Prague

Fifteen years ago, Prague was every backpacker’s dream. Far from the nearest Western European tourist destination, it was untouched by the Second World War and cheap, a sort of hidden European oasis with 4 Euro hostel beds and beer for even less.

Since then, the rest of the world has caught on to this gem of a city. And it really is a gem. The political history is fascinating, having been absorbed by the Nazis and later “freed” from them by the Communist Soviets, who imposed yet another form of dictatorship upon the population. Hitler loved Prague and planned to make it the cultural capital of his empire. Throughout it all the Czech people resisted and their enduring spirit is often praised.

The city is wonderful to wander. The old cobblestoned areas are so expansive that they extend beyond what one can walk in a day (or perhaps, what I can walk in a day). We took one of the Free Europe tours that operate in major European cities which enabled us to get our bearings (I highly recommend them if you’re ever in Europe). We explored the Jewish Quarter, once the city slum, now the area that boasts such shops as Louis Vuitton and Prada. We crossed over the famous Charles Bridge (which was really just a bridge with lots of tourists) to the John Lennon Wall, an ever-changing wall of graffiti dedicated to the theme of peace. It was very colourful and covered in peace signs and bible verses and lyrics from Beatles songs, the sorts of things I love.

On our first night in town I dragged a jet lagged Katie to the main Old Town Square (what a good sport!), where we climbed the beautiful tower of the astronomical clock and got a view of the city as twilight began to settle in. We could see the castle, the fall market, the streets and the Tyn Cathedral, which was far more beautiful from up high than on the ground. Perhaps it had something to do with the moon rising brightly from behind.

Despite our meager budget, we were still able to sample plenty of Czech food. We found a bakery around the corner from our hostel that sold delicious and decently-sized pastries for as little as 12 cents. There was also a fall spice festival in the main town square for the time we were there which boasted multiple pigs roasting on spits. Oh, the heavenly aromas that manifested themselves in that square! Bratwurst on a baguette was a filling dinner for only 3.50 Euros, and a lunch of baked and fried potatoes smothered in three melting cheeses cost me only 2 Euros.

Prague is the Europe that so many North Americans dream of. It is as big as a city but as quaint as a wealthy medieval town, growing in character with each passing century.

(Oh, and a quick logistical note: if anyone is planning on visiting Prague, I would encourage you to stay at the Mosaic House, a palace of a hostel, which set our standards high from the very beginning of our adventure.)