Day 184 of 366: Waking up in the City

Capturing sunrise on Charles Bridge has always been my nemesis. It always seemed to be full of photographers no matter the weather. Naively I thought that in the middle of summer, when the sunrise is so early, I will be more lucky. So I got up at 4 am, full of excitement and hope, and walked to the bridge through Kampa, my favourite part of Prague. Unfortunately I was heading for a spectacular disappointment. There were not many photographers, but there were a lot of drunks coming back from stag night parties, making so much noise that the whole idea of having a quiet moment before the day begins, went straight down the drain.

So I walked down under the bridge and found a little spot where I could hide away at least for a while, and where the noise was a bit more distant and not so disturbing. I was rewarded with the most beautiful colours in the sky when the sun started to rise. Not all lost. As for Charles Bridge, there is always next time.

Waking up in the City

Kampa island is one of very few remaining places in Prague which is not flooded with crowds. Early mornings are especially magical.

Summer Morning
It Feels Like Coming Home

Prague has many enchanting parks and gardens, so you can escape the crowds and city noise, and find a peaceful space just for yourself.

Views from the Prague Castle are very special. The unique beauty of red rooftops is unfortunately disappearing too. The original roof tiles are being replaced and the chimneys repaired.  Why does it feel that modern times are destroying some of the past's charm?

Another busy day is over. The shadows of the night fall upon the city and enshroud it in their mystical darkness.

I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain—and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.

I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
One luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.

Robert Frost

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