“when standing in the fantasies of the past…”

1 Beyond the Scenery

As we traveled by train from Krakow to Prague, departing from the easternmost point of Poland bordering Ukraine, I encountered friendly Ukrainian soldiers on the train, clad in uniforms and burdened with numerous luggage. It reminded me of a line from a Korean drama, “Protecting women, elderly, and children is my principle.” The enormity of political stances fades in the presence of individuals, evoking both admiration and sorrow.

As dawn broke, I finally got a clear look at the lady seated next to me. Despite our language barrier—trying both English and Polish—it wasn’t until she shared candies with us, wrapped in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, that we connected. She showed us the photos on her phone, presumably is her daughter, her smile radiating happiness, perhaps anticipating a reunion. It was hard for me to imagine her existence in a war-torn country.

My understanding of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict was akin to stories in history books, feeling somewhat distant. However, meeting these individuals associated with war made its brutality palpable. Countless happiness sacrificed in war—does prioritizing national interests truly hold validity, or should peace and happiness prevail?

On the train platform stood a set of sculptures depicting children forcibly separated from their families. Yet, nearby, there were vibrant scenes of passionate lovers embracing, and reunited families…

2 Immersed in the Experience

The scenery of Czechia leaves nothing to be desired, with Gothic architecture adorning the landscape, houses adorned with various colors and patterns, and humorous sculptures dotting the streets. The sunset reflecting off the red roofs cast a golden hue, while the Charles Bridge weaves together different narratives, connecting the city’s two ends.

During my three days in Prague, I indulged in numerous cups of coffee. Among them, Café Slavia stood out, recommended by a Turkish friend who spoke of a Turkish poet who, due to political reasons, found solace here and penned many verses. The poet, Şükrü Erbaş, seemed to lack recognition in China, perhaps due to my limited knowledge.

At this café, I ordered a Café de Absinthe, an espresso paired with absinthe and milk. Adorned with a star anise, it was also my first experience with coffee and alcohol combined, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The creamy foam carried the fragrance of absinthe, while the bottom espresso had a subtly sweet flavor akin to chocolate liqueur.

I also took respite in several corner cafés, experimenting with Americanos, espressos, and cappuccinos, often accompanied by a slice of cake. Watching the hustle and bustle outside from the comfort of a café was the most relaxing moment of my travels.

Apart from coffee, I also savored a homemade raspberry juice atop a hill in Prague. Most European coffees are served in hot, so indulging in an ice juice while basking under the sunlight after a day of climbing was truly blissful.

The cuisine across Eastern European countries doesn’t vary significantly. The same dish found in a Polish traditional restaurant appears in a Czech one as well. However, with an attitude of giving Eastern European cuisine one more chance, we visited a traditional Prague restaurant recommended by local friends. Surprisingly, it was also listed on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book). On the first night, I tried their soup, reminiscent of soy sauce beef broth—tender beef, though somewhat lacking in flavor beyond saltiness. However, the taste of the dark beer was exceptional. Unfiltered and abundant in hops, as a novice to alcohol, I nearly finished the 300-milliliter glass. The next day, we returned with empty stomachs and I ordered some ribs, reminiscent of the sweet and sour flavors found in Chinese cuisine. The meat was tender and fell off the bone with a mere touch, and the portion was generous.

The streets of Prague’s Old Town are filled with chimney cakes, a sweet treat originating from Hungary, On my last day in Prague, I finally indulged in one, opting for the luxurious pistachio flavor. The inside of the bread ring was filled with rich ice cream, while the outer layer was delightfully crunchy. Definitely worth a try.

3 What is Besides

Besides indulging in food and drink, exploring attractions is a must. Prague blends natural beauty with cultural classics exceptionally well, with most attractions concentrated on both sides of the Charles Bridge. Upon asking local students in Prague, we were recommended a place called Vítkov, a small hill offering a fantastic view of Prague. There, we could observe locals walking their dogs, exercising, and basking in the sunlight. The museum at the top of the hill was free to enter, which meant access to free restrooms (a rare find!), and I spent a relaxing two hours enjoying the raspberry soda on the observation deck outside.

Many Chinese people know about Prague because of Jay Chou’s song, but Prague doesn’t actually have a square, nor does it have a wishing pool. The Old Town is adorned with numerous churches. My Italian companion was a church enthusiast, and I joined him in visiting many churches. The murals inside the churches were breathtaking, with the organ music echoing and the exquisite color combinations and intricate wall decorations leaving us in awe. Each time I visited a church, I regretted not knowing more about Christian religious knowledge.

Apart from the Charles Bridge, Prague’s most famous landmark is probably the Clementinum, a historic complex of libraries. I passed by it several times while strolling through the Old Town but, for various reasons, never went inside to explore.Pity left for next time 🙂

Prague is steeped in cultural heritage, with art filling the city, even in random encounters at small shops. Beyond the tourist-packed Old Town, street graffiti, murals, and slogans are still visible everywhere. I stumbled upon an elderly lady sketching against a wall, next to a red convertible flower cart. People express their emotions through various art forms, and one memorable encounter was at the Kafka Museum entrance, where there were two urinating men sculptures. Initially amusing, I later learned from the tour guide that the “pool” beneath the installation actually represented the shape of Czech Republic on the map, with the two urinating men symbolizing two politicians.

What made this trip particularly interesting was when we opted for a free guided tour with a legendary theme. Despite the rain steadily increasing, the guide, holding up an umbrella, narrated stories for an hour and a half. As the rain intensified, my attention gradually waned, and I ‘m sorry that I can only caught about 70% of his tales…

4 Random Scribbles

A Prague classmate told me that North Korea is now using Czech trams, supposedly because of the superior quality of Czech trams.

The iron framework next to the Charles Bridge is filled with love locks. The guide said the origin of these locks is from an Italian novel, which surprised the Italians when they heard about it, and I asked why. He said because the author of the book is still alive. So, that’s legendary, haha!

The elevators in Prague’s subway are surprisingly fast, especially at the station where my hostel was located. You need to time it right to jump on the elevator and grab the handrail.

There are many eggs inside the Charles Bridge, and experts have indeed found egg components within the Charles Bridge.

Prague is said to have the highest number of people engaged in the adult entertainment industry.

I originally wanted to experience the strip clubs and feel some huge muscles, but my companions weren’t interested in for their sexual orientation, so I had to leave with some other regret. lol

When there was nothing to talk about during the trip, we would teach each other’s languages. I picked up a Turkish book from my friend and try to read it, and I learned “oh my god” from the Italians. I also taught them “help me” and “I love beer” in Chinese…

To be continued…