Today I got up at a decent time for the two hour bus ride to Český Krumlov. On our way there, we passed through the southern part of the city limits. This area was filled with many modern office buildings, something that is pretty much everywhere in the United States. After the trip there, we immediately got to sight-seeing, and were placed at the bottom of a massive viaduct. This bridge was ultimately part of the massive castle in Český Krumlov known as the State Castle and Chateau. After exploring the small town center and walking into a few shops, we took a one hour tour through the massive castle complex. The weather was not the best as there was scattered showers, but it overall made for a great and memorable experience.

Every country and city around the world have their own unique culture. Just as Pittsburgh has its roots through ketchup, pickles, and steel, Prague has its own identity too. All throughout the trip I have noticed slight but significant differences in the Czech culture. For example, public transportation in the country is a massive part of the everyday lives of citizenship. Because the use of this service is so overwhelmingly important, it is known as one of the safest public transit systems in the world. Additionally, there is something called “good etiquette” that many locals abide by. There is a system of trust that the Czechs follow which allows people to walk on and off any bus or train without being stopped to check for payments. However, it should be noted that passes are required to be bought in order to legally ride the train. The main point that I am trying to make with this example is that there is a great deal of trust in the city of Prague, and it is something I have never really seen in the United States.