Dull light, mist and silent coldness. Climbing beyond our hostel and reaching the castle, we caught our first rooftop views of the city of Prague, Czech.
Even in the early haze, the streets and pastel buildings left an impression of having suddenly walked onto a film set or toy city. What I found special about Prague was how while each individual detail and architecture was picturesque and pretty, together they emanated a certain grungy vibe which was both attractive and mysterious.
Thermal ski insulation: Czech. Long sleeved tight top: Czech. Thick blouse: Czech. Massive oversized fur-hooded parka: Czech. Ear muffs, woolen scarf and two pairs of socks: Czech.
Prague was fairly chilly.
The first day suddenly brightened up during the afternoon. We took a walking tour with an extremely enthusiastic American as our guide who flourished a red umbrella almost as much as his diction, in a distinctive fashion for the next three hours.
Eclectic attire.
I also couldn’t get enough of how photogenic the trees in Prague are.
Apparently, a few kids and adults have found themselves either with whole bodies or heads trapped inside this statue.
Sundown came quickly but calmly.
Modern art, we thought.
As for Czech cuisine…well, I just couldn’t believe my luck when I saw there was a vegan restaurant literally right beside our hostel! The lunch deal for 125 koruna (roughly 4.50 euros) was the beginning of consistent returns to “LoVeg,” which also served the most delicious freshly pressed juices. After consuming about five carrot and ginger juices over the trip, a juicing machine now feels like an absolute necessity for my kitchen! They also did vegan desserts; although how traumatized we all were when they did not have any of the raw chocolate cheese cake left is a story best left unrevisited.
Of course, the true Eastern European experience came with the pub crawl, endless free shots (watered down or otherwise!) and ended in Prague’s five storey club – the largest in central Europe. The craic was had.
Aoibheann Schwartz Photography 