Prague

These are all a mish-mash, but give a bit of an impression of this spectacular city. Jean-Luc and I walked miles all over, trekking through so many different neighborhoods, of course taking in the usual tourist sights, but also moving away, trying to get a better feel for the actual city and its people.






We stayed near the Old Town, absolutely gorgeous - the architecture really is magnificent - but completely overrun with tourists. Yes, I know, I am a tourist, hence the photos of the classic sights - the old clock tower with its incredible face, the Disneyland-reminiscent towers - but as I think I've written before, I try to get more of a true feel for the place, go beyond or under the outer presentation.




We crossed the river and walked through a beautiful, huge park, containing the very difficult to find little wooden Russian church. Crossed the famous bridge, teeming with hordes of people doing the same, and caught the amazing views. We walked far from the center and found the old Soviet Tower, which delighted me with the funny statues of people crawling up the sides.




The city reminded me of Paris, with an Eastern European flavor. The river running through the middle, lovely bridges. There's a little island called Children's Island, with only one way on or off, containing wonderful play structures and play areas, so safe and self-contained. Even the manhole covers were beautiful.
I found this ornate and cheerful sunflower doorway down a side street. So many of the details of the city are like that. Turn a corner and receive a gift: an incredible sculpture or pattern along the eaves of the buildings; a sweet inscription or door handle, twisting little streets, cobblestoned; so many different styles of architecture, form the very baroque to art deco or art nouveau to Soviet utilitarian.
Talk about magic hour - the light absolutely glowed at times.




One night we did the tourist thing and went to a black light theater. It was like another era, so silly, so corny, so fun.
We found a favorite cafe for tea and internet for Jean-Luc.
I had to take a picture of the poster for the Barbie exhibit, even though we didn't go to see it. I remember getting my first Barbie, she looked like a stewardess - no, not flight attendant - and had a classic bubble cut. Couldn't resist this bit of nostalgia, found so far away.
As wonderful as the city was, I felt like I couldn't get a handle on the spirit of the city. People seemed generally unresponsive - maybe they are all sick of the masses of tourists. The only people I felt any kind of connection with were the lovely woman, Jana, at our pension, and a girl at the internet cafe. Those of you who really know me, know that the people are what makes it all happen for me, so Prague left me a bit empty. I saw the lovely shell, but never got a sense of its heart...























Next stop, Krakow...