Beautiful Adventure in Prague

Luana Zablan
Anglo-American University, Czech Republic

My name is Luana Zablan and I am studying Art at Anglo-American University in Prague, Czech Republic. I have spent five months living in the Czech Republic and have enjoyed every moment of my time there and it is bitter sweet that I am to leave such an amazing place. Living in Prague has been quite a beautiful adventure for me as I have made new memories and friends that I hope to keep for a long time.

One of the most memorable moments during my abroad program was getting the opportunity to observe one of Prague’s most brilliant annual cultural events called the Signal Festival. The Signal Festival is an international festival of light, which takes place in the public area of the historic center of Prague. The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the streets of the metropolis to see the outdoor lighting installations and videomapping exhibits.

Another event that was very worth attending were the Christmas markets. The markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts selling traditional handicrafts: glassware, jewelry, embroidered lace, wooden toys, metal ware, ceramics, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hats, gloves and scarves, and puppets and dolls beautifully dressed in traditional costumes. Most impressive of all is the Christmas tree, shipped in from Česká Lípa, which is north of Prague. The tree is erected at the Old Town Square and draped in a blaze of lights. I truly loved the atmosphere of the winter spirit in Prague, being that it is quite different from the little island I grew up in. To be able to experience such a unique culture has been a rewarding memory for which I will never forget.