Prague--The Beginning of a Great Experience

By Annella Kochanowski


I think it’s safe to say our group was blown away by Prague, the first of many great cities we were to visit during our study tour. Although cold and slightly rainy, we began our tour of the historic town exploring Wenceslas Square and worked our way through the Old Town. Like most medieval cities, Prague was established on a river; in this case, the Vltava. This only added to the already lovely atmosphere of the Czech Republic’s capital city.


In the Square our guide, Lucie Pechacova, filled us in on all the impressive buildings and monuments towering over us. Some of the most prominent structures were the National Museum (the original gateway into Prague), the Powder Tower (a 15th century gun-powder storage), and the Theatre of Estates where Mozart finished one of his famous operas. It was also the filming sight of the movie “Amadeus.”

Another important landmark in the middle of Old Town is the Astronomical Clock. Built in 1490, this enormous clock has many different figures and symbols that represent different things in Prague’s culture, including the twelve apostles that appear at the top of every hour. Also of historical significance to Prague is the Charles Bridge. This popular tourist attraction was constructed in 1357 by Peter Parler at the decree of King Charles IV. Being one of the more permanent and solid structures over the Vltava River, the Charles Bridge made Prague an important trade route connecting Eastern and Western Europe. Today, the bridge lends itself as a prime spot for dozens of vendors and artists to sell their work to the oodles of tourists that cross the bridge everyday. People also choose to walk the 1720-foot-long bridge just for a chance to rub the lucky plaque at the base of the John of Nepomuk statue. I, for one, chose to rub the plaque on the right side in hopes my secret wish would come true (versus the left side which supposedly will bring you back to Prague someday).

As our tour continued, we saw so many of the incredible things that make Prague such a popular travel destination. Some of these sites included the biggest church in the Czech Republic, the St. Vitus Cathedral; the Prague State Opera where we watched a lovely performance of La Boheme; and, after quite the hike up Petrin Hill (and 299 steps), we made it to the top of Prague’s Eiffel Tower. Upon beholding the phenomenal view it became perfectly clear to us why Prague is nicknamed “the mother of cities,” or as the Czechs like to say, “Praha matka měst.”

Infamy in History

By Jessica Kieleszewski

Auschwitz marks a cold place in Polish history. On arrival in Auschwitz, your experience should be greeted by the perfect day. One that's dim and on the verge of rain, which casts the buildings of Auschwitz One in grey. This is about the time when you realize that sunshine has no place here. On your stroll through Auschwitz One, which was crafted into a museum, you’re greeted by the infamous phrase, “Arbeit Macht Frei.” Translated from German it means “Work makes you free,” or “Work sets you free.” Prisoners of Auschwitz passed under this gate twice every day.

Visiting the buildings of the museum complex, you come across a hall littered with faces of prisoners with arrival and death dates. Many lived days, many lived months… but few lived years. This is where it all becomes blatantly clear that these were individual people, not just statistics. Later, once the influx of Jews to Auschwitz grew, the Nazi’s abandoned the association by picture and number, and the infamous Auschwitz style numerical tattoo came into being.

Once you reach Auschwitz Two, dubbed Auschwitz-Birkenau, you step into the crossing, where trains arrived and the doctor would make a quick decision of who was able to work, and who should be sent to the gas chamber immediately. Families were separated, and mothers with small children were sent as a pair or group to die. This, the Nazis figured, was for the best. Eventually when entering the buildings still standing in this part of the complex, you see the conditions in which the condemned had to attempt to survive. There was never time or space for a prisoner to wash, the bathroom was only allowed twice a day, and sleeping conditions were cramped uncomfortable. It’s in one of the bunkers that you come across another phrase, “Verhalte Dich Ruhig,” which roughly translates to “Remain quiet.” You eventually come to “the end of the line” at Auschwitz-Birkenau. The place where the tracks for the train end, but no train ever went. A place where new arrivals were lead to the showers, convinced they were safe, and slowly murdered by a tainted blue fiend.

The Birds of Eastern Europe

By Patty "Padlynn Pidge" Doyle

Sure, Eastern Europe is a fine place to go for the food, architecture, art, and history; but one topic that is easily overlooked is the birds.

When jumping the pond from the tiny town of Stevens Point, WI, the first thing I noticed was pigeons. Everywhere. On our window sills, on the square, on the statues, everywhere. In the summer weather, these underrated birds are sleek with an array of different colored feathers ranging from white to brown to grey to black. Always accented with a collar of purple and green iridescent feathers. In the winter time, they puff up like big balloons--they look rather comical. The opinion of whether or not these birds are welcome are intensely debated, most people firm in their answers.

While in Szeged, Hungary, a surprising encounter was made with a certain species of bird: macaws. In the hotel our group was staying at, the owners had two macaws out back. These macaws were loud and showy, perhaps because of the superior attitude they had towards the other birds. Whenever anyone whipped out a camera, those birds posed like it was fashion week in New York City. Definitely show-offs.

Also while in Hungary, we visited an outdoor museum that replicated the ancient life of Hungarians. In that museum they had a mock farm. Full of chickens, pheasants, geese, and ducks. The stars of the show were performing at the pond. A mother duck with her babies. Their fluffy yellow feathers contrasted against the cool shiny blue water. Their mother duck always a couple shacks of a baby's flipper away.

