(5) Prague, the Jewel of Eastern Europe

  Arrived at Prague International Airport -via Czech Air- late afternoon on an early summer day.   Airbus 320, a mid-sized plane, quite new and clean; with very diligent stewardesses serving happy (seemingly from all over the world) passengers.   Indeed it was a very relaxing hour and a half flight from Charles de Gaulle International, Paris.  

   Small airport, compared to many others in Europe.  Again however, rather neat, clean and less crowded (definitely less!!).     Impression of the airport:  ...somewhat still unpolished and unsettled.   It looked and smelled new; with many things still in the process of settling down.  (...or if there is any such thing, the 'conversion process' from a planned economy environment to that of market economy)     Anyway -and at least to me, there was a definite portrayal of 'not quite this nor that' feel and look (...not yet anyway!).     

At any rate, there I was.  Deep in eastern Europe; in this 'twenty-some years ago communist regime'.   Reminding myself that it turned a member of EU just in 1993; a land where democracy and capitalism were still work in process; people still adopting to the wave of freedom as we know. 

    Driving time from the airport to Old Town Hilton was about an hour.   Somewhat familiar (East-European) suburb scenes were registered via car windows.    Narrow highways and streets, old but neatly arranged row of buildings, rather quiet and not many cars.    Nothing impressive however.   Not much to detail about; and for the lack of better expression, ...boring!      

   Clean views(!) never the less.    I am murmuring "...those perhaps are colors (remnants?) of the old planned economy environment".     Again, ...not much of billboards, signs and/or other market economy media in sight, not until we approached the city limit of Prague that is.   

    It did not take long -however, for the real Prague to make its 'grand entrance' in my sight; ...and excite all my senses(!).    Yes, there it was!   Right in front, in IMAX view(!).   Magnificent scenes of the Medieval Europe showcasing all its pre- and post-renaissance period everything(!).     12th and 13th century Gothic structures with its trademark red/orange roofs; and the 14th to the 17th century renaissance (Baroque) arts and structures, boasting as the 'cultural bridge' between the Middle Age and Modern Europe.     

   Yes, all those structures, bridges and castles alive(!), nothing short of an epic show case; a pre-modern architectural exhibition(!) to say the least.    Gloriously and immaculately preserved Gothic and Baroque treasures; living and breathing just like near thousand years ago, when they just were born.     

  The Vltava river, the artery of the land runs thru the center of the city, ...beautiful and serene.   Excursion boats floating lazily.., with people busy appreciating the Prague's unique exhibition of what the medieval Europe was all about.    ...And yes!, the world famous Charles (Carl) bridge; the one and only!!

  Indeed(!).  As I read somewhere before my visit, Prague has everything Europe has to offer.., and more, much more! 

      People from Czech Republic (as of this year the official name changed to 'Chekia') represent a very homogeneous nation, with one common ancestry, culture, history and are native speakers of Czech, a West Slavic language.    Ethnic Czechs proudly call themselves 'Bohemian', due to their origin of Bohemia -part of their old glory (referring to the late Iron Age tribe of Celtic Boii and their land Bohemia).   History tells us that during the Migration Period, Germanic tribes moved westwards and around the 6th century, West Slavs settled in this area and formed an independent state in the 9th century (Duchy of Bohemia) and later Kingdom of Bohemia, the predecessors of the modern republic. 

    (Ah, by the way, this is not inside Disney World)   Restaurants and shopping district Near the City/Municipal Square.       Enough to realize that Prague is one Giant castle still embracing all the glories and beauties of centuries ago.  Quite an experience!!

   Embedded inside the forest of medieval structures are modern buildings and post-renaissance architectures.   Hotels and casinos mixed with cobble stone streets and old fashioned (simulated) 'gas' street lights.     One realizes how and why this unique city so often stages spy and detective drama, movies of clandestine actions, love and espionage...    Yes,  Prague has its natural charm and setting for addition of thrills to spy movies such as James Bond, Mission Impossible and many others. 

   For inexplicable reasons and settings, 'Boys' inside every men awake.  Sort of turning back the clock and those 'boyish' dreams and senses come alive.    Yes, there is that definite thing(!) in the air...     Mood for action, romances...  and thereby (yes!) thrills! (Unreal!!)    The city has way to turn every man into a 'Daniel Craig'.       

   Then.., I shouldn't get carried away.  (...back to reality) Prague is a city of art, music and festivities.   There are plenty of menus to satisfy every art and culture seeking traveler here.

   Just to share with you all some jaw-dropping details and beauty of the buildings in Prague.

  Breath taking(!)   Nothing short of colorful stage works!!

   Again, cobble stone streets, gas street lights, and .., fancy cars!.   From somewhere deep inside the dense fog (from the river), screaming comes out Ferraries, bentleys and Rolls Royces ...and ah, men's forever romance.., Aston Martins.   Breathless scenes.., only in Prague!  

      The famous 'wishing wall'(where well wishers would right a small note and post) is all but gone now.    Instead this 'Wishing Bricks' do the job.     Ah, unlike before however, it costs one to make a wish.     One has to buy the brick and colored pens to write wishes and prayers and leave as part of the tower.  (...at least the proceed is said to go to several good causes)  

   Many will remember (the writer and philosopher)Franz Kafka from days of college life.   Franz Kafka, famous for exploring human struggle for better understanding of life and existence.    If anyone remembers his novels -loved and revered worldwide, such as The Castle, The Trial.., and the famous Amerika. 

   Franz Kafka and his works remain as the most loved and respected of Prague.    He was born in Prague on July, 1883; his residence is open for visitors and tourists.

   They say, the best of Prague happens and shows up after the dark.    Just when street lights come on, and city converts into a museum of ancient structures and lights; ...and  that's when this city of 1200 years comes alive!

  Prague's nights are friendly and safe for visitors.    There are many excellent clubs and restaurants; don't forget the reservation.

   The night view of Prague castle, with all its stage-like lightings.

   From Charles Bridge looking inward to the center of Old Town; ...and its light exhibitions!.

   Late night shopping and hang-outs are popular activities, not only among visitors but locals. Again, the Old Town and Newer district of the city present quite safe and enjoyable environments.

   Breath taking architecture and details through out the city; and convert to a fantasy land at night(!)

 Without the conviction of 'someone or something is looking after!', no one will have courage enough to ask for money;  ...beg for help(!)

   Took this picture during my evening walk in small back streets of Prague.   ...and there was unforgettable classic tunes floating in the air (background).