Back to Top

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 LetiΕ‘te…Airport! I can’t believe how hard I have to search for the simple, everyday words!
IMG_8098 copy

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.

018 copy copy

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.

028 copy copy

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.

046 copy copy

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).

051 copy copy

Bent over the edge of the bridge and spent a long time gazing at the Vltava.

053 copy copy

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.
059 copy copy

And I touched everything. Felt everything. Looked everywhere. Am one with the city.

touchinglooking up

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.

065 copy copypietaSt Vitus

And then climbed higher, up the the castle and looked down over the red roofs.

rooftops

In the castle is the most glorious Gothic cathedral of St Vitus.

121 copy copySt Vitus 2

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.

158 copy copy155 copy copy160 copy copy

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.

009 copy copy

148 copy copy

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…

market

…and bought some supper.

172 copy copy

Sweet dreams everyone. More of the same…heaven… tomorrow. πŸ˜€ 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

Comments: 19

  • June 26, 2014
    reply

    What a lovely first day! Thanks for sharing with us.

  • June 26, 2014
    reply

    How exciting for you! Is C with you? Someone took those lovely photos of you. I am looking forward to seeing more of your homeland Veronica. Sleep well tonight!

      • June 27, 2014
        reply

        Yes so did my daughter but every time I see your sweet relationship it tugs my heart ! Enjoy Veronica !!

  • Christie

    June 26, 2014
    reply

    You sure know how to make the most of every moment no matter where you are. Sleep well. I look forward to hearing more about your travels.

  • Donnamae

    June 26, 2014
    reply

    What wonderful pictures! Thanks for taking us along! πŸ˜‰

  • June 26, 2014
    reply

    Such a sense of belonging emanates from your pics and words. Prague becomes you, and you suit Prague πŸ™‚

  • June 26, 2014
    reply

    Beautiful photos mom! Miss you! xoxo

  • June 26, 2014
    reply

    Wonderful photostory! Prague is such a dream city … and for me have been Slavic sounds always more familiar than English …
    Have a great time there πŸ™‚

  • Catherine

    June 26, 2014
    reply

    Brzy nashledanou! LΓ‘ska z Kate?iny XXX (did that work??)

  • June 26, 2014
    reply

    Oh Veronica, I have tears in my eyes, walking with you through your words, I am even more homesick now… for my birthplace the states.. but maybe more for my home in Malaga… Enjoy amiga, soak up every moment, absorb and join with it all x

  • June 26, 2014
    reply

    Those photos are beautiful, I hope you have a wonderful time. Prague looks s beautiful, I’d love to go.

  • June 27, 2014
    reply

    I am so happy you are back in the city you love!! fabulous series — one request (cause I know what I think means the world to you :-} ) though you have a lovely profile and the back of your head is delightful, I want to see the bliss and happiness on that pretty face — make love to the camera, my dear. LOL
    In all seriousness, enjoy it all!! and thank you for sharing some of it with all of us.
    ~Dawn

  • daryledelstein

    June 27, 2014
    reply

    thank you for sharing this emotional visit …

  • June 30, 2014
    reply

    i love the beautiful red roofs ! πŸ™‚

Leave a reply