TheGirlAtFirstAvenue, Travel

Globetrotter: Prague

October 24, 2013
Did you know Bata shoes were originally founded in Czech Republic? Yes our very own Bata, which we rarely give a second glance to, because its that ‘cheap local Indian brand’. This was one of the first facts I discovered in Prague. The same Bata, where my mom used to buy me those hawai chappal as a kid (yes I was a 90’s Bata chappal kid), actually had amazing boots in Prague. But more on that later.. we need to start at the beginning.

That’s the view from the balcony of my room, where I almost dropped the camera from the second floor in my eagerness to start clicking photos. First time trip to Europe does that to a girl. If I go visit the same places now? Switzerland..? Phhttt.. I holiday there every summer *makes those annoying hand waves* Seriously though, I think I’d be awestruck even after a million visits and that’s the beauty and charm of Europe. Always leaves you wanting more and more. When we went in September the weather was unusually chilly, even the locals agreed. That translates into unbearably cold for me. I am a complete sunny-beach-side-summer kinda girl, who’ll pile on layers of coats at the tiniest drop in temperature. I can’t stand the cold! 

This baby was parked right outside our hotel
 
Hotel Villa

After a few touristy photos around the hotel (which was pink in color??) and a rather hurried meal we set out exploring. Best way to explore European cities – walk, walk, walk! I was not into blogging back then (this was in 2010 I think) so I have no proper outfit pics to show, but all I wore on the entire trip was walking shoes. Walk down the cobblestone streets in the center of Prague, and you’ll feel like you are in a different century. The city is made for walking, stopping and admiring. And the weather is so great that you will never tire of walking.

Walk to Prague Castle

See me already donning coats and knits? I even wore gloves inspite of the crazy looks I was attracting. Comfort first, crazy later right? (or is the other way around?)

Now I don’t anything about architecture, least of all about European architecture of churches and palaces but the evident beauty of these buildings is bound to stop even the least interested man in his tracks. Its hard not to be awed by the design, the intricate stone work, the carvings and the sheer majestic-ness of the architecture. If you are someone who appreciates art, of any form, you will appreciate this. That’s the entrance gate of the Prague Castle. Thanks to hundreds of people (out of which 80% were Japanese for some reason) waiting to enter and obstructing the splendid view this was the only pic I could manage.

Entrance to Prague Castle

Street musicians are a common sight, specially on the famous Charles bridge. Its so funny to see them suddenly break into a dance, even more funny when tourists join them, funniest when you find yourself doing the same. The guy in the middle reminds me of a Thom the gleeman (and if you are not an obsessed reader of the ‘Wheel of time’ series forget I mentioned that. You wouldn’t understand the reference)

Photography wasn’t allowed inside . Everyone read the sign and promptly fished out their cameras. Human mentality is something I’ll never understand. Most people were discussing the religious and historical aspect of the paintings and sculptures, but I was plainly admiring it for the artwork. Trust me these photos are nothing compared to what it looked like in reality.

Unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy any sunny weather that day. It was cloudy and there was a heavy rain (according to them) which was a mere drizzle (according to me). I thought European countries have their fair share of rain and wind but apparently none of them have ever seen anything like out tropical monsoons. The walk from the castle to charles bridge is spectacular. If you need a break from all the walking, all you need to do is pop into the first little cafe that you spot and grab a coffee and an authentic french pastry and munch your way forward!

Walking from Prague Castle to Charles Bridge – the touristy spots
Me and mom on Charles bridge!

Charles bridge needs no introduction. ‘Bridge’ is only a technical term for it. Its a link to both the sides of Prague, providing a fairytale view of the city’s skyline and the Vltava river beneath it. Its truly the center of the city. During the day there are throngs of people walking over it, sketch artists (who are pretty good!), souvenir shops and street musicians. If you happen to be there look out in particular for jazz bands who happen to be quite entertaining! It’s also one of those customary photo locations for post-wedding shoots. This couple (below) was the third we spotted that day on the bridge!

What to remember when in Prague:

  • Its ok to drink beer at 11a.m
  • Beer is cheaper than water
  • You can walk across Charles bridge on any evening and find something lovely happening
  • Almost everyday, somewhere in Prague, there’s a random festival happening with food and drink stalls
  • Public transportation is AMAZING!
And that brings us to the end of the first post in the series. Phew! Photo overload much?

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Not so long ago, a great man with super powers, had a look at my horoscope and made a fabulous discovery and told my parents “You put a steering wheel in her hands, and she won’t return home for hours. She is independent and loves to travel”. Well, turns out its completely true (the great man is in fact a family friend quite adept at chalking out horoscopes and not just those marriage wala kind).

 
I love being at home but not as much as I love to travel. I hate going to the same place twice simply because there is so much more to cover and see, and so little time. If I had all the money in the world, I would spend it all on travel and even if I was broke, I would beg-borrow-steal and somehow travel. Some of us are born globetrotters (I mean how can you not love it?!). For a while I’ve been wanting to start a travel series on the blog, but was unsure of the kind of response it would have. But the urge to share my love for traveling was too overwhelming to be suppressed any longer.
 
Since we have all read enough of those what to see, where to eat, what to shop type posts, am only going to share my (mis)adventures! The series will include all the places that I’ve covered in the past and the ones I shall cover in the future. 

12 Comments

  • Reply maithili October 24, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Beautiful!!

  • Reply My Unfinished Life October 24, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    ofcourse I know bata had origins in czech republic!

    amazing photos of the place 🙂

    http://www.myunfinishedlife.com

  • Reply safa maryam syed October 24, 2013 at 11:36 pm

    Beautiful photos! Lucky you! I can't wait till my next trip to Europe!

  • Reply Soumya October 25, 2013 at 6:47 am

    Ahhh lucky you. Prague looks splendid. I shall add it to my wish list 🙂

  • Reply Mirage October 25, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    The pictures are so pretty!!!
    I too love to travel. It is one of my biggest dreams to step out and explore the world. And now that you are writing about your adventures, it'd be easier for me to update my list.. 🙂

  • Reply Urban Mantra October 31, 2013 at 11:05 am

    Found your blog through igram….I had no idea Bata was a Czech brand! Very interesting. I hope to visit Prague some day too! Fun reading through your post.

    Richa
    http://www.urbanmantra.blogspot.com

  • Reply TheGirlAtFirstAvenue October 31, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    Its even better in person!

  • Reply TheGirlAtFirstAvenue October 31, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    Very few people are aware of that!
    Thanks 🙂

  • Reply TheGirlAtFirstAvenue October 31, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    Thanks! Even am craving for another trip already!

  • Reply TheGirlAtFirstAvenue October 31, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    you MUST! 🙂

  • Reply TheGirlAtFirstAvenue October 31, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Mine too.. and I've only just started!

  • Reply TheGirlAtFirstAvenue October 31, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Thanks Richa! 🙂

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