What a surreal experience it is to have my first Model UN experience on the other side of the world!

The Czech Republic is certainly what one thinks of when one mentions Europe, what with its centuries-old roads and buildings coupled with bustling tourists all around.  My other team members seemed excited to be there even considering their culture shock in experiencing Europe for the first time.  Visiting Rome earlier in the year, I was prepared for most of what was in store, though there were a lot of things I certainly was not prepared for!

Unlike Italian, which shares a lot of similarities with French and Spanish, the Czech language is unique all on its own, and I knew how to speak absolutely nothing.  Also, it was freezing cold and I left my coat in the luggage, which was delayed until after the day’s tour.  One aspect about the Czech Republic is that everything closes early and it gets dark by 19:00.  Later that night we had our tour, which was simply amazing.  We walked all around the old part of the city and passed by monoliths such as the Cathedral of St. Vitus and the Charles Bridge.  It was interesting to learn about how Prague was intended to be used by the Nazis to store stolen treasures.  Being able to waltz right through the government building where the president resides was very intriguing to us as Americans where edifices like these would be heavily guarded.  It was an amazing first day and I look forward for more to be had.