Prague, Czech Republic

Prague was a destination that I added to my plans after I had made my initial travel route. Of course I have heard all the stories of beautiful Prague, but somehow it had not leapt off the page at me. Nevertheless, I was excited to go there, especially because I had found accommodation by emailing churches and asking them if any of their congregation would be willing to host me. I got a very warm reply from a Czech lady who said she and her sister would be glad to host me. I really love staying with locals when I travel, and this was my first time in contacting a church for a host, normally I couch surf or stay with friends (or sometimes family of friends!). I was looking forward to spending time with Christians in another country, and to be able to visit their church. The New Testament of the Bible describes how the first apostles of Jesus traveled by staying with believers in each city - hospitality is a big theme in the Bible - I guess I was trying this out!

I arrived in Prague and caught the subway and a tram to get to my hosts' apartment. It was a fabulous apartment with an incredible view over the suburbs of the city. My hosts Keri and Marketa made me dinner and we shared travel stories until late in the night. While chatting to me they were busy doing all sorts of baking and the sweet smells filled the whole apartment! The next day we had a relaxed morning and then Keri took me on a walk to a lovely park with an old church and cemetery. We ate ice cream and chatted and chatted and chatted. Eventually Keri had to get back to do some work, and so I continued into the city for my first glance at Prague. Keri told me that the best thing to do was to get lost in the city and just wander the alleys discovering all the little parts of the city. That is exactly what I did! I walked all through the city. In my travels I have been to many, many cities and after a while a city is just a city, buildings are just buildings, but I have to say that when I walked through Prague it was the first time in a long time that I was really taken aback. It was just beautiful. It had a great vibe to it - the throng of people, the small shops that line every street and alley. At sunset I headed for the river - the lifeblood of the city, and strolled along all the way to my subway station. I headed back home filled with energy and excitement for the rest of my stay!
The next day I had a relatively early start - after another deep chat with my wonderful hosts, and a hilarious moment when I accidentally put sour cream on my muesli instead of yogurt because the containers looked the same and were labelled in Czech! I got to the city and had a wonderful time, going slowly, ducking up and down different street. I saw the famous Astronomical clock strike the midday hour (to be honest, I was a little disappointed). I had a delicious soup at a restaurant for lunch (for the hefty price of €1) before crossing the famous Charles Bridge and exploring Prague castle and the surrounding areas. I met up with Keri, Marketa and some of their friends in a park. They were playing badminton and practicing slacklining, where you tie a special strap between two trees and try to walk across it. I was captivated by slacklining, and despite showing no natural ability for it whatsoever, I spent a good hour giving it a go! It was really fun. I am still in awe of how the European people enjoy and make use of their parks. There are always people walking through the park, sitting in the grass having picnics, practicing slacklining and all sorts of sports and exercises. From what I remember of New Zealand we didn't do that so much. That night the girls and I ate chocolate and sang cheesy country songs and love songs, such fun!
The next day was Sunday so we all went to church. It was very welcoming and I really enjoyed it. I met lots of new people, including a New Zealander who was living in Prague teaching at an International school. There us a huge expat community in Prague. Lots of Americans in particular live and work there. After church the girls went out for lunch with a friend, and I went back to the city to see the last few places that I had not explored. I had another lovely afternoon and then I walked back home in time to help the girls set things up for Marketa's birthday celebration. They had a few friends over and we had a great evening talking, sharing travel stories (I entertained them with all my crazy adventures!), and playing Pictionary. The friends left and the girls and I stayed up late talking.
The next morning I gathered my things and the girls accompanied me to the bus station where we said goodbye before I left on my way to Budapest.
When I travel I always say that it is all about the people, and it was again true in Prague, my trip was so special because of my wonderful hosts, but I do have to say that I was really blown away with Prague and I would really recommend it as a great holiday destination.