During my Summer voyage, I became part of a salsa family. Every other day, or there abouts, we’d dance into the early hours and have fun!
When it came to partner work, of course the two humans of a considerable height (one tall and one lanky!) were paired up and that’s how our friendly rendezvous began.
Early evening on Friday 19th October, I embarked on my journey. Nerves were simmering in my stomach (and had been for a few weeks beforehand) but I ploughed on with resilience – along with the excitement of uncertainty – and boarded the plane.
After an hour and a half of gliding in mid air, I was greeted with a cheesy, enthusiastic smile in the Arrivals Lounge which provided a somewhat wave of ease. We’d joked prior to my visit about how I’d be collected from the airport: a James Bond-style car, a limousine or perhaps an ambulance – since his ‘lordship’ was of a certain profession (a doctor). Quite conveniently parked outside the airport was an ambulance and I thought that was somehow romantic! Sadly, it wasn’t for me.
My weekend in Prague began with a night time tour. Driving between the night lights, you could just make out the gothic-feel of the city and I was looking forward to seeing all its beauty in the daylight. I’d always known Prague as ‘The Stag Capital of The World’ although my friend named it ‘The City of 100 Spires’.
In the morning, we’d got the metro into the centre of Prague; it wasn’t as claustrophobic as London’s underground and was filled with a little more heritage.
Our first stop was to the Old Town Square. It was here that I got my first glimpse of just how beautiful Prague was! Each building felt like it had been plucked out of a fairytale. Sand-coloured brick buildings (the majority with red roofs) and medieval style castles surrounded the square. Despite the amount of people that were crammed into the main square, the buildings stood boldly and prominent; portraying a real fairytale-esque essence. In the heart of the Old Town Square stood Prague’s Astronomical Clock. It is the third-oldest clock in the World which is still in working order. Each hour, the ring of the bells echo vividly around the square.
After walking many miles of the intertwining streets of Prague, we’d arrived at another spectacular sight. Grandly stood Prague Castle and within the grounds was St. Vitus Cathedral. Built 600 years ago, the Cathedral was laced with history and stunning architecture. Inside was a colourful stained-glass window which was the centrepiece of the Cathedral. From outside, you could clearly tell this was a building of importance and again, the Cathedral had a blend of medieval and fairytale features. Also, I now knew where the name ‘the city of 100 spires’ came from. (See pictures below)
Next we stopped in a place called Letna. Since my friend – or Mowgli 🤣 – was the adventurous type, we climbed a wall (with a width no greater than a TV stand) and sat taking in the views. That feeling of ‘being free’ infested within my body; a plethora of breath-taking architecture to admire. Spires stood tall in the distance. What a moment to remember!
As the sun began to set, we finished off the day with a stroll across Charles Bridge. It stretched from one side of Prague to the other, over the river Vltava. Stone statues were evenly placed along its walkway. There was a momentous point where you could make a wish, as you rubbed over the gold. I did make a wish, but they don’t come true if you share them!
My friend let me sample some traditional foods of Prague. The first was Trdilnik: a sweet, sugar-coated pastry. I had my favourite filling – white chocolate – and it was delicious! It was the perfect energy boost after almost 12 miles of walking around Prague!
I also tried a delicious, traditional soup known as Bramboračka. (I can feel my tastebuds getting excited as I write about it!) This was a fairly simple soup, but a Prague classic. It’s main ingredients were mushrooms and potatoes, which were carefully blended with garlic and marjoram. This basic combination provided a burst of flavour as soon as the spoon hit your mouth. So much so…we were two bowls down! I also had the privilege of trying homemade foods and an assortment of local cakes. Yes – he fed me well!
Over the course of the weekend, we’d explored many other places including: local parks, theatres, local cake shops and a royal garden. Too many great memories to write about on my first venture to Prague.
I present to you Prague; ‘The City of 100 Spires’.
The View From the Window 