Czeching In For New Years (Holiday Break Part 2)

Normally, my New Years Eves in Florida with the tall one and the short one are relatively tranquil. This year, in a major European city, it was a bit different! As a result of the young one’s asking around, I have learned that city-folk create a sort of war zone in the hours before and after the clocks strike midnight, not just in Prague where we were.

On the banks of the Vltava just over the Mánes Bridge (the one next to the Charles Bridge) the three of us marveled, ears ringing, at the diversity and sheer number of noisemakers, sparks, firecrackers, and roman candles being shot in every direction. It seemed so haphazard, like shooting off fireworks was child’s play, nothing to it at all. I was afraid a bomb would land at our feet and blow us all up!

These were the young one's attempts at capturing the festivities before she decided to look with her eyes instead of her lens. Taking photos of fireworks seems like it would be difficult.

Though all the bridges were flooded with people, our vantage point over the river proved to be profitable (though being on one of those party boats would have been coolest). There was no countdown, and the noise around us did not cease or change, except all at once there were fireworks shot off from as far as you could see across and down the river. Up by the castle, someone made a show, and by the mini Eiffel Tower, and from places in the hills you wouldn’t expect anyone to be. The young one and the boyfriend kissed, I looked away, wished I could have some of that champagne they were drinking so enthusiastically, and when I looked back the young one had this big smile on her face. I could see the fireworks reflected in her eyes, and I could tell she was content with where she was.

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If you would recall, I have been to Prague before. If you’re interested, you can read all about that here. Back in February 2017, Prague was our very first trip out of France. In thinking about this, the young one and I reflected upon how differently we travel now than we did back then. We were interested in how we would therefore view Prague this time around, and were eager to compare experiences. The young one hoped to be a more laid-back traveler in a place she's already been.

First and foremost, the city seemed unfamiliar. We definitely did wander past different areas of the city than before, given that our hostel was a good walk from the center. The first time it felt medieval, all stone and iron overlooked by a mighty castle, all made by the hands of Charles IV. This time we noticed rows of residential buildings that seemed freshly painted in pastels, less cobblestone and more pavement, and more prominent commercial stores. However, the mini markets on every street filled with toxic green absinthe and CBD products were familiar as can be, as they are pretty unique to Prague and therefore still novel to us.

Since I don't know much about substances such as alcohol and cannabis, the young one would like to inform you who might be intrigued by the thought of getting high from cannabis chocolate, that there is no THC in any of this stuff. CBD only. Don't fall for it.

We hardly even recognized Old Town Square; it was so busy you couldn’t even see the ground! I always stay cozied up in the young one’s bag when we’re at Christmas markets (which, yes, was still set up) for safety sake, so our pushing and shoving through the square was kind of a blur for me. Overall, Prague was significantly busier for the holidays than when we were there in February.

On our walking tour, the tour guide informed us that the astronomical clock in Old Town Square is considered the second most disappointing tourist attraction in Europe (the first being the Mona Lisa). Over her time traveling the young one has taken on an interesting view on tourism. At the very beginning it was something to be self-conscious of; don't fall for all the touristy things, but when you do, be aware that you are a tourist. Now, her and I just enjoy what we want to enjoy, see what we want to see. But in addition to enjoying the sights, she also enjoys the reactions of other tourists. In doing this, and also photographing it, it allows her to profit more from highly touristic situations, instead of being aggravated by them. It also gives her an outsiders point of view, instead of just feeling like one in the crowd, doing and looking at the same thing as everyone else. For example, this amazingly large turnout of people are all looking up and waiting for the small "show" that the astronomical clock puts on every hour. It's priceless.

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The young one and the boyfriend usually don’t eat out, but instead make a habit of going to the grocery store (which is always fun in a new country anyway) and cooking meals. The young one remembered that the cuisine in Prague wasn’t her favorite (and is generally not highly esteemed) and so did not prioritize going to restaurants. Eating in instead of eating out actually significantly changes your travel experience, believe it or not. I could tell that it was a factor in the difference between Prague now and Prague before.

The young one eats a lot more street food now. Usually falafel. But a good way to save money and not go hungry is to visit the markets in a city, something we never did back in the day but do frequently now.

If you're like the young one, you wonder things like, "what do the locals here eat for breakfast?" If you want to know what the locals eat, go to the markets!

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Even after all our travels following that first trip to Prague, there is still no competition when it comes to the view overlooking this city. The beauty of Prague from above prevails.

This time we went up to Letna Park where there is for some reason a giant metronome. We couldn’t get up close to it unfortunately because the area was blocked off for setting off January 1st fireworks. So the mystery of the giant metronome remains. Going up to the park was a great way to escape the city and let night time fall over us. I could breathe a bit, rather than being stuffed away in the middle of the crowds up by the castle.

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It turns out that not a whole lot has changed since February 2017. I think the young one has only discovered in this time what kind of traveler she is, and what kind of traveler she hopes to become. As for myself, I have grown quite accustomed to her frequent anxiety, rushing around, and desire for adventure. She is dedicated to her travels and puts a lot of work and thought into it. Maybe a bit too much, actually. That is one of her goals for the coming year, to not obsess over controlling everything and to relish the moments that work out well. As for Prague, there is always more to explore and do. I wouldn't say that one visit was any more or less successful than the other.

This isn't quite the end of our city tour, so you'll be hearing from me again soon!

Yours,

Winslow