Prague/Praha

Box ticked. Done. We won’t be back.

Sorry if that sounds harsh but Prague did not float my boat.

The crowds made Cesky Krumlov look deserted. People seemed to be in some sort of zombie trance, anything seemed worthy of staring at even if it was someone blowing bubbles.

The architecture is interesting but it’s a schizophrenic mish mash, a time travelling town planner’s idea of a nightmarish joke.

This city doesn’t seem authentic, It seems to exist only for the tourist Koruna. I’m mystified by its attraction to be honest. Other than the stags, clearly there for the prostitutes.

There is an undercurrent of seediness. 4 wheel drive Maseratis, top end Mercedes and Teslas were ten a penny. Also so many “money exchange” shops. Very convenient for washing dirty money. Doesn’t take a genius to see what’s going on here.

The most interesting part of our day our in Prague was getting there. We caught the train from Dobrichovice. It took 45 minutes and cost €6. Return. For both of us. Why does anyone even bother to drive here?

We shared our journey with a large group of teenagers who were on some sort of summer camp. They were having a great time, chatting,flirting,playing cards. Not a phone in sight. I’ll repeat that – not one phone in sight. Were they aliens from another planet who hadn’t done their research properly? Didn’t they realise what a major cock up it was not to have phones? No-one talks to each other any more. Foolish aliens. They certainly had the behaviour off to a tee though. I particularly liked the young man dragging the girl along the station floor by her leg.

It was a relief to be back in Dobrichovice. Mind you, I am starting to wonder who actually owns those beautiful villas we were looking at yesterday. I’m not surprised they don’t want anyone wandering about their private roads.

Tomorrow we move on to Pec Pod Snezkou. (No I’m not making that up.) We are aiming to walk up the highest peak in Czechia. Its called Snezka and straddles Poland. Hope the weather holds.