Straddling the Vltava River, the gorgeous capital of the Czech Republic that will enchant you with her subtle charms. If a billion cobblestones could only talk…
Prague City Views
View from Castle Hill
View from Letna Park
Prague Metro, Tram, & Bus System
24 Hour Metro Pass
Wencelas Square
Famous Sights
Astronomical Clock
Flying Man
Second World War Memorial
Dancing House
Lennon Wall
Czech Food & Drink
Hot Dog Stand
Steak Tartare
Pilsner Urquell
Budvar (The original Budweiser)
Prague Castle
Charles Bridge
Prague TV Tower
Jewish History
Jerusalem Synagogue
Holocaust History “Never Forget”
Old Jewish Cemetery
Pinkas Synagogue
Prague Street Scenes
These super cool construction workers taught me how to do this and even let me install a few cobblestones!
Cutest Doggie having separation anxiety on the street.
Falun Gong (Fact of Fiction?)
Fuck Wars, Graffiti
Prague Music
Polka Band!
Hurdy Gurdy Man!
Favorite People
Super cool young people standing up to cancer
My old friend Rostislav (Rosta, Rosty, or just Rost), the Jim Carrey of Czechia!
My new friend Antonin, a farmer from the countryside
My long time friend Dalibor (who I met on the train from Krakow years before) & Frank at Kulatak. Dalibor played an active part in the 1989 Velvet Revolution that lead to the collapse of the Soviet Union and has plenty of stories to tell.
Jah Koko & Kenny’s Island
My mid-afternoon visit to Jah Koko and Kenny’s Island made the owners a bit paranoid, worried that I was an uncover cop sent to bust them for doing things that Rastafarians do. After a few tense moments, it all worked out fine and I eventually joined them for a drink.
A military fortress built in the 18th century, commandeered by the Gestapo during the Second World War and transformed into a ghetto and concentration camp.
Terezín (just North of Prague) is duly preserved as a memorial to the more than 150,000 Jews (including 15,000 children) who were arrested and confined here.
While not designed as an extermination camp, about 33,000 people died here, primarily from malnutrition and disease, and more than 88,000 people were held here before being deported to extermination camps elsewhere. It is estimated that only 23,000 survived.
Noteworthy for being the birthplace of Pilsner beer and a mecca for beer lovers.
The Main Square
The Plzeň Synagogue
Plzeň Street Life
Hockey is a Religion here!
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
By the way, “Pilsner” is German, not Czech, and literally means “of/from Plzeň”.
The pleasure and privilege of enjoying a glass of unfiltered, unpasteurized pilsner freshly poured from the original barrels in the cold, damp historic cellar where pilsner beer was invented! Na zdraví! Cheers!
World War II History & Remembrances
American soldiers duly remembered and honored.
General George S. Patton is still held in high regard here.
In the region of Czechia known as Bohemia, Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad, Karlsbad) is a uniquely inviting spa town. Ensconced in a gorgeous wooded valley straddling the Tepla River, the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere is nothing short of magical.
The only eyesore in the whole valley is the Soviet-era Hotel.
Buy one of the uniquely shaped and elegant spa cups…
… (a great souvenir and gift idea) and…
… and drink the hot mineral water from one of the many fountains.
Stroll along the river, enjoy the unique atmosphere, and just follow your instincts.
Rudolph Sanatorium
Cyrillic Signs for the many Russian Tourists.
The very special coffee at Respirium Cafe, made with Becherovka and mineral water.
Straddling a serpentine stretch of the Vltava River and protected by an imposing castle above, the pedestrian-friendly medieval town of Český Krumlov is an absolutely enchanting trip back in time…
Capping off a storybook day with an intimate evening of food, drink, and soul-stirring gypsy music!
4 thoughts on “Postcards from Czechia: If a Billion Cobblestones Could Only Talk”
Frank, great pics as usual; you have a gift for capturing a place’s vibe. I tried to read the picture of the newspaper, but my old eye only allowed the headlines. Ten or so years ago, Cillian Murphy made a compelling film called “Anthropoid” based on true events of the Czech resistance.
Thanks for digging the pix, Michael, and for the most kind words. And thanks for the movie recommendation. I look forward to checking it out and learning more. A hearty toast with a Czech Pilsner!
A couple of notes to add to your wonderful guide book, Frank. The word “Sonderhandlung,” special handling, was a powerfully ironic reference used by the Nazis, who thus categorized the Jews to be murdered. Also, there is one of the finest concert halls in the world in Prague, the Rudolfinium.
Frank, great pics as usual; you have a gift for capturing a place’s vibe. I tried to read the picture of the newspaper, but my old eye only allowed the headlines. Ten or so years ago, Cillian Murphy made a compelling film called “Anthropoid” based on true events of the Czech resistance.
Thanks for digging the pix, Michael, and for the most kind words. And thanks for the movie recommendation. I look forward to checking it out and learning more. A hearty toast with a Czech Pilsner!
A couple of notes to add to your wonderful guide book, Frank. The word “Sonderhandlung,” special handling, was a powerfully ironic reference used by the Nazis, who thus categorized the Jews to be murdered. Also, there is one of the finest concert halls in the world in Prague, the Rudolfinium.
“Sonderhandlung” is a new euphemism for me. So heartbreaking and infuriating.
Alas, I’ve not been to Rudolfinium. If I ever get back to Prague, I’ll be sure to enjoy and concert there.
All the best.