How fitting that Marco, in his typically erudite and evocative style, began his portrait of Prague with a reference to the great Franz Kafka. And how ironic, in this centenary year of Kafka's death, that we live in the word he depicted, where power is wielded with no fairness, no responsibility and, far too often, no consequences for those who abuse it. On a happier note, I was lucky enough to stay in the astonishingly opulent Andaz Hotel in central Prague just before Christmas in 2022 and was able to immerse myself in Kafka's city. Thank you, Marco, for reminding me of my trip and for encouraging me to get up at 5.30am next time I go!
Thanks for the vicarious trip to Prague, a place I have thought of visiting, mostly because of its deep connection to Franz Kafka. I’m ambivalent about those crowds, but the Sachertorte might make up for it. I love your elegant writing and recipes! I’m long overdue for attempting to make a Sachertorte!
You definitely should go. Despite the blots (and which major city doesn't have them) it's as beautiful as ever and like other overtouristed European cities (you know who you are Paris, Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Dubrovnik) should still be visited. With a little common sense the crowds can be avoided (well mostly)!
It's true. I discovered when I was in Venice last month that you have only to step off the trodden path to find yourself alone by a canal or in a beautiful church that's not IG-famous.
That's.lovely to hear, thank you Ruth! I'm pretty certain (such is its popularity) that Prague doesn't have an off season as such) but don't let our experience put you off visiting altogether.There's so much to see and experience in Central Europe and Prague doesn't have to be the focal point.
How fitting that Marco, in his typically erudite and evocative style, began his portrait of Prague with a reference to the great Franz Kafka. And how ironic, in this centenary year of Kafka's death, that we live in the word he depicted, where power is wielded with no fairness, no responsibility and, far too often, no consequences for those who abuse it. On a happier note, I was lucky enough to stay in the astonishingly opulent Andaz Hotel in central Prague just before Christmas in 2022 and was able to immerse myself in Kafka's city. Thank you, Marco, for reminding me of my trip and for encouraging me to get up at 5.30am next time I go!
Thank you, Bertie! What an irony, indeed.
Thanks for the vicarious trip to Prague, a place I have thought of visiting, mostly because of its deep connection to Franz Kafka. I’m ambivalent about those crowds, but the Sachertorte might make up for it. I love your elegant writing and recipes! I’m long overdue for attempting to make a Sachertorte!
Always a treat 'journeying' with your poignant, evocative writing. Hope to visit Prague someday.
Thanks Anupam. It's especially atmospheric in wintertime
Awesome read. I haven't been to Prague yet, but I've heard nothing but great things about it. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Glad you enjoyed it Brian. Despite the crowds it's still one of the world's most brautiful cities
I've never had a powerful desire to visit Prague, but now I'm intrigued despite the Primarks and the Thai massage shops.
You definitely should go. Despite the blots (and which major city doesn't have them) it's as beautiful as ever and like other overtouristed European cities (you know who you are Paris, Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Dubrovnik) should still be visited. With a little common sense the crowds can be avoided (well mostly)!
It's true. I discovered when I was in Venice last month that you have only to step off the trodden path to find yourself alone by a canal or in a beautiful church that's not IG-famous.
Exactly! Herds rarely stray off the overphotographed track.
Love this, I visited Prague over twenty years ago and loved it, thanks for sharing this!
A beautifully written tour of Prague. I won’t need a guide book or Google map, I shall follow in your footsteps.
Thanks so much, Robert! Hope you don't mind an early start!
Por supuesto, Amalia!
Glad it brought back some memories, Jolene. She's crowded these days but her cafes and cakes are as good as ever!
That's.lovely to hear, thank you Ruth! I'm pretty certain (such is its popularity) that Prague doesn't have an off season as such) but don't let our experience put you off visiting altogether.There's so much to see and experience in Central Europe and Prague doesn't have to be the focal point.
GRACIAS