Reflections on Prague

Doors of Prague:
While in Prague we had fun doing a few tasks. Firstly, of the first four to be in Prague, we each took an American chain and photographed each location we could find. KFC won. We could only find a couple of Starbucks and one Hooters. Secondly, we did a project. Like an artist had done, we set out to photograph all the amazing doors of Prague. So many of the doors are as beautiful or more beautiful than the buildings that possess them.

Food & Drink:
Prague is a place of amazingly cheap food and drink. At most places, the beer we ordered was cheaper than water. At the first restaurant we went to, the one tucked away between two apartment buildings, my whole meal was three pounds. The food does not suffer in quality. Prague food has a homeade feel about it and every dish I had was delightful. Being vegetarian wasn't difficult :)

Some meals that particularly stuck out:
Perpetuum: A place known for its duck. When I told the waiter I was vegetarian he suggested that I have the chef do a special. My meal turned out to be creamy chestnut soup and a mushroom risotto topped with a scoop of homemade mushroom ice cream.
Bellavista: The restaurant at the monastery that overlooks Prague. I had mushroom and potato soup in a bread bowl.
The Globe: The English bookstore's cafe. I had a Spinach Burger made of spinach, walnuts, onions, mushroom and Balkan cheese. mmhmm
Everywhere: Trdlo. A deliciously grilled pastry made of bread, sugar and spices. It is served at almost any outdoor bakery and was often our chosen snack.

Drinking in Prague was different for me than drinking in Scotland. In Prague, as the guide book said, drinking happens at most meals and is even acceptable at breakfast. Most of our meals were accompanied by wine or beer. However, the thing I liked most about Prague was the availability of hot, mulled wine. While walking, I could usually find a street vendor with mulled wine. On a chilly day it was the perfect cure and relaxant. A new favorite of mine that I will bring to the states.

Architecture:
The town is beautiful. While walking, I noticed that each building looks as it comes from another part of the world. In seconds, it felt as if I was in Italy, France, the UK and home. The architecture truly made Prague feel comfortable. Nothing felt too foreign. Just a little part of everywhere that could relate to anyone.

People
English is not the first language, nor is it necessarily a commonly known language. Frequently I would notice I was unable to communicate with the locals. However, most had a very friendly and helping attitude. They would try to understand and attempt to point you to the right place or one they thought appropriate.

Czech is its own thing. We attempted learning to pronounce some Czech and I'd say we did a good job. With each brief lesson from the guide book we attempted to try and pronounce a formally seen word the correct well. By the end we were saying "Goodmorning" and "Thank You".

Exploring & History:
Don't go to Prague with a plan and don't take public transportation. It felt so good to just be there and come up with ideas day by day, hour by hour. We walked everywhere. Prague is a city designed for a visitor to explore and enjoy.

Conclusion:
I could not have asked for a better place to visit. It's beautiful and welcoming. I felt great. The only regret I have is that I didn't make it out to Depo Hostivař ;).