Today was my first full day exploring Prague, Czech Republic, my 103rd country, and I couldn’t have asked for a more immersive experience. We took a walking tour that covered the Castle District, Old Town, and New Town, bringing me face-to-face with places I’ve read about for years. Seeing these historic sites up close was deeply moving, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of this nation’s complex history—a society still marked by the legacy of its years behind the Iron Curtain.
My solo, three-hour visit to the Museum of Communism was deeply moving, thought-provoking, and incredibly informative.
The weather added to the intensity of the day, with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, little sun, and a damp chill in the air. By evening, I had layered on two hats and picked up thicker gloves to keep warm. It was the kind of brisk day where stepping into a shop or café for a few minutes of warmth became as much a part of the experience as sightseeing itself.