Notes from Prague

City views topped with pops of sea green turquoise, terracotta, and gold details.

The juxtaposition of someone walking out of a Starbucks next to an old castle, complete with a fancy cold drink and a Starbucks-branded tote.

Another city with hikes up long staircases for rewarding views.

An Easter Market with cute matching huts, ribbons on trees, plenty of yummy smells to choose from, artisan crafts and gifts to consider, and traditions to observe.

Park benches stamped with motivational quotes.

Light rainy days that don’t seem so bad.

Brats, beer, mulled wine, and kabobs. 

Meeting American millennial travelers who were also in a season of transition and figuring out the next chapter while on a spontaneous long trip through Europe.

The winding roads and pathways of Old Town and its warm glow at night.

Visiting the Terezin Concentration Camp to listen and learn about history that is important for us to understand.

A busy river.

Walking by the St. Francis of Assissi Church and spontaneously buying a ticket for an opera performance later that day just because “Ave Maria” was on the program.

A bridge with lots of character.

The John Lennon Wall and thinking about the vast amount of stories from everyone who leaves their mark on it.

When things are conveniently written in English, the one time when you really need it to be.

Prague Castle.

Building facades with artwork, ornate details, and lots of windows and clocks. 

The charm and differences of walking through one neighborhood to another.

Maps where visitors can mark where they are from. 

A best friend who takes your video call in the middle of her work day back home because you really needed to see a friendly face.

A water goblin (Vodnik Kabourek).

A Taiwanese woman at the hostel passing out Kinder chocolate eggs because, “I don’t celebrate Easter, but I love spring, and these made me so happy that I had to share.”

Statues that have tarnished gold spots from people rubbing it for good luck.

Tearing up during an opera performance of “Ave Maria.” 

Polish Pottery.

A quiet, clean, almost empty bus ride to my next destination.