Prague Continued

Worsening roads and jaywalking – cause for concern in Czech Republic


Steve Dew-Jones:

The drive from Dresden, Germany was short (a little over 100km), but relatively time-consuming as roads narrowed. Single-lane carriageways and a heavy downpour made the drive much longer than anticipated and I found myself strangely tired upon our arrival at Hostel Elf in Prague (a hippie jaunt not too dissimilar to the Kangaroo Hop in Dresden).

It was here in Prague where we had our first incident with the authorities. A spot of jay-walking (Bryn’s fault) saw us part with a 100 Czech koruna (£3) as we bumped into a couple of uniformed police officers on the opposite side.

It seems the Czechs take seriously the Soviet policies from their time in the Union. Half of me was tempted to blindly refuse to pay due to my observation of an insignificance of our felony, but thankfully my three counterparts were more sensible.

Its hard to believe this is my third visit to the Czech capital. It maintains an instant charm as ever. Pastel colours clothe the houses of cobbled streets in this jolly city, in which we have enjoyed traditional goulash, pastries and Pilsner in its famous square.

Jo Dew-Jones:

A series of long walks

So off we headed down the hill,
And, setting quite a healthy pace,
We found the long way into town;
Rest day, you see – no need for haste.

Grand buildings were our view en route;
With landmarks falling into place
We rounded on the river’s side
And found a café for our base.

When rested, caffeine’d and blogged
We wandered further on, until
We found Charles Bridge and over strode
Ascending then the cobbled hill.

The views of Prague from there were vast –
We gazed until we’d had our fill,
On castle grounds we ate our lunch
And marvelled at the soldiers’ drill.

(Refrain:
I think I’ll put my jacket on –
It’s rather chilly, though still bright.
Oh, now the sun is back again.
So, jacket off? I think I might.)

We ambled down and crossed the bridge
The Jewish Quarter now in sight.
Then, oddly, spotted human cows:
Free ice cream? You’re sure? Mmm, that’s right!

(Refrain)

The time just three, we thought we would
Have tea à l’Elf, so out of town
We walked, a new path found, but oh!
It seems we’re stuck! There’s no way down!

A kindly chap came to our aid
Through building works, down steps and round.
We rested up, then ambled back
To taste good food of Czech renown.