speaking guide "under the tail" in Wenceslas Square and spent the majority of the day on a guided tour of the city's staple attractions: Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock. The evening marked the beginning of the annual Rotary District Conference, so we made our way via tram outside of the city to a monastery which houses a rustic (and rowdy) pub/restaurant known for its locally brewed beer. Here we toasted "Na zdraví!" with Rotarians from all over the District, made friends while practicing our Czech and Slovak phrases, and met future hosts for later stages of our trip.
Saturday, May 17th was the big day of the District Conference and when we gave our presentation to the District. After our part, we watched the artistic and moving documentary of the District 2240 GSE team's experiences and reflections from their month in a Central Florida last October. It is really well done and you can view it here: http://vimeo.com/95851825#at=0. Finally, we celebrated in the evening with a fun-filled Gala, and I sure am glad I brought a suit to match the special occasion!
The following morning, our team loaded up in two cars of Rotarians from Nitra, and we began the 4-hour journey to Slovakia for the next stop on our two-country tour!
-Justin
The Municipal Theatre
Smetana Hall
The famed John Lennon wall where Czech youth and communist party members engaged in a back-and-forth graffiti war following Lennon's assassination in 1980 -- another example of the nation's struggle for freedom
Prague is centrally located in the Czech Republic (which is roughly the size of South Carolina), a 3.5 hour drive anywhere in the country
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