Prague, Czech - Life in the Big City

Prezwoodz

Well I did manage to sneak in another post here in Europe. I tried to get a bus ticket to London but that was a no go. Turns out it would have arrived 2 hours after my plane left and thats just not going to work! So I tried to hitchhike but became frustrated after 4 hours of standing on the side of the road. I thought a lot about it and didn't want to hitchhike with a time crunch it just didn't seem like fun. So I came back and spent the very last penny of my money on a plane ticket to London and a room for 2 more nights. I decided though to visit some more of Prague before I left with my camera and take a few more pictures. Going on such a long trip alone has its advantages and disadvantages. One good thing is that you meet so many new people, without someone to spend your time with it seems natural to find someone nearby willing to fill a conversation void. On the other hand when there is no one it can make for lonley nights. I never feel as alone as I do when I am in the city. While outside walking through the Dolomites or climbing alone in the Austrian Alps I never really felt alone. Concetration is different there, sometimes if you lose it you may die. When walking through the city I am surrounded by people but most have grown accustomed to looking away from others, not to maintain eye contact, don't look at the homeless or they may ask you for something. Don't get to close to the ones who look like they may want your wallet. Its a strange sort of drift in human nature where there are so many people its easier just to avoid those wedon't feel are worth talking to in the first place, or make us nervous. I walked for hours through Prague and never said a word, I sometimes would talk to myself without realizing. When I saw a homeless man doing the same I didn't feel that he was insane or frightened of him at all. I felt I may understand him a bit better now, most have stopped talking to him long ago.

I stopped to eat at my usual place. These super large "Hot Dogs" or chicken sandwich are only $2 and much cheaper then most eats along the street. It dosent take much to fill up. Sitting in a restaraunt alone eating expensive food dosent have the same luster as sharing it with others.I was told by the Hostel Reservationist that homeless people will come by and run their hands over everything and try to touch everything that they can before getting run off by the workers. Oddly enough that didn't bother me, maybe I am just blocking it from my mind.



I headed down a bit to the market to pick up some fruit to eat. I have never seen mango's take so long to get ripe! I have had these things for days now and its just not happening. They have everything at this market including a spice lady who has an amazing assortment of pre-mixed spices for about $1.


Another item in the market is this witch, Her eyes light up and she makes a wonderful laugh. Prague likes to consider itself as the most haunted city in Europe.


I had been in the city for over a week and had not actually walked on Charles Bridge yet so I made my way in that direction. I had spoken with a few people from the last hostel who were going to see Don Giovani that night and I walked by the National Theatre where it was playing. This classic Mozart Opera premiered in this theatre in 1787. I hear Mozart himself handed out the programs.


I was taking pictures of buildings but I still wasn't doing so for myself. I am taking them more for my family who likes to see the cities. There are lots to do in cities and they are wonderful to most, I find myself lost however and always wishing on a way out. This building was wonderfully colored and painted.


I stepped into one of the Towers called the Powder Tower. It gave me a great view over the city where I could see all the colorful rooftops. Walking up the tower stairs was entertaining in itself.


The Cathedrals stand over the city as they did hundreds of years ago.




I finally made it over to Charles Bridge where I got to watch the sunset over Prague Castle. There were lots of people on the bridge and plenty of people playing music.




I walked back down the tower stairs and through a window saw a nice view over the water with yellow boats and very colorful buildings. I hoped that I could get the picture handheld even with the low light.


I returned to the streets to walk to my room. The sun brings a strong life to the world and when it is gone it is replaced with a social life where people feed off of eachother with their energy.Music sounds different at night then it does during the day and it gives off a different feeling. My thoughts drifted to the many things that proceeded this trip. It is about to end but what have I learned? What have I accomplished? I believe these are things which I may only be able to explore on my return. Every direction taken is an adventure in the mind. Even coming home I never know what to expect or what will happen.