Zakopane: Poland's Winter Capital

By August Kochanowski

Over the last month I have become acquainted with the beautiful people and region of Poland, specifically, Zakopane. By getting to know my two good friends, Chris Budz and Kathy Laba whose roots both lie in the mountain villages of the Zakopane region, I feel I have a better understanding of the area.


Other than getting to know these people, I’ve had the opportunity to take two weekend trips there. It is one of the two most visited resort towns in Poland, the other being the Baltic town of Sopot. It became famous in the 19th century as people moved out of the cities looking for unspoiled beauty and adventure. With its pristine climate, gradually it became a health resort.

Today tourists come mainly for its recreational appeal, offering the best skiing, hiking, and climbing in Poland. The rate of tourism is so high, in fact, that it is affecting the natural habitat, but it is part of the national park and is strictly protected. Unofficially known as the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane can be compared to the foot hills of the Alps, but with its own distinct architecture and highlander folk culture.

The people that traditionally inhabited the mountains of the northern Carpathians are known as Gorals or in Polish, Highlanders. They are a hardy people that live mainly as sheep herders on the steep slops of the mountains. They still wear traditional dress that is very distinct. For the men the main defining characteristic is their wide-brimmed, round felt hats, tight white pants trimmed with colored string and short overcoats. Goral women wear much of the same clothing but with colorful overcoats and, instead of felt hats, cover their heads with scarves.

Architecture in the mountains is reminiscent of that of Scandinavia but with its own distinguishing Polish traits, known as Zakopane style developed by Stanislaw Witkiewicz, a noted Polish artist. The buildings are completely wooden except for their stone foundations. With steep bungalow roofs and timber-frame interiors, they finish off the mountain experience. There are numerous hostels converted from old Zakopane-style cabins. Especially worth seeing are the many pubs that line the main tourist street of Zakopane. I think now that I have experienced this unique corner of Poland it will be in my thoughts for the rest of my life.

Zakopane: A Transformation

By Elia Olson

This semester in Poland I have had the opportunity to travel twice to the small town of Zakopane which is nestled in the Tatra Mountains. The first time I came to this quaint town, it was alive with the bustle of a small Polish town. The street shops were all open and the mountains stood stately in the background of every picture. The Tatras reminded the town that while they were ominous and beautiful, they also brought much money to the town when the snow falls and also when the snow melts.

The next time I travelled to the small mountain town, it was bustling with a new energy. Snow was falling quickly and the green grass, blue sky landscape became foggy and white before my very eyes. In one evening two feet of fresh snow fell and transformed the small town into a bustling town full of skiers, hikers, and snow shovelers. As I stepped out of the comfort of the shops up and down the main street, I felt I was disturbing the peaceful state of this small village.

The first time I came to Zakopane, I did not have enough time to travel up the tram to view the city from up on top of a small peak. The second time I ventured to the city though I made it a point to see Zakopane from above. I was not at all disappointed. Zakopane looked like a picture perfect storybook of a winter wonderland. The snow was unbelievably white in stark contrast to the pine trees that covered the mountain. In simple terms, I witnessed the transformation of a cute little mountain town to a winter enthusiasts sweet dreams in the course of only one month. If you ever find yourself in Poland, make sure to travel to the small mountain town of Zakopane and witness this transformation yourself!

Kyrina-Zdroj: Pearl of Polish Spas

By Jessica Douglas

Krynica-Zdroj is a charming town nestled in southern Poland’s Carpathian Mountain range, called “the pearl of Polish spas.” During the summer season, Krynica-Zdroj bustles as people from all over Europe visit in order to “take the waters.” This process is some feat as Krynica-Zdroj boasts a minimum of seven different types of natural mineral water, extracted from various local springs and drawn off in either the main Pump House, or (for exclusive waters) in certain hotels. Even in Mid-November, the Pump House plies a brisk trade as people purchase liquid vitality for less than $.50 per cup.

The Pump House is a visual feast for those enamored by the modernist styles. Creamy marble wall tile, dark grey granite backsplashes, pewter lettering, and massive square copper basins contrast with aggressively high ceilings and fantastically abstract art walls. There is a theater on the upper promenade and vendors selling honey, cosmetics, cakes, massagers, and jewelry. But, as one might expect, all this pomp and circumstance is here simply to accompany the water.

Each type of water has a distinctive flavor, from citrusy and tart (Słotwinka), to rusty and brackish (Zuber), to sulphurous and murky (Zdroj Jana). There are also water blends available, mixed fresh at the Pump House tap, or bottled and shipped to stores throughout Poland. Although the tradition originated more than 150 years ago, it is still considered fashionable to stroll the town while sipping water from a ceramic cup, purchased at one of the Pump House shops.

Krynica-Zdroj is three hours by bus from Krakow, close enough to easily make a day trip of this enchanting village. The town features exquisite neoclassical architecture contrasted against rustic folk buildings. Sample the waters, enjoy the scenery, and have a therapeutic mud bath at one of the hotels. Visit the museum of well-loved local artist Nikifor. There are walking trails to enjoy mountain vistas, museums, artists, musicians, and restaurants offering your choice of delightful local food, as well as more worldly cuisine. There are also vendors who sell hats, gloves and sweaters at great prices, which is nice when the mountain air cools at night. The people are warm and friendly, and (more importantly) helpful and tolerant of tourists who have no Polish vocabulary. Krynica-Zdroj truly has something to offer anyone, and you may come to think of this town as a pearl, too.