It doesn't matter where you are in the world, getting up on a Monday morning is very hard. Especially when you have had such a fabulous few days in one of the best cities in the world!
It's hard to believe that we are more than a third of the way through our International Law and Human Rights Course. We have had such great experiences already! On Thursday we got to be judges for a few minutes, taking our seat on the bench at the Constitutional Court. A few of us were also lucky enough to get tickets to the National Ballet Company performing the 'Swan Lake' ballet! It was a truly spectacular performance and it only cost $7 AUD!
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| The whole group on the bench at the Constitutional Court |
After a week of anticipation, Friday finally arrived and we were on our first weekend trip away. Two and a half hours later and our train pulled up to the 'hlavni nadrazi' in Prague! We walked from our hotel through the beautiful streets of Prague to the offices of Allan and Overy. We were given a great talk by the office manager of the firm, who spoke about the ethical responsibility of corporate lawyers. This was then followed by talks from representative of Czech NGO's. There were some really interesting perspectives on human rights, and it was great to compare the Australian and European systems of law.
Saturday was definitely the best day I have had so far. We started early and began our walking tour of Prague. Accompanied by our wonderful your guide Wencelaslas, we conquered most of the major sites of the city. From the Prague castle to Charles Bridge, words can't quite describe how beautiful this city is! Standing on the Charles Bridge with a bunch of new friends whilst it was snowing was just amazing! A word of caution though: the streets here are all made of marble. This is very pretty, but when it starts snowing it gets very slippery!
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| Our walking group with the city of Prague in the background |
After such a big day on Saturday (and for some, a very big Saturday night!!!!), Sunday morning was very early. We checked out of Hotel Evropa and caught the train to a little city about an hour out of Prague. Kutna Hura contained a fascinating church that houses the bones of 30000 plague victims. These bones had been turned into works of art - everything from pyramids to shields and chandeliers. Honestly - it was a little bit creepy! We finished up the day visiting a beautiful church and eating deep fried cheese!
I've found out there are definitely some things I take for granted in Australia!
• Laws about smoking! The Czech Republic has no laws about smoking - you can smoke anywhere! This includes inside in shopping centres and restaurants!
• The natural beauty of Australia - especially the beach! The Czech Republic is a beautiful country, but it's landlocked! I definitely miss seeing the beach.
• Vegetables. I love salad and vegetables. But nothing is served here with vegetables! I have eaten a lot of potatoes, bread, meat and cheese, but not much else!
• Shower screens! No shower has a shower screen over here. Let's just say I have learnt the hard way not to put any dry clothes anywhere near the shower.
I'm very excited for the week ahead. We have a lot of really interesting activities scheduled! Until then!
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| The gorgeous Prague Castle |
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| A shield made of bones at Kutna Hora |
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| The group in Kutna Hora |
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| Charles Bridge in Prague |
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