Field Trip

Field trips growing up consisted of libraries, museums at UT, and fossil collecting in the creek. I could not imagine having a school performance, picnicking, or simply reading a book at a garden alongside a palace. To me, that’s something that only happens in movies or travel blogs, but in Prague, and much of Europe, it seems to be a common occurrence.

While walking in Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejn garden) alongside the Valdštejn Palace, we came across a school dance. Elementary age children performed traditional Czech dances in traditional clothing in front of their family and friends. Music played through the speakers while the students danced on stage. While the performance went on, others ate their lunch, took photos of the peacocks, and painted. Even with rain in the forecast, the park was crowded with people of all ages. As we ventured further into the park, there was classical music being played by a band as well as easels set up for painting with water colors.

It amazes me that in Europe art seems more accessible. Music can be found around any corner, art is cheaper, and good design is more prominent. Each building has a story and a history. Even though people have to pay to go to museums in Europe, it seems like an ordinary thing (at least in the bigger cities) to go to, while at home I rarely go to museums for fun. Hopefully when I am back home in Austin, I will seek out more opportunities to see art and music on a regular basis.