Life in a year full of Saturdays: Prague (CZECHIA)

Prague (Czechia)

18 August - 19 August 2016

Prague didn't really align with our 'attack vector' down to the Croatian coastline, but really, why would you dare to miss the opportunity to stop in a town of such wonder and beauty?

It was the 1989 Velvet Revolution that gave the world the grace and elegance of such a magnificent capital. When I say us I refer to all those from the other side of the Iron Curtain, the Western side, and with that said, most of my family knew what Prague had to offer already! In fact, there's two members of our family that were actually born there. So we were WAY AHEAD of the curve guys, decades in fact.

Our stay was only for one evening but that's enough to realise in a hurry that there's so much more to this city that needs to be seen and experienced at a later time and date. Prague it seems is tailor made for aimless wandering, a city built to be discovered at the leisurely pace of bliss or ignorance. The pace of ignorance is what we adopted. Admittedly we knew nothing of Prague other than the 'word on the street' which was high praise enough.

Prague - Czech Republic

The only error in judgement that we made was that we stayed outside of the centre of the Old Town and the accommodation we selected was crap .Prague Studios Andel is not worth what we paid for it, and with that said we didn't pay that much. For the budget conscious it might be an option but really, do some homework, go somewhere else.

I have to say that my initial perception of Prague was flavoured by my cousin Vladimir who for some reason has had it in in his head that Prague is an enduring black hole on his existence. Obviously this stems from sort of bad experience that he had when he was younger, either that or maybe he just has a vendetta against the Czech population. Simple fact of the matter is that Prague is stunning, end of story. I wish we had allowed ourselves to dedicate more time here than just one paltry night.

Prague - Czech Republic

We were fortunate to arrive on a balmy evening. There was a great energy about, people were obviously partaking in some good 'ole fashioned drinking, and with some of the best beer in the world at the prices they were going for its not difficult to see why the popularity of the city has skyrocketed. I'd probably add that discounted airfares from nearby countries would also be serving Prague very well.

Prague - Czech Republic

With a beautiful hilltop castle overlooking the city, the gorgeous stone bridge that is the Charles bridge, the Baroque, Gothic & Renaissance period architecture, music, movement, people and great energy, this city is a joy to wander through aimlessly. Having had the good fortune of avoiding destruction through the countless number of wars that have taken place around it, Prague can also be your own time machine, taking you to a number of eras with just a simple stroll.