Český Krumlov

On our way to Vienna we stopped off in a quaint little Czech town, Český Krumlov, best known for the fine architecture and art of the historic old town and Český Krumlov Castle. Most of its architecture began construction in the 13^th century and reflects Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Český Krumlov is an important cultural center, hosting a number of festivals and other events each year. The best known is the Five-Petalled Rose Festival (the name is derived from the Rožmberk crest of a 5 petal red rose), which is celebrated on the weekend of summer solstice in June.

Free time in Prague

Saturday mornin, students were treated to two interesting lectures on "Czech-American Cultural Differences" and "Entrepreneurship in the Czech Republic" by Dr. Martin Lukes, Director of Development and Counseling & lecturer at the University of Economics in Prague. After the lectures, 1.5 days of free time in Prague began. We explored the city further, taking in some shopping, Opera, and new restaurants featuring traditional Czech cuisine. A number of us were treated to a performance in Old Town Square on Sunday afternoon.

Video of Band in Old Town Square: http://youtu.be/AlZ0gQgw4TI 

Ajoy from Prague

Ajoy, is hello in Czech! On our first day in Prague, students recieved an overview the Czech Republic and Slovakia Economies followed by a lecture on the  "Advantages of Joining the Eurozone and the Process Required Adopting the Euro". The afternoon consisted of a walking tour of Prague with our guide Petr. Notable places we visted were the Old New Synagogue, Old Town Square and the Asrtonomical clock.

Dresden to Prague

On our way to Prague, we stopped in Dresden, Germany. Dresden was almost completely destroyed after bombings during WWII, and has rebuilt, mostly in the last 20 years. Visiting this city, however, you would never know that the buildings were so new. We were able to take in some authentic German cuisine and explore the city for about 4 hours before making the trek to Prague.

We arrived in Prague around 7:00 pm, and after a tense conversation with the hotel, the German bus drivers reluctantly drove us into the city center. Typically, tour busses are not allowed on the streets of new or old Prague. Most streets are dangerously narrow, and the busses detract from the natural historic beauty. Upon arriving at the Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag, we received an orientation from our new travel companion Petr. All were pleasantly surprised with the more modern, slightly larger rooms and the fact that we could all get internet in our rooms!

Authentic German Food

Rostbrat'l ous der Schwarzbierbeize

Streets of Dresden

Dresdenr Kreuzkirche e.V. (Church of the Holy Cross)

Inside Dresdenr Kreuzkirche e.V.

Room in Prague

Reichstag

Our lecture today focused on the Health Care System in Germany and its impact on the German economy. Students were introduced to Germany’s social system of healthcare. The lecture prompted much conversation with Dr. Klaus-Dirk Henke.
        

As we continue to explore Berlin, we were able to visit the Reichstag (German Parliament building) in the afternoon where the governmental structure was highlighted. We received a tour of the building and learned about its reconstruction after a suspicious fire in 1933 and its restoration from WWII damage in the 1960's WWII. Although restored, the building was not used again to house the governmental processes until after the re-unification of Germany in 1990. After its completion in 1999, it became the meeting place of the modern German parliament, the Bundestag. The tour ended on the roof top of the building in the Reichstag Dome, designed by Architect Norman Foster offering picturesque views of Berlin.

Berlin at night from Dome



Dome



Dome

 

Group at Reichstag

Exploring Berlin

Today was a day to explore Berlin and its treasures. We began the day by traveling by train to Museum Island, where we were treated to another wonderful tour. The tour was followed by a detailed tour of Neues Museum. This museum featured Egyptian treasures, most notably a statue of Nefertiti. This museum was partially destroyed during bombings in WWII and was recently re-opened. The reconstruction includes new and old portions of the building, allowing the museum, itself to be part of the display. Following the tour we hopped on the bus and enjoyed a lunchtime concert of the Berlin Philharmonic, featuring a violinist, and member of the Philharmonic. After the planned events ended, students were encouraged to explore the city on their own. Many took in some retail therapy, and one group visited the TV-Turm. From the top of the TV-Turm, we could see the an aerial view of all Berlin.



Art Museum





Group at Protestant Church





Roof of Cathedral



TV TURM



TV Turm group photo



Day 1...

Today was the first day of classes. Students learned about the Evolution of the German Economy and the The German Export Economy respectively from Thomas Hume and Oliver Wieck. In the afternoon we were treated to a wonderful tour of Berlin by our wonderful guides Monica and Michael. The tour started at Brandenburg Gate, a place famous for welcoming guests to Berlin, and the spot where in 1963 John F. Kennedy proclaimed "Ich bin ein Berliner"--"I am a Berliner" while underlining the support the United States had for West Berlin. The tour continued on to other historical parts of the city, including, Check Point Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, and the remainder of the Berlin Wall. We are looking forward to exploring Museum Island tomorrow.


Breakfast



First day of class, good note taking Julie!



Berlin Wall



Group at Brandenberg Gate



Check Point Charlie



Holocaust Memorial



We have Arrived!

After over 30 hours of sleeplessness (well for most of us) we've finally arrived safely in Berlin. Both flights were manageable; however, it was tough for some to wait in the Paris Airport for the 5-hour layover. All flights were on time, and all baggage was received at the final destination. We enjoyed a ride on the U-Bahn (subway) on our way to dinner tonight at Oxymoron. The cuisine was superb! After dinner, we finally mastered the art of connecting to the internet (thanks Abed)!  More posts and pictures to come soon!


Oxymoron Table 1



Oxymoron Table 2



Our Stop!



Before the Adventure Begins...

Each year, the Lubar School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers its students the opportunity to participate in short-term study abroad experiences. During the Winter 2012 term, 26 students, a faculty member, and I have the opportunity to visit seven cities and four countries in Central Europe. This blog will chronicle our experiences.  The goal of this course is to provide a hands-on, onsite experience of the cultures of Germany, Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary and to see how business, politics, and economic management are conducted in these countries. Emphasis will be placed on these countries’ roles within the European Union and their economic relations with the USA.