Thursday, July 6, 2006
I'm writing as we begin the second leg of our trip to Salzberg via rail. We rush to catch the train for Linz after arriving late to České Budějovice (pronounced chesky boo-day-yo-veet-say), our last moments with our two feet in the Czech Republic slipping away as we board the train. We now know to check the placards on the car for their final destination (train cars are frequently detached from on train and attached to another with passengers inside) and we've double-checked to make sure that we're sitting in the second class car matching our ticket (which is printed in Czech and German - no English) after getting kicked out of the first class car on the first leg of our journey. Confident that we've finally figured rail travel out, we can now relax as the miles and hours peel away as Linz draws nearer, sharing our cabin with four backpacking Germans and a Brazilian student while watching two Austrians kick around a miniature football (soccer to you and me) in the hallway.
Rewind.
Prague is an exceedingly beautiful city. I know that statement cannot begin to convey the awe and wonder that is experienced each time we round a corner. Down each street is a hodge podge of architectural styles: Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical and ultra-modern to name a few. Although they tend to be found in somewhat homogeneous clusters, no single rule can be applied to any single city block, which speaks to the age of the city and her many cultural and artistic movements.
Architecture aside, Prague's people have been gracious hosts. English is very pervasive here, and we've been able to communicate in a combination of broken English and the few Czech words and phrases we know in the other cases. Each meal has been a chance to meet new people, as tables are often placed close together. Meals often last two hours or more, with plenty chance to strike up a conversation with your neighbor. We have also made it out to neighborhood pubs and beer halls for the past two World Cup matches, making friends while knocking back mug after mug of Pilsner Urquell, Old Gott or Budvar while shouting at the TV screen.
Horni Dvoriste, our last stop in the Czech Republic, approaches. The Czechs have shown us a great time in "the golden city," and we hope to see them again. Until then, we bid Prague a fond "na shledanou" as we say "hallo!" to Salzberg.
Update: Added pictures!
2 comments:
You should have told them you're honeymooners and wanted a free upgrade to first class on the train! :)
I'm very impressed with your ability to pick up some Czech. I think all I remember from a year and a half ago is pivo and na stro ve (which I know I'm spelling wrong). But hey, beer and cheers are all you need to make a few friends!
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