I occasionaly doodle in my little book I bought in London to pass my time and did so tonight. Normally I start with a single line and no idea what will show up until I am done. This is what I came up with and I feel it reflects my thoughts. Thought I would make this post a little more in depth then normal and bring you all into my mind for a few minutes. Thanks, now get out, Simpsons are on!

schmoo

You are one talented doodler. I am seeing so many different things in that one image, I love it.

prezwoodz wrote:

Its a strange sort of drift in human nature where there are so many people its easier just to avoid those wedon't feel are worth talking to in the first place, or make us nervous. I walked for hours through Prague and never said a word, I sometimes would talk to myself without realizing. When I saw a homeless man doing the same I didn't feel that he was insane or frightened of him at all. I felt I may understand him a bit better now, most have stopped talking to him long ago.

I greatly enjoyed your insight in this post. I have never had the opportunity to travel for extended periods of time alone, although it's something I have always wanted to do. I think, for the most part, that loneliness in a busy city is frightening, particularly abroad where you not only don't know them, but the culture is different too. Through all of your posts about your trip I was curious about how you picked up friendships with strangers so easily, what it is like to throw yourself into a physically dangerous situation without having to rely on others.

I love seeing and hearing the human side to great photos.

Prezwoodz

schmooo - Thanks for the reply. It is strange meeting so many people in such a short period of time. I stay in dorms and always say Hi to the others eventually. After a while I forget that people I just met are people I have not known all my life. I never really think about the fact that I may be throwing myself into a dangerous situation. I just go with the flow of things that happen to me and am often naive in assuming everyone in the world is a great person. It may not be true but I like to think of it that way, its the best way for me.

At home in Alaska a few years ago I began to hike, climb, and spend more time alone. It wasn't necessarly a concious effort its just how it turned out. It has helped me in the situations I have encountered here. If I was to say right now whether I enjoy travelling with someone or going alone more...I would say I enjoy travelling with someone. However I would not end my statement without saying that I think everyone should travel on their own for a while. There are things you may never figure out otherwise. Such as our own strength and abilities in situations where we have always relied on others. There is definitely a different feel to it.

Also I am glad you like my doodle. That one took me about 5 hours or a bit more. It helps pass the time.

Elaine

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your pictures from your travels! This set is so wonderfully colorful! I'm glad you went for one more walkabout in the city. My faves are the fruit at the market and the portrait view over the city.

Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your world.

bsvirginian

I too have enjoyed your travelogue and wonderful images. I'm sure a lot of us are envious that you could do something like this. With preparation just drop everything and do a trip for such an extended period. I might have missed it on an earlier post but what kind of camera equipment did you take and how did you keep it in good shape?
bsvirginian

Prezwoodz

Thank you Elaine and bsvirginian for the comments.

I bought a 20d from a member here at dgrin actually right before my trip. I lost the lens cap a few days before I left Anchorage and never bought a new one! That is not how you take care of a lens hehe. It has few scratches on it now but overall not to shabby. I'll be the first to admit i do not baby my camera for the most part. It goes up on my climbs with me and stays extended periods in my bag as I run down the mountains. I have a hipsack that I keep it in which is partially water proof and thats abou tall I do for it. I havn't dropped it though and I always wear the strap around my neck. I guess for keeping it in good shape I figure I just don't worry about it much! Its like buying a truck for me, if im to afraid to put it through the hard stuff why did I buy it? Oh and its just a kit lens anyway so its nothing expensive as far as that goes. 18-55mm. Thats the only equipment I got!

Its never to late to go on a trip such as this. No matter what society tries to tell you.

Art Scott

Another great set of photos.....I am so glad that I got to see parts of the world thru your eyes and especially the CR.....it is great to see things that I missed when there...but I did not miss the outdoor markets....I also would like to com;iment you onyour SM site and the customizing you did on it.....the photos there are fantastic also.....most people do let society restrain them from doing what they dream......I am now getting ready to have a "everything must go sale", to litterally downsize to 4 large suitcases and my LowePro SUper Trekker photo backpack.....gotta get the move made to the CR before spring....gotta go when it is cold so my blk lab can accompany me on the move...........

Hope you made your flight connections and get home safely...........

Prezwoodz

Glad to I could bring you back some memories. Good luck on your move Art and I hope that you get over safely!

wxwax

I love your insights, Prez. First rate.

ChrisJ

Prezwoodz wrote:

Its never to late to go on a trip such as this. No matter what society tries to tell you.

I agree, but it is much easier to do before you have kids!

Great stuff, Prez.