Powerful Prague

Posted by Kara Kostanich Categories: Blog

Eastern Europe has always been a mystery to me. The iron curtain, concentration camps and communism. It seems so far from the safe world I know as an American.

A time in history incredibly horrific to read about, let alone actually endure. It’s part of the reason I wanted to travel here. While these days have past for Eastern Europe, I can tell you it’s not forgotten.

More than two decades of freedom has marked a new beginning for the Czech Republic. But the remnants of communism are still etched on the faces and hearts of the Czech. While the beauty of Prague is greater than I could have ever imagined—it’s people seem sad, lost and “soulless.”

Even so, everyone I know who has visited Prague raves about the experience. My expectation of greatness was coupled with curiosity for a city I had never visited.

The weather has been on our side. I’ve photographed a sunrise, a sunset and everything in between.

Prague’s public transportation makes navigating the city a cinch. An all day pass for 100 Czech Koruna ($5.70 U.S.) allows you to ride the tram, metro and bus endlessly.

Graffiti is everywhere in Prague and I expect we’ll see it all over Eastern Europe. Above is the “Lennon Wall” where the Czech people paid tribute to John Lennon’s musical ideas after he died. The wall is remembered as a place that gave hope to locals craving freedom. It’s still written on today. We even left our mark. And apparently pop culture has too. I managed to find Charlie Sheen’s coined phrase “Tiger Blood.” See bottom right picture above.

Thanks goodness we’re spending most of our days walking around Prague since we’re also eating our way through the city! Larisa and I have indulged in some scrumptious sweets and treats.

Above are some images that caught my eye that seem to make Prague tick:

*Puppets

*Glass Art

*Antiques

*Faith

*Music

We’ve been very spoiled thanks to Larisa’s friend, Barb. She’s lived in Prague for 10 years working for Young Life International and spent the day showing and sharing a locals perspective.

I have never been a traveler who brings home souvenirs from a trip. Maybe a piece of art here, a coffee table book there. I never wanted my house to look like a hodgepodge of various counties around the globe. But in Prague I gave in. Being a Northwest girl I love blown glass art. I hope you like it as much as do!! I’m not lugging my new bowl and vase in my backpack—it has been shipped home.

And soon we’ll be shipping off to another country ourselves.

Till next time…Carpe Diem.