You all might remember the interview I did with Andy from Weekend Student Adventures last well. I am thrilled to welcome Andy back as my guest blogger in today’s post as you see another side of WSA as he explores Prague. Think you might enjoy taking advantage of his local tips and experiences across Europe? Comment on this post with the city you are most excited to visit, and we will be selecting one winner to receive a WSA travel voucher to go on any of their weekend trips! The winner will be announced on Weekend Student Adventure’s Facebook page, so make sure to Like them so you can get in on the news.
I woke up in Prague this weekend excited for Saturday afternoon. I had scheduled a meeting with William Sr. and Jr. Lobkowicz. Their family is the only Noble family outside of royalty who has a palace up in Prague Castle. I hiked up to the castle, where I killed some time before the appointment in the toy museum across the way from the palace. Walking in, I didn’t know the experience would be a waste of time, but shortly after paying the entrance fee, it became clear that the numerous tin dolls, and hundreds of vintage barbies looked—and potentially played—the part of childrens’ nightmares. They were scary, and reminded me of Chucky. The expressions on these porcelain faces were taught and forced. Sprinkled throughout the glass containers was the broken and somewhat incomplete history of the tradition of having and decorating the Christmas tree, which originated in this area, I guess.
Before long, it was time to hop on over the street, and into the palace of the Lobkowicz’s. Will Jr. had emailed me the week before saying “Why don’t you tour the place, and enjoy the audio tour, and I’ll meet you in my café at about 4.” Reading it made me laugh out loud. I wish I could say something of the sort to a visitor to my home: “Go ahead and admire my numerous original paintings and portraits, family trees, collection of historic rifles and pistols, dozens of violins and sheets of music in Wolfgang Mozart’s original hand. Then, why don’t you enjoy the beer my family has made for over 200 years in our café, and I’ll meet you there.“
As I wandered through the floor that was open, I got the run down of the entire family history—which is exceptionally interesting I might add, especially recently. This family lost everything twice (first to the Nazis, then the Communists), and got most of it back twice. When thinking of how fragile a family line is over history due to various persecutions and whatnot, it was crazy to see the family tree that dates back hundreds of years. The personal history of this place was enthralling.
After I finished, I found the café, and enjoyed a tuna melt and Lobkowicz pint. Before long, both the Sr. and Jr. showed up, along with Filip, the palace’s event coordinator. Sr. explained to me that palaces and castles today are a burden (the family had 8 and has since sold 5, keeping the main tourist attractions). Sr. had to take off after only a few minutes, but it was great to hear how excited the family is about sharing their long story. I stuck around with Jr. for a while and am ecstatic to now have him personally walking our WSA tours through the family’s palace each weekend. When else can you meet a kid who knows stories about champagne corks bouncing off crystal chandeliers, tipsy partygoers falling into paintings, or stilettos going through walls.
Jr. had to take off quick as well because he was DJ-ing his little sister’s middle school dance that night. Through a smiley, brace-ful mouth, he said he was happy to do it so her could keep an eye on what she was up to—a feeling that I can relate to given I have a little sister of my own. Again, the history of a place that would otherwise be just another boring building comes to life for me with the personal stories behind it. I love the opportunity to connect with locals and truly get a first hand glimpse into a foreign culture. This is one of my mission through WSA – connecting students with these same locals that have taught me so much. Want to meet Will yourself? Come along with us – not everyone can say they’ve met the Prince of Prague.
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Be sure to check out WSA’s site for all the trips they offer at Weekend Student Adventures.
Eee this makes me want to go to Prague more! It is such a gorgeous city, I need to go while I’m in Europe. So much to see! I liked this post, Chucky type dolls would be so cool to see. Terrifying for my sisters, but that would be so neat.
I’m most excited to visit Budapest! And hopefully London and Prague, too. There are too many great destinations!!
Thanks for commenting! It is always great to hear about places in Europe that some people may have never traveled to but would love to one day.