We started off the day with a company visit to SIC. This company supports start-ups and promotes innovation in the central bohemian region. They work with companies to improve products, marketing, and other resource management. I enjoyed learning about the current business infrastructure of this country, and the obstacles many companies face.
After the tour, we headed by to the city center for lunch. I tried a traditional kolbasa (which I did not enjoy), and shopped through the outdoor markets. The fresh fruit was tempting! I also kept an eye out for souvenirs- though I save that for the end of the trip since I don’t want to spend all of my money too soon!
With a slice of pizza and a blue lagoon cocktail from the corner store, we headed towards hotel Jalta. Although it seems like a normal hotel, there is lots of history hidden below! A cold war era bunker sits in the basement of this hotel. We headed down with a tour guide (who was decked out in an original Czech police uniform from the communist period) and learned about the history of this bunker. The bunker was originally built to house 150 people for 14 days in the case of atomic warfare. Only high level personnel- mostly military- would stay here. Because of this, the bunker was fit with military machinery like communication systems, guns and ammunition, and escape routes. We learned about the harsh control of the Soviets during this period. This bunker was also used for spying. Rooms in the hotel above were bugged with microphones. These microphones could be listened to from the basement, allowing the spies to eavesdrop on foreign diplomats or businessmen. The bunker was definitely my favorite part of the day!
After learning about this history, we headed back towards the technical university campus to check out their end-of-year concert! It featured live music from student bands and popular Czech beers. It was so cool to see how similar these students are to us!
On the way home we stopped at H&M and to window shop. Dinner plans include pizza and beer, and hopefully some dancing later in the evening!