On Day 2 of our epic trip to Prague, we spent the morning exploring the fascinating communist history of the Czech capital. This included a visit to a more alternative style museum, Prague's Museum of Communism, found hidden away off Wenceslas Square, upstairs from a MacDonald's and next to a Casino; laughably ironic given the nature of the museum.

The museum featured a wealth of information on what Czech society and life was like under the Communist regime from the February coup in 1948, to its rapid collapse in the Velvet Revolution of 1989. The immersive style of the exhibits gave a great overall picture of how communism affected Czechoslovakia as a whole, from its impact on education to its impact on sport. There were various videos showing the protests on Wenceslas Square during the course of 1989 and many of us were truly shocked at some of the police brutality being displayed.

An added surprise was an extra 'add on' exhibit on the back terrace on the secret world of the North Korean dictatorship, and the alleged atrocities being committed there as we speak.

After finishing at the museum, we headed round the corner to the famous Wenceslas Square and it was inspiring to stand on the spot where protesters had campaigned for the freedom of Czechoslovakia from the oppressive communist reign in the Velvet Revolution of 1989. We then strolled up to steps of the National Museum of the Czech Republic, giving us a great view over the whole length of the square and we had an in-depth discussion on the Prague Spring of 1968.

We imagined the Soviet Tanks rumbling up the square towards us, as well as looking at the work and role of Vaclav Havel in the defeat of communism. That capped a thoroughly interesting morning which really helped the group to understand and appreciate an integral part of Prague's history and make-up.

Josh Stickland