Tag: prague

As I continue to traverse Prague and its historic streets and buildings, I can’t help but feel everything just slowing down. But it’s more of the pace that’s slowing down. What I need to do every day is less as I’ve already seen a lot of the major sites, today finishing up my exploration of the buildings that make up Prague Castle (3 of the 5 locations didn’t allow pictures without a “license”, which was really just a way to get more money from tourists.)

I do have to share that this week I also had the chance to go to a Chinese restaurant in the area (may go again tonight!). Cheaper than back home (I think $4US for the food), fast, and decently tasty. I must say, I felt very complete to eat Chinese food in the Czech Republic. (Note for those who don’t know: I’m 1/2 Chinese and 1/2 Czech.)

Here’s a couple random pics on life in Prague.

Ah, Pilsner Urquell. Available just about everywhere and consumed by just about everybody who visits Prague, probably including kids. They do make a lovely pairing to most any meal, especially at less than $2US for a o,5L glass.

Ah, Super Hearts. The bag of heart shaped fried something with images of super big salt piles to keep that super heart pumping super hard.

Caught walking through Old Town Square around sunset. Pretty, isn’t it? I foresee this turning into a big print one day…

Now, for some random thoughts and observations:

• I love cities that are built around walking and (cheap!) public transit as primary modes of transportation. That being said, I’m also quite happy that I haven’t been in a car since my ride to the airport last week.
• People seem to enjoy life here. They walk at a decent clip, but not in a Chicago or NYC “I’m in a rush because I think I’m important” kind of way.
• They love beer here, as noted above. Only thing that’s lacking is variety in most restaurants. The craft brew scene must be small here.
• As many have noted, I also love this hostel. Great atmosphere and they have something going on every night to encourage interaction. The atmosphere in the public spaces is friendly and comfortable.
• I’ve missed gelato. There’s just something about getting a scoop on a waffle cone walking around a historic European city that’s so refreshing. I tried ice cream once since being here and it’s just not the same anymore…
• Since being here, I’ve gone through 2 books and am finishing up a third right now. Guess I can do a lot of reading without all those pressures of things like “work” around. That, and no TV and not being online all day long.

It’s not just about the big pretty sights, but the little things too. Parks, train lines, walking paths. These are the things that catch my eye as I walk around. Enjoy a small peek into the (mostly) less touristy views of Prague thus far. During these moments of considering their perspective, it becomes a little less about “vacationing” and more just about being and living in the moment.

I took a walk through this large green space just south of Prague Castle. I actually ended up spending afternoon here meandering then stopping to read instead of making to the Castle! Being away from the activity of the city was just what I needed yesterday. It was great watching families and friends (you could tell most people where I had stopped were locals) just hanging out in this park enjoy their afternoon.

You’re probably thinking, “more parks, really?” And my answer is “Yes!” A perfect mix of warmth, breeze, shaded sunlight, and available seating made this a wonderful place to stop for an hour or so. And I’m not required to purchase something to stay.

I’m trying to remember where this garden was, but it was tucked away just off a path. Few people paid attention to the gated entry way this was hiding behind. Seats interspersed throughout this small space with a couple winding paths. I’ll spare everyone the numerous flower pics I took, but it was quaint and beautiful here.
On my way back, I passed by the main train station in Prague (Hlavni Nadrazi). This scene intrigued me. Perhaps it’s the crazy mess of rail lines or how it represents the city’s growth over the years and connections to the rest of the continent. It’s something I could see myself putting up as artwork one day.

