Photos by Abigail Brafman,(Vanderbilt University), Student Correspondent for CET Prague, Spring 2020
At the end of the road in a town that appears untouched by time sits the most scrumptious and secluded pie shop just outside of Prague. U Lasiku offers a wide variety of both sweet and meat pies, accumulating in a never-ending buffet of pastries local to the town of Unetice. My friends and I took a half-day journey to explore Unetice and reward ourselves with pies galore.
My friends in deep contemplation after visiting the Unetice Brewery and Restaurant just outside of Prague. The rustic aura and Uneticky Pivovar beer awaited us after walking for two hours from Roztoky to Unetice. Our Student Coordinator recommended this mini-hike and we were extremely appreciative for the insider tip on this remote but rewarding experience.
My friends and I rode the tram to the outskirts of Prague in order to explore more of the Czech country ride. This seating area in Roztoky depicts the simple beauty of the Czech Republic. Before sitting down to chat, locals chopped and stacked more firewood to feed their word-burning furnace.
Prague is most beautiful at dusk. While on an orientation walking tour, we stopped to take in the natural beauty of the Vltava River before making our way to the Charles Bridge. The river was not only enjoyed by us, but also the many swans basking in its chilly winter waters.
Although we have only been here for two weeks, my friend and I have become regulars at Friends Coffee House next door to CET. Here my friend is studying for our first Czech language test while enjoying a kava and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Not pictured: me eating chocolate cake (cokoladovy dort) at 11am.
Learning to cook for oneself is a huge component of studying abroad. Tonight, I made a traditional Israeli dish called shakshuka to share with my new friends. Although we love to eat out, the kitchens in our apartments are well-equipped for all sorts of culinary adventures.
A little slice of home in Prague. My apartment is clean and spacey, but in much need of more Czech tchotchkes! Above my bed I have hung a painting that I bought from the shops in the Old Town Square. According to the artist, the featured cat is named Pepa.
A close-up of the life-changing U Lasiku pies. Served fresh out of the furnace, these huge slices of sweet fruit and cheese pies must be paired with their hot fruit wine. My friends and I enjoyed this treat after a two-hour hike to the town of Unetice just outside of Prague.
My best friends on top of Prague’s Dancing House, aka Fred and Ginger. The building appears to be something out of a Dr. Seuss book, with ridiculous curves and fluid architecture that was inspired by the famous dancers, Fred Astaire and his partner, Ginger Rogers. The Dancing House hosts a bar on its roof that offers amazing views over the city.
Coffee shop culture is booming in Prague. Most streets offer several cafes, each with its own unique ambiance. In typical Czech fashion, my morning coffee runs are often met with several patrons enjoying a morning beer. This coffee shop is across the street from CET apartments and has my favorite tuna sandwich in town.