One of the things I’ve found most culturally appealing about Prague is its level of tourism at this time of year; of the places I’ve visited in my life so far, the city seems to strike a happy-medium between the over-commercial and the local. Even some of the most scenic or historically significant parts of Prague have been less crowded than I’d expect during early summer. But I’ve also been warned by my professor that, come the end of our study program, popular places like Old Town Square will be so bustling with tourists that you can’t see the concrete of the plaza.

There’s something special to be said about the timing of our trip and the many sites we’ve visited outside the hustle and bustle of tourist season. While having more English speakers in the area would make certain things easier, stripping away the buzz of tourism leaves so much more room for true culture to shine through. I’d like to label myself as a student distinct from a tourist. Indeed my fellow students and I fill 95% of the space on our cameras with pictures of the local culture per our assignments, trying our best to blend in with our surroundings. Yet, admittedly there are little moments throughout our days where I’d love to strike a pose in front of the stunning scenery that constantly surrounds us.

The girl pictured above started modeling right next to a group of us who were soaking in the perfect weather on a ledge near Charles Bridge. She looked so effortless and confident as she posed that it was impossible for me not to pull out my own camera to grab a few shots, catching the tourist in the act with a beautiful scene to frame her. I bet the Instagram photos she got from that shoot were all things glamorous.