The suitcase diaries: SUSPENSION of life.. Prague

As a walked through the intertwining pathways in the heat of the European sun, my tour guide rambled on about King Charles the fourth...my mind drifted and I couldn't help but have a big smile on my face...

How good is this? I said to the Italian that had joined us... and I will never forget his words as he fumbled to find the right way to say what he felt..." It its ...suspension of life" I asked what he meant already knowing the answer but wanting to hear him explain in his slightly broken English. Its life, but the suspended one, it takes you higher, a little faster and the view is better. I could not agree more.

Life in itself is a blessing , but when life is better than good... I am suspended, and by suspended I by no means restrained, if anything I am lifted to a euphoric state, absorbing the pleasures of my state, knowing that it will settle back down and this can't last forever.

Prague was my Suspension of Life

Winding street, cobblestones creating click clack noise as the cars and hooves of horses clamber onwards, the smell of beer, the castle shadowing the city, the coolness of the air as you walk over Charles Bridge and see the shimmer on the Vltava river, you so badly want to dip into it and really submerse yourself in this jewel of a city.

The river is crossed by 18 bridges but the most fascinating would have to be Charles bridge, at each section there are sculptures, some speak of horror, others of delight but the bridge in all its glory is a tourist haven.

In the four days I was there, I managed to cram enough to walk away and feel pleased and satisfied with my endeavours but still feel relaxed.

Our first day was a walk along the bridge as the sun set, a hot air balloon sweeped the skyline, the water still, and the eve palmy...it was an exceptional start and welcome.

A delicious Italian meal with some spectacular wine set off my visit into a great culinary experience. Prague like other Northern european cities are known for their starch based meals, cabbage, pork, dumping, meat and beer. Not exactly my idea of indulgence but dig in and you will find it all too pleasing.

If I made a list of what needs to be seen and you must do: this is it

a beautiful eve deserves a beautiful view, go up to Petrin hill by tram, pack a picnic or jut grab a beer at the garden cafe, go up Pragues baby version of the Eiffel tower and get an al round view of Prague, take a stroll down, as the walk is short
Charles bridge; just go and maybe get a sketch done
Vltava river paddle, grab a paddle boat in the early morn or late afternoon especially in summer for 120 czech per boat and that gives you an hour which is just enough
Thai massage, if you are feeling the burn and your feet are crying out after all the waling, grab a thai foot massage, short but effective
A vintage ride through the city is a must, we got a Jerry, an enthusiastic and accommodating driver. We were picked up outside our hotel in a red vintage, champagne awaiting , as we swirled through the streets our first stop was the ...
John Lennon wall represents freedom, it was started by the youths of the city and still carries on today, Original graphic art is long gone but every few years new ones are sprayed, truly something to see
A stone throw away from the Lennon wall is the love lock bridge, I try and find one of these every place I go, Poland, Paris and now Prague. Grab a lock, write you and your loved ones name in, try and find a spot to lock it and then throw the key in the stream, now ur in love forever
Avoid Kampa restaurant, over priced and the service is terrible, try Minstral Cafe for their goats cheese salad or The School for an awesome Ceaser salad or Arrabiata pasta...awesome!!!!
Try an old pub, great spots just below the castle, grab a traditional czech beer and avoid the Pilsner, you wont regret it. A meat platter is also a great idea.
Tour of the castle and surrounding areas is a great way to get some history behind this amazing city, we got the four hour one which was adequate by a long shot
The castle is a must see
All over the city you will find some great art, look out for works by the controversial, David Cerny, the revolvers are my favourite
I tried the fruit dumplings but if you don't like doughy foods, avoid avoid avoid
Inferno restaurant was a highlight, Angelina and Brad have been here for dinner :) Summer months it is quiet, we almost had the whole restaurant to ourselves. TRY the duck....wow, the romantic moody colours combined with the cave walls create an intense atmosphere but in a good way
p.s Don't get ripped off by a taxi, always check there is a meter or negotiate, they are dodgy
The astronomical clock...enough said
A drink out, go to the James Dean bar r just wander the street, your gonna get dragged i somewhere amazing, and go balls to the wall and have yourself a absinth

Graffitti

Quite a view on the hill of the castle

Minstral cafe...fantastic

Absinth :)

Our little vintage ride

A birthday dinner at the castle

So basically what I am trying to say is GET YOUR ASS TO PRAGUE, and experience a holiday like no other. It is affordable by European standards, beautiful and well, its just gonna steal your heart.