A Slow Sunday

As long term travelers we have learned to mix up our days of intensive activity with a few slow days.  This rebuilds both our stamina and our enthusiasm.  In Prague most Sundays are easy going both because many shops and cafe’s are closed and we try to avoid the extra busy tourist centers.

Charles U Botanical Garden pathThis last Sunday we wanted to take advantage of a free cake offer at the Costa Coffee at Karlovo namesti so I looked over the map to see what was near there that we had not seen lately.  The Charles University Botanical Garden jumped out at me as a big green space surrounded by buildings.  We had been in their green houses several times but had only seen a small portion of the outside gardens because we usually visited in the winter.

Contorted Pine at Botanical GardenBoth Karin and I had our expectations exceeded by the scope and beauty of the space. I am not that much into gardens but the tremendous variety in species was highly interesting.  A large number of plants, shrubs and trees had descriptive signs, though few words in English, but also a large number had no signs.  Perhaps the highlight for both of us was the Geology section because the explanations were in Geology exhibit at Botanical GardenEnglish as well as Czech.

Seed pod collectionAs long as I have known Karin–a whole lotta years–she has collected seed pods.  This day she was in hog heaven as the ground was covered with collectible items.  All in all we had an excellent adventure walking up, down and around along the many paths.

 

To top it off the free cake–chocolate tort with pistachios and other stuff– at Costa Coffee was delicious.  I am not a fan of their coffee or prices but Karin likes the atmosphere and they always seem to have the best locations.

So what is your favourite way to spend a slow Sunday?

Photos by Karin

Prague cemetery to become celebrated

Street of buildings in cemetaryOlšany, the biggest cemetery in Prague, although not featured on our Favourites page, is, nevertheless, a place we visit often.  We wrote about it here and Karin has a photo journal here.

Now, according to a recent press release from the Czech News agency it will no longer be known to locals only. The Prague Cemeteries Management wants to attract both locals and tourists by organizing cultural and social events on its 50-hectare premises.

Martin Červený, director, would like picnics and workshops in the Olšany Cemetery, as well as readings from books of authors who are buried here. He suggested, “Outside the cemetery gate, a café could serve up black coffee and a popular Czech dessert with whipped cream called “rakvička,” or small coffin.”

Most decorated grave“We would like to present Olšany Cemetery as a cultural site that is open to the living,” Červený said.  “Such is progress,” I say.  What say you?  Please comment.

Prague Walk About — March

Walking from Vyton tram stop towards Vysehrad we passed under the railroad tracks and what to our wondrous eyes appeared:  a photo shoot!  Anyone browsing the internet or receiving emails of fantastic photos would have seen this type of photo.  We thought it quite something to see how it was done.  I was surprised at the time and expense involved; there was at least a crew of six people and many pieces of electronic equipment.  Is this art or a commercial product?

Merge with background photo, blend, meld in PragueProduction of merge, blending photos with background, Prague  Unique Prague experience, photo of merge photo
Please click to enlarge.

Below are some other images I snapped on my camera phone while walking about Prague this March.

Soldiers in Prague park

Being American I was at first unnerved at seeing this group of Iron Curtain looking soldiers in a public park.  I don’t know if these are real or actors.

 

 

Russian Lada in Prague

 

Another remnant of Communism:  an old Russian Lada.

 

Recycle retro clothes in Prague

 

At the recycle depot:  a remnant of some one’s poor taste?  It was a good-looking jacket, except for the color, of course.

 

Kampa Island

This morning I read again Karin’s account of our visit to Kampa Island.  Once again I was impressed with the quality of her photos, the appropriateness of her researched comments and with her evocative imagination.  She is a most excellent personal tour guide.  In relation to the caption of the last photo, I am indeed a lucky man.