My first weekend in Europe is coming to a close this beautiful fall evening, I cannot help but still be in amazement that I am in fact here in Prague. Friday brought with it a lot of tiredness, but I did spend some time touring the city centre at night then coming back to the hostel for a LONG sleep (almost 12 hours I think.) It was what I needed to reset my sleep schedule. Little did I know I would need that sleep store so soon…

Saturday was my first big walk around and exploration day. While I didn’t take too many photos, I did spend some time just looking around and soaking in the energy lingering in the atmosphere. I love the open air feeling the city has with numerous shops and restaurants open directly to the street, not to mention the stands for cheap food, desserts, drinks, and little oddball things that every tourist ends up looking at and usually buying because those items will represent a tangible take away for their visit to the city. Oh, and the shops with shiny things! I couldn’t count the number of tourist/souvenir shops with silly t-shirts, shot glasses, magnets (yes Paul, I will get you one), mugs, etc. But if I am to believe these places, the Czech Republic is known for handmade blown glass and crystal/glass ornamental stuff. I don’t know what else to call it. It that’s stuff that’s really pretty in a lot of light, but I’m pretty sure loses some luster once it leaves the store.

After returning to the hostel, I went to their free BBQ (hey free food!) and ended up meeting a couple other Americans staying here too. One was a Vietnamese guy from Houston and a girl from California/Israel, currently living in the latter. They “encouraged” me to go on a hostel-sponsored/hosted pub crawl through 4 bars in Prague. The group is formed out of people from 4 hostels in Prague. I’ll admit, I had a pretty good time and met some fun people from all over, including Toronto, Brazil, Singapore, and beyond. Each bar had its own “thing” going for it. The most memorable was the second one that was some multi-level bar that was all underground. I have no idea how many levels it had, since we walked up and down a lot of stairs, with seating all over the place. The roof in the entire place was all brick or exposed stone. I wish I had photos to explain it, but trust me, it was very cool. The only thing not cool about Prague? Smoking is still allowed in a lot of public places.

The night got interesting when we ended up at this dance club. 5 levels of music, which was all different, and our group basically split up. It was then we all realized we’d have to find our own way back to the tram and our respective hostels. The guy from Texas and I walked some girls back to their hostel from the club, then attempted – and failed – to find our tram. This process probably took us over an hour! Long story short, we took the wrong tram, got even farther away from where we needed to me, then got a taxi to get us back home, which was around 5:30AM. Like I said, I dipped into that sleep store faster than expected.

Today was a more chill day, yet still with its own share of walking. But I lingered in some places for longer periods of time and found a nice walkway/park to stop and read in for a bit. I also took more pictures today. Below is a sampling of photos from the last couple days.

I saw this sign in a construction zone of the Helsinki airport. I’ve always loved signage from other countries. They tend to send their message in a way that isn’t in your face and I as an American find amusing.

I love the history these roads have and that Prague hasn’t simply decided to go the cheap route and put concrete or asphalt everywhere. I respect that they hold onto their history and do what they can to preseve it. Many sidewalks in Old Town are also made of small stones with intricate details and patterns made from them.

One of many winding paths that go in between buildings that can only be traversed by foot. I have found myself on many of these not knowing what will greet me when I get to the next street.

Speaking of not knowing what I’ll see around the corner… There was an entire exhibit of art made from Red Bull cans, not surprisingly named “The Art of Can.” It’s only showing for a few days and I got to see it. Being the drinker of Red Bull that I am, I found the exhibit interesting. There’s other pictures, but this one caught my attention early and thought it deserved a showing for my friends back home.

Oh, did I mentioned I happened upon Prague during their fashion weekend? They setup a runway for the show on a main shopping street near the Old Town Square. Look at all the new fashions coming out of Europe!

This shot is of the growing crowds in Old Town Square. This was around 7PM. A couple hours and the crowds actually grew in numbers.

Tyn Church, right off the Old Town Square.

I caught this relatively quiet moment tonight in another one of my non-directed walking about the town. I could really get used to this type of scenery around me every day.

This week, I intend to visit Prague Castle and everything surrounding it. I should also decide on some restaurants to try out. Because really, all I’ve had is street fair food. Hey, I don’t have a discerning taste palate, I’m not picky, and I don’t really like to spend much on food if I don’t think I have to. Until next time…