In Prague, get lost!

Prague is the capital of Czech Republic. It’s historic, cultural, and gastronomical wealth lure tourists who best encounter it by foot as our reporter did. Visiting Prague was a big check off my bucket list. The long wait and planning were very well rewarded in the time I spent in the ancient Bohemian country. I […]

Prague is the capital of Czech Republic. It’s historic, cultural, and gastronomical wealth lure tourists who best encounter it by foot as our reporter did.

Visiting Prague was a big check off my bucket list. The long wait and planning were very well rewarded in the time I spent in the ancient Bohemian country. I began interacting with the city from my hotel room window from where I could see the Old Town Square as I took in the ancient architecture which mingled freely with contemporary-styled buildings. My adrenalin rush was on high as I almost couldn’t wait to settle down before jetting out to explore.
I passed through the 65 metre-high Gothic-styled Powder Tower which derived its name from its being a store house for gunpowder in anceint times. It was also the entry point for Bohemian kings into the city in the Middle Ages during coronation parades.
The Old Town Square which was the stage for glorious and tragic events chronicling Czech’s history was a warm and pleasurable welcome as I waded my way around the maze of shops and the Christmas market. The market stretched all the way through to the Wenceslas Square, the entertainment and nightlife hub of Prague. It is the second of the city’s two main squares and opens into the main shopping and commercial district.
I looked through the list which I had pulled out from the pouch strapped tightly about my waist. I had been warned of pickpockets and especially warned not to carry visible bags. It was not at all a difficult warning to adhere to being the Warri- bred woman that I am. My pouch was invisibly ticked underneath my jacket, underneath my cardigan, underneath my  thermal wear so much so it needed some drama to access my ‘places to see’ list in it.
This part of town is a pot-pourri of architecture from different eras with aromas of foods and beverages from all over Czech matching up to this mix. Historic monuments include the Prague orloj (astronomical clock) which is one of the world’s oldest and was first installed in 1410 and still works. It chimes hourly with statues of the 12 apostles walking from a trap door.
There was no rush, I had time to explore this ancient town and I was going to do it to the fullest.
I decided to start my next round of exploration by first enjoying Charles Bridge from a distance while cruising on the Vlatva River so that I could take it in, in all its length, breath and might. From my vantage point on the deck of the boat, I took in all the activities going on, on top the bridge. The cold and snow were no hindrance to the streaming tourists whose silhouettes hinted at the several activities taking place on the bridge. After another hour, I gracefully, like a bride ascending the altar, climbed up the stairs, one step at a time until I reached the top of the 600 year-old edifice. Forget the cold; snow does make landscapes even more beautiful.
Everything on the vibrant only pedestrian bridge had an arty flair to it. Its 16 arches and city’s roof tops struggling for recognition in-between the baroque statues on both sides of the bridge were nicely crowned with snowflakes. Street artists painted portraits, and I was asked by one of them if I wanted to have mine done. ‘Nice, I will do in colour if you like, not only pencil [sic],’ he said with a mouth full of very adult-sized teeth as he left me wondering if my black face would not be visible enough in a pencil drawing. Others sold photos of the bridge and of Prague in different seasons as tourists thronged to the statue of St. John of Nepomuk. Several years of touching and kissing him have left the bronze plaque with a permanent shine. It is believed that those who touch it and pray there, are blessed and have their wishes granted.
I quickly walked on viewing my list and map on to my next stop, Lennon’s Wall. Looking through my map I was sure I was heading in the right direction but found myself on Pařižska, Prague’s most expensive street. The woman in me somewhere in my head, managed to lure me there. I just had to smile briefly at the Cartier’s, Guccis and cousins before finding the right route, after several questions and directions.
I passed through Kampa Island which was home to Prague’s first mill which delivered flour to the Bohemian kings. The artificial canal, Certovka (Devil’s Stream) was constructed to power the water mills. Through the rails of the bridge, the 13th century millwheel is visible. Like China’s Great Wall, the rails of Kampa Island Bridge are besieged with lovelocks.
Lennon’s Wall was ordinary until the 1980 murder of The Beatles’ John Lennon. The Wall inspired the Velvet Revolution which led to the fall of communism in Czech Republic in 1989 and is filled with Lennon inspired graffiti and lyrics of some of The Beatles’ songs.
The vintage cars are an attraction and experience in themselves in Prague. But I had been hitted that the best way to explore Prague is by foot. ‘Get lost and you will find your way. Every place connects to every place,’ the hotel receptionist had told me.
Visiting the Prague Castle was the Madonna of my trip. The UNESCO World Heritage site which is described as the king of all castles is the most visited destination in Prague. The massive premises immediately calls to mind the ambience of Paris’ Louvre. The words magnificence, affluence, splendour, expanse all come rushing at the same time as I say to myself, ‘wow, one man built this? This people enjoyed life with no apologies whatsoever.’ The castle also served as office to Bohemian kings, Roman emperors, presidents of Czechoslovakia and to Czech Republic presidents.
The castle is endowed with other attractions, including the St. Vitus Cathedral and its stained-glass windows, as tourists are ushered into the Golden Lane which was the castle’s servants’ and marksmen quarters in the 16th century. Number 22 is the most visited house. It is where the widely celebrated author, Franz Kafka spent his last days.
In recognition of Prague’s art history, a trip there would be incomplete without visiting Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) at his museum where over 100 exhibits of his paintings, statues, lithographs and personal memorabilia are preserved.
My day ended with a three course traditional Czech cuisine at the underground 13th century  medieval restaurant, The Spider Tavern (Krčma U Pavouka) – decorated with the ‘Game of Thrones’ in mind and the waiters all dressed d’époque.
My experience visiting Prague, is don’t worry too much about the maps, know where you want to go to and simply get lost. You’ll find your way in the end.