Prague, was my favorite city in all my travels. Of course, I loved many of the cities, but there is something about this unique little city that is hard to capture. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
It is a brisk, but beautiful April evening. Walking through the city streets you feel the charm of medieval Europe, narrow alleys made of old brick and buildings of thick stone blocks that are maybe six stories above you. In every window you see family-style craft-shops of all sorts of homemade goods. As you pass windows bursting full of exquisite glass, you recall Prague is famous for its beautiful glass craftsmanship. The windows and shops are full of color and design, all sorts of glass-made items, puppets, etc. You also see those little painted-wood doll-like things that fit one inside the other. However, you know these are authentic because of the 60E price-tags Then your ears hear the sound of music and your nostrils are filled with the sweet aroma of meats and sweet breads as you approach the city square. Everywhere you look, it is like you've stepped into a fairy-tale. THIS is what Disney is always trying to capture. Musicians perform at the center, surrounded by a giant market filled with beautiful goods, laughter, and the low murmur of Dutch conversations. Local crafts are sold throughout the market, such as Steins, intricate clocks, jewelry, and all sorts of things. You see hunks of meats being roasted over great fire pits, cheeses cooking in dough and spices, homemade chips frying, and sweet breads and chocolate covered fruits throughout the market. Everywhere around you, is life and smells, sounds, a perfect warmth with a hint of cool evening air coming in, and you realize there's no other explanation: THIS is magic and perfection.
Why do I love Prague so much? To me, Prague is magical, this is what movies and stories of my childhood tried to convey. They were inspired by places like this, full of life and happiness and charm. I could just stand there in the middle of the city center all day long and take it all in.
After enjoying the market square, we continued on, not really knowing where we are going, but just going. Crazy story, this was maybe the day after Easter, and all the poor people had tinfoil-covered chocolate bunnies besides them. A little strange, but I thought maybe it was a charity? Anyway, so by now it's dark and we are walking down a cobblestone street and see a beggar on his knees, bent forward with his head to the ground. Suddenly, a man runs by and STEALS his chocolate bunny!!! Joanna and I were freaking out, wtf just happened? The poor beggar had his bunny stolen right before us! So bizarre!
Anyway, we somehow made it to the famous bridge of Prague. And I understand why it's so famous, it's just like a movie or storybook. This massive, thick, ancient bridge (for walking only) that has statues and wrought-iron lampposts illuminating your way and creating ambiance.
Eventually we wandered home, slept wonderfully (as I did every night after LONGG 10 mile days walking everywhere). The next day we toured the city with the group we were with, including my favorite palace!!
(Now we are inside the palace, seeing the cathedral etc)
"And over here is the bakers kitchen.."
Prague <3
Throughout Europe there is a tradition for couples to put a lock on certain bridges and then throw the key in the water. It is really romantic and adorable. Below is the John Lennon wall which is a public graffiti wall that anyone can legally vandalize.
This is the Astronomical Clock of Prague and is really famous and the only one like it in the world (they killed the creator so he could never build another one anywhere else). It is absolutely enchanting and has a lot of folklore behind it. I was slightly obsessed.
Below is the view from the top of the Astronomical Clock, it's a panoramic view up there and I was just so captivated. I couldn't get enough of this magical city full of tradition and romantic charm.
This man is a smith and he made me this freaking AMAZING metal rose. Look how proud and cheerful this pirate-like smith is! The rose captures my entire experience of that city. It is endless and eternal, and romantic and tradition. If you've ever been to my apartment, it sits on an end table, always there to take me back. (Btw, doesn't this guy look just like the guy that works at Soup for You?!)
We at at this huge mall (pizza of course, since I lived off of: hotel breakfast, stolen hotel food for lunch and pizza bc it was cheapest). Sadly, after this we left early the next morning.
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