Here I am in Prague
Letadlo!Letadlo, letadlo letadlo!I just spent 16 hours in it and can't for the life of me think of the word when talking to the taxi driver! Airplane! A-e-ro-plan! I have to pseudo-Czech spell it out...Letadlo...duh....and what's more I just came from the Letište...Airport! I can't believe how hard I have to search for the simple, everyday words!
But nevermind, here I am at last. In my hometown. With my people. Even if apparently I can't speak the language any more...lol. No, don't worry, I can.
Oh it was hard to wake up this morning. Jet-lag's a bitch, but the Hilton is central and after a morning of running round various government offices, I made it down to old town square for a little lunch.
And watched the Orloj, the 15C anatomical clock, strike 2 pm. Watched as Vanity, the Miser and the Turk shook their heads as the skeleton rang the bell. Death comes to all in the end and nothing can save us. Not beauty, not money, not power. And then the cock crowed and tears filled my eyes.It must be the jet-lag...ahem.
I marched across St Charles bridge, listening to the bands, looking at the little stalls of paintings and handicrafts on my way to climb up to the Hradcany (Castle Prague).
Bent over the edge of the bridge and spent a long time gazing at the Vltava.
Looked down at the mill wheel on the canal under the other end of the bridge. I painted this scene years ago. Where did I put the painting? It's probably in storage in the loft of my garage. Now I want to have it in the house when I get back.
And I touched everything. Felt everything. Looked everywhere. Am one with the city.
I walked up a street called Neruda. After Jan Neruda, the famous poet who so inspired Pablo Neruda that the later changed his last name to the same. Walked up that street for my late aunt. He was her favourite poet. Came to St Nicholas Church and walked inside. And I stayed for a while inside the vast and holy, pink, Baroque building, full of prayers, and paintings and postulates.
And then climbed higher, up the the castle and looked down over the red roofs.
In the castle is the most glorious Gothic cathedral of St Vitus.
Then down the castle stairs, down thru the town, down to the river and touched the water. Rinsed my hands in it. Like a baptism of sorts. I've come home.
You know, whenever I get here, I'm always here in the summer, and that means road works. I always steal expropriate gently borrow alright steal a cobblestone to take home. I hope I'm forgiven by anyone who sees me doing this. I hope they understand that I need to take a piece of Prague home. A real piece, something that holds the pink light and warm glow of Prague and not some commercial meaninglessness expressed in a mug or tea towel. I need this home to be with me.
It's late now, and I just came back the National Theatre to see a unique Carmen this evening. With music played by members of the Prague Symphony, danced by the Prague Royal Ballet, and sung by members of the Prague Opera. All on stage at the same time! I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it was.I stopped at the open farmers market...
...and bought some supper.
Sweet dreams everyone. More of the same...heaven... tomorrow. :D Please forgive me if I don't answer everyone right away. Time is short and the internet is a bit dodgy. But please know that I feel so grateful to all of you who stop by and look. Big hugs.Your tired friend in Prague. X