Prague – A Lesson in Bohemian History
Prague castle view
Today was history overload while trying to enjoy the sights of Prague and ignoring the hordes of tourists like white noise.
Walking through History*
I took the “free walking tour” of Old Town, New Town. (I already passed by parts of Lesser Town yesterday). I felt compelled to pay gratuity in the end. Callum, the guide, is from Melbourne who’s lived in Prague for two years. An Economics and Finance graduate, he has far more interest in history and travel and therefore found himself where he is today doing what he’s doing. He’s got a great sense of humour and got me interested in history. I only remember bits and pieces now… The 30 yrs war. the Kingdom of Bohemia and Moravia. The dark history of torture and defenestration (throwing people out the window to their death). Munich agreement — the country signed over to the Germans after WWII by the English, French, and Italians.
Music Conservatory
Prague was built in the 1400s. Prone to flooding, Prague was elevated 3-4 meters higher than what it was. The last flooding a few years ago decimated the zoo. A poor otter found himself all the way to Germany. The only survivors were the giraffes.
There was so much to see, steep in history:
Palace District, the biggest palace complex in Europe. From there, you get a stunning vista of Prague — the spires, the bridges, the river, the orange-tiled rooftops, the towers…
Jewish synagogue, the oldest one in Europe. Hitler wanted the Jewish ghetto to be a museum for a future extinct race. Thereby preserving Prague from the ravages of war.
Charles Bridge, the most sturdy bridge in Europe. The iconic Charles Bridge was built in the 1430s and was probably the only bridge in Europe that has never been destroyed. Rumour has it that King Charles IV consulted a numerologist for the construction of the bridge. Another rumor was that he asked for eggs and milk to be thrown into the water where the base of the bridge is now, akin to making a cake that doesn’t crumble. Apparently, scientists have found evidence of eggshells at the foot of the bridge.
Astronomical Clock, first one in Europe (and poor clockmaker threw his body from the tower and jammed the clock as revenge on the king who blinded him so the clock won’t be replicated. It took 100 yrs before it was fixed). It had clocks for minutes, hours, star signs and phases of the moon. It’s been running precisely fo 400 yrs. An amazing piece of engineering!
Astronomical clock
Wenceslaus Square — the heart of Prague — where they had the Velvet Revolution (aside from other events in history). Whilst it ended communist rule, it left behind an ongoing paranoia on the psyche of this nation.
Kafka statue next to this Moorish cathedral. Touched the statue’s shoe for luck. As the guide suggested. Kafka represents “zeitgeist” of the place. Deep and depressing.
Melancholic. That’s how I would describe them. Pretty outside, dark inside.
I kinda got lost of the way back… took the wrong tram. Serendipitously stumbled upon a music festival. A bit techno, but fun to listen to for a while. I also got lucky with a nice wine bar/deli and satiated myself with salmon bruschetta and these delicious champignons. I finished off with a ball of chocolate cake covered with nuts while watching the music festival.
Regretfully, I missed the black light theatre. Didn’t have the energy anymore to wait for the 9:30PM show. Wasn’t in the mood to go for the 9PM pub crawl either. I already saw the “biggest dance club” in Europe, by the river. Though I didn’t go in and dance. I had to be up early tomorrow. Leaving Prague.
*Note – don’t quote me on this. I haven’t researched to verify, and also my recall may not necessarily be accurate.
