PRAGUE: from the Sublime to the Ridiculous

                                                     Welcome Praha 

When I first visited Prague, fifteen years ago, I thought it was the most beautiful city in the world. So it was with great anticipation that Robin, Bill and I decided to spend Easter Sunday there. What was discovered was a great contrast: soaring spires drew our eyes upwards, but the almost impenetrable crowds, the kitsch, even the prostrate beggars gave us an impression of a downward spiral -- once-great spaces brought to a mundane level of commerce, rampant tourism, the sacred day of Easter marked by a roaring, raging parade of four-wheeled ATVs.

Ah, but still we relished the graceful lines of rooftops against the vivid blue of sky, the delicate tracery of Art Nouveau gateways, the achingly beautiful buildings, touched with gold, their paintings carefully preserved, the ubiquitous towers. Still sublime.

      Wenceslas 'Square'

    Charles Bridge

                                          Charles Bridge 'Guards'

                        Charles Bridge Portrait Artist

                        Charles Bridge Denizens

 

     Robin in the Old Town Square

 

Old Town Square &  Our Lady Before Tyn Church

 
    Our Lady Before Tyn Church-drawn by Cynthia

Town Hall

Gliding Man

    Astrological Clock

                         Trompe L'Oeil Painted Building

     Massed ATV's
 

    Selling British Lingerie

 

 
     Franz Kafka Statue