Prague…what can I say? Just go.
Okay, I COULD leave it at that, but I’ve got way too much gushy goodness and far too much jealous-making to be so succinct. But where do I begin?
Prague is just stunning. The architecture is amazing, the Czechs really built upon the European standard (boom boom…). Every corner I turn I see another building that makes me squeal, breathe in/out, pull out my camera and potentially all of the above (Yeah, I COULD study architecture but a) I love my job too much and b) I can’t draw to save myself) However, when I really sit down and think about it….we didn’t do much. We just walked around and perved at the sights really. I have two excuses; 1) I am relaxing in preparation for my inevitably exhausting meetup with the fam (TOMORROW!!) and 2) I’m getting tired after travelling for nearly 8 months.
So anyway, we’ve wandered around the city for a few days, looking at the Prague Castle,, twenty million gothic churches and an infinite number of beautiful old buildings. The old Town Hall has an astronomical clock that has a small skeleton that rings a bell every hour. Cute, but hard to see for the crowds. We also wandered over St Charles’ bridge over the Vltava, and even though it is undergoing reconstruction, it had a lovely atmosphere. Vendors lined the bridge; selling jewellery, crappy souvenirs and the opportunity to get your portrait or caricature done in descending amounts of time (10 minutes down to 4 minutes was the quickest I saw). Buskers played a variety of instruments from accordions to even a didgeridoo. It was a nice wander, despite the absolute plethora of tourists.
Prague also has a plague of spiders. I wish I was kidding. I’m freaking out man, game over man, game over…No really, I’ve been shitting myself. They’re not overly large, but they have big, big bottoms (Hi Helen!) and they have creepy skinny legs and they are EVERYWHERE and they are yukky. Andrew was all, “Are they?”…. “Wow, there are a lot aren’t there”. Yes there are lot you fricking idiot!! *incoherent muttering involving numerous profanities*
One did catch my eye – he had set up a beautifully perfect web over the red light of traffic lights. We tried to capture him on camera (even to the comical extent of me up on his shoulders and having a mini-flip out when he wandered too close), but the flash took away the red from him and his web, and without the flash he was all fuzzy. Well, he was something else anyway. Put me down now. NOW!
Our hostel is cute– we booked a private room and we scored a mini-apartment, and they have even thrown in breakfast for free (not usually included in the price). Plus….free wireless. All this for less than fifty euros. God I love this country. The staff are lovely and eager to help out any way they can….but what am I? A writer for hostelworld? (well, after this trip, maybe…). The one thing I have found baffling about hostels/hotels in Czech Republic is the ridiculously small towels they give you – they are freaking handtowels! How the hell am I supposed to dry myself with an oversized facewasher? Please! I don’t know how people go if they haven’t brought a towel, it’s not like that puppy wraps around you (unless you’re a skinny freak like Andrew and even then he shows a LOT of leg).
I have really enjoyed Prague – it’s beautiful and has such character. I’m sad to leave it, but hey, I’m going to Roma tomorrow to see the fam! Woohoo!!
And, I think that brings me to the eloquent part of my journal entry.
Czech Republic Bottom Four:
4. Not being able to speak the language.
3. Holes in the sidewalks causing you to semi trip over all the freaking time!
2. Crappy excuses for towels
1. Spiders in Prague. YOU FREAK ME OUT!!
Czech Republic Top Six:
6. The accommodations have all been great and nearly had wireless internet (this is also EVERYWHERE! I love this country.)
5. How awesomely cheap everything is – usually around $50 a day each! (Except Prague)
4. How beautifully friendly and patient Czech-ians are.
3. The beautiful architecture
2. Prague
1. Cesky Krumlov + Dilettante’s Hangout
P.S. Thanks for all your please keep writing comments. You'll all be pleased to know you've inflated my head sufficidntly and hence I will continue to write jounral entries to please you plebs. You don't have to tell me I'm awesome, I already know.
Prague photos
