Prague is a town that everybody in the Czech Republic should be proud of. Churches and cathedrals that remain after 500 years, cheap beer and a warmth that goes beyond the meteorological, it is a city with a place in my heart. And long may it remain there.
I first caught wind of Prague a few years ago, when a friend of mine and her school choir went to perform. I saw a couple of pictures, and that was enough for me to say, I'm going there one day.
Then the day arrived. It didn't quite get off to the best start, mind. A one hour flight delay in Hong Kong saw me miss my connection to Prague. I have a feeling it's not the first time this has happened - Cathay Pacific were awfully accommodating despite not really explaining why we were waiting.
But from there, I arrived in Prague to two people I know I will never forget. Lucie, a beautiful Czech girl I first met in the Cook Islands, was there with Libor, a character whose bubbly personality and guidance made me feel like I was at home.
While I've yet to see any other European city, it seems that Czech - and Prague in particular - is the quintessential European hub. Bathed in history, it can only be described as jaw dropping.
Admittedly I hadn't seen many historical buildings prior. There's the historic DEKA sign in Huntly, but it cant compete with a building that is some 500 years old.
Aside from the amazingly ornate buildings, Czech Republic is also known for something else. When people told me I'd be able to buy a beer in Czech for a cheeky dollar or two, I almost laughed at them. But now, having spent three and a half days in Prague, it's no joke. Half a litre of some of the best beer you will taste (Pilsner Urqwell is outstanding, Krusovice isn't far behind) is incredible.
But those aren't the most important parts for me. The opportunity to create and strengthen friendships with people halfway across the world is another reason why I think travelling and doing trips like these are so epically worthwhile.
I caught myself doing something a bit bizarre a couple of days ago, which was hard to describe to anybody let alone somebody whose English wasn't their first language.
While I was hanging with my friends Lucie, Libor and Irena at Naplavka, I shut my eyes and pictured myself back in Auckland, chilling at my flat and trying my best not to scowl at our fur-spraying cat.
Apart from thinking about Mojo, the reasons I think I am doing this is because it's like wan inverted day dream. Instead of closing my eyes and dreaming of these big, beautiful cities - here I am thinking of New Zealand!
Now it's absolutely nothing against Czech or any city I'll visit. But for me it's another way of expressing that all of this is a dream in itself. Hopefully you're still with me.
The fare in Prague is also delicious. I tried a traditional dish called svickova. which was almost like roast beef relaxing in gravy with jam and cream on top. Who ever thought that something so savoury and sweet could taste so good. I tried explaining the word 'hearty' to them.
But back to some wee highlights. The cathedral at Prague Castle was honestly probably the most incredible building I have ever seen in my life. It will be definitely hard to top! Also, there is the Old Town Square which I thought was bursting with atmosphere, and the beautiful Orloy church, where some interesting characters are involved at the change of hour in the watch tower.
Libor, his friend Vladimir and I hit the town fairly heavily on Friday night. Everything was great. The opportunity to have a bit of fun and see a different side to Prague was also a great point for me.
But I think the opportunity to showcase a bit of the Maori culture to them was emotionally poignant for me as much as it was for them. I did a Haka for them, gave them a hongi and presented them with special gifts from home. I almost cried as I discussed the historical significance of the gift, and I think they could see that :)
My train ride to Berlin was also interesting. I was talking with Heidi, an older Berliner who has spent time in Asia and was very fascinated by my decision to go travelling around Europe at 25.
I told her that for me this is a trip about self discovery, of finding out what I like and what I don't etc. She then hammered it home. She said if there would be a World War 4, given all the horrific actions taking place, there is a high chance more historic places could be lost. That's why you should never worry, she said. Take any chances to see things when the opportunity arises.
On reflection, there really can't be enough words to describe Prague. It really is one of the jewels in the European crown and reflecting on the photos (coming soon!) that I will forever recall with a smile on my face and a slight exhale filled with content
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