Day 15: Last post from Europe

It has been a fun couple of weeks in Europe but it is getting to the point where I am ready to go back to the states.  A lot of fun things have happened over here and it has been a once in a lifetime experience.  I have met new friends, seen a lot of cool places, and learned about many new historical facts and figures. I also have many new souvenirs to add to  my luggage tonight.  It will be a long day tomorrow, but I will always remember the last 15 or so days, the places we have been and the memories that have been made.  The memories I have been lucky enough to capture some in pictures and others in this blog, but some will be kept in my memory as a lasting legacy of this trip to the Czech Republic, Germany, and the Netherlands.  Thank you for reading this blog and I will see you when I get back to Galena!!! (For students reading this I will either see you at 8th grade promotion on Friday or at the pool during the summer or when football practice starts in August!)
Thanks Again

Brandon Behlke (Mr. Behlke)

Day 14: Amsterdam compared to Prague

It has been interesting to note the differences between Prague and Amsterdam as we are reaching the beginning of the end of this trip.  One thing to note is something that I have referred to a lot and that is the spheres of influence that impact the two cultures.  In Prague many of the older people are still influenced by their Russian and Eastern European past, however the younger generation seems to be more aligned with the Americans and Western Europe (as noted by the Star Wars Lego sets in toy stores which shows that people want their children to be Westernized) which has caused a generational gap in the Czech Republic.  In the Netherlands it is clear that it is a Westernized nation as they have very modern infrastructure and many of their customs align more with the Western culture that we are used to seeing in America (It is not completely American though).  Also it is important to note that in the Czech Republic English wasn't commonly spoken  or known except for those who work in the tourism or retail jobs that come in to contact with visitors.  In the Netherlands when you ask somebody if they speak English you get a resounding "of course I do" which is a little more reassuring to foreign visitors and those who aren't too familiar with their language.  I am glad the trip has been arranged as it has been as we have been able to see two different Europes and the differences in the cultures.  Below are some pictures of Amsterdam and the Netherlands.