Walk with Sandra: Prague, the Czech Republic

It took nearly half a day to drive from Warszawa to Prague. The journey was mostly smooth, aside from a brief moment of confusion in the morning when I struggled to find the Polish national road. I hadn’t realized I had it in me, but somehow, I mustered the energy and stamina to drive for almost 12 hours straight. We were all relieved - and grateful - to arrive safely in Prague, even if it was a bit later than planned.

Navigating the city, however, was a different challenge altogether. Finding my way to Emma Hostel, where I had booked our stay, turned into an incredibly stressful ordeal. After three stops to ask for directions and getting lost in translations, I found myself lost yet again. In that moment of frustration, I prayed for guidance, asking God to lead us safely to the hostel. Almost instantly, a quiet confidence washed over me - I felt as if I was being directed. I couldn’t explain the choices I made, the turns I took, or the sheer trust I had in my instincts, but miraculously, we arrived! It was AMAZING! What an incredible experience! God was truly with us. Praise the Lord!

That evening, we indulged in a late Chinese dinner at 9:30 PM (€15). After a warm shower, exhaustion finally set in, and we called it a night. Our two-night stay at Emma Hostel cost €91.50.

The next day, we set off on a city walking tour led by two volunteer tour guides. Though the tour was free, we gladly tipped them 1,100 Czech koruna (about €47) to show our appreciation for their time and effort. As we wandered through the streets, Prague unfolded before us - a city truly beautiful and romantic. I was captivated by the colorful, ornate buildings, their Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture styles whispering stories of the past.

Prague is a city steeped in meaning. Its name