Story / 25 Sep 2014 / 0 COMMENTS

Catching up with friends in Prague

After a long bus ride I finally arrived at Prague central station. The sun had already set and I was slightly worried that Kate, Adam and Ellie who were going to pick me up from the station, didn’t get my message that I would be two hours late.

There was no sign off them anywhere so I tried calling, but Kate’s phone was switched off. Damn it I thought, now what? I decided to head inside the station and find my way to their house from there. Then I remembered that Ellie must have her phone with her, I tried calling. One ring, two rings “Hello?” her quite voice was instantly recognisable and made me feel reassured that everything was going to be ok. I asked her where they were and they said the I should come back up to the bus stop. Strange I thought, wasn’t it easier to meet at the exit? Anyway, I went up the escalator and there they were, singing Happy Birthday with a birthday cake. Now I understood why they wanted me to come all the way back up, as they went to great lengths to set up their surprise reception.

With that great start, a mix of great food, rock-climbing, sightseeing, photography, fabulous weather and off course the company of my best friends, my stay in Prague couldn’t have been any better.

Although I had been to Prague before I was still obsessed to get that perfect shot of Charles Bridge, even waking up at 6am to beat the crowds and catch the sunrise. Cities in the morning do have a special atmosphere to them. Not only are they early empty as everyone else is either sleeping or getting ready for the day, but the ever increasing pace of the city as it comes back to life is a wonderful thing to observe.

After three days we had to drop Ellie off in order for her to catch her flight back. This was also my last night so we headed to the castle for me to take some more pictures. The weather had changed considerably from the last warm late summer days to a windy, cold but dramatic autumn spectacle. Dark clouds contrasted with the golden light bouncing of the many towers, houses and spires that made Prague so unique. With that my last day in Prague was perfect.

Again thank you Kate and Adam for being such great hosts, not only did you provide me with a comfy place to stay but were the best guides that one could wish for. Without you I wouldn’t have found all the great places to eat, especially the most authentic Vietnamese food I had so far in my life. And that park with the peacocks hanging in the trees or that rooftop cafe with stunning views and that amazing banana shaped chocolate pastry filled with the most delicious vanilla custard.

The following are a couple of photos that should give an impression of my four day stay in Prague: