Lost in the Labyrinth: Prague - 2964303 & 1372023005
okay, so. prague. seriously. i'm still trying to process it all. i landed late - 1372023005, i think that’s the time, right? - and the air felt…thick. not in a bad way, just…saturated with something. maybe it was the dampness? the city’s holding onto a lot of moisture. i just checked and it’s…chilly but not freezing, a persistent coolness that seeps into your bones. hope you like that kind of thing.
this whole trip felt like wandering through a dream, a slightly mildewy dream. cobblestone streets that twist and turn like a drunk pretzel, buildings that look like they’re perpetually leaning in to whisper secrets. i spent the first day just getting gloriously lost. which, let’s be real, is my specialty.
my hotel was…an experience. think charmingly crumbling facade meets surprisingly modern interior. definitely worth checking out on TripAdvisor if you’re looking for something with character. the neighborhood, near *Old Town Square, is a hive of activity, but somehow manages to maintain a surreal, timeless quality. it’s like stepping back centuries, but everyone’s posting selfies.
gear-ish stuff - because i always overpack and then regret it:
*Comfortable walking shoes: seriously, don’t even think about anything else. your feet will thank you (eventually).
*A good rain jacket: the humidity is relentless, so be prepared for drizzle.
*A portable charger: you’ll be snapping photos like a mad person.
*A phrasebook: while many people speak English, a little Czech goes a long way.
and the food! oh god, the food. i stumbled upon this tiny little place near the Charles Bridge - someone told me that it’s the best trdelník in the city (that’s the sweet pastry thing). i’m not one to trust rumors, but it was amazing. i’m pretty sure i ate my weight in cinnamon sugar.
“Avoid the tourist traps on Old Town Square at sunset,” I heard a guy at a pub say. “The prices are inflated, and the crowds are insane. Go explore the side streets instead.”
seriously, follow that advice. the little hidden courtyards are where the magic happens.
i spent an afternoon wandering through Jewish Quarter*, which was incredibly moving. the history there just hangs in the air, heavy and palpable. it’s a stark contrast to the fairytale facades you see elsewhere in the city.
and the locals. they seem…reserved, but not unfriendly. if you get bored, the surrounding regions offer some pretty epic scenery. it’s easy to hop on a train to explore smaller towns.
“Don’t accept the first price you’re quoted,” another traveler warned me. “They’ll always try to upsell you.”
always good to know. i’m definitely going to need to brush up on my Czech haggling skills for my next trip.
I’m thinking of checking out this website for Prague walking tours. also, Yelp has some solid restaurant recommendations. and the official tourism site is helpful too
prague isn't just pretty buildings and fancy restaurants. it’s a feeling. a sense of mystery and history and a hint of something else entirely. i'm not entirely sure what it is, but it's definitely got a hold of me.
leaving tomorrow. already missing the sound of trams and the smell of roasting chestnuts.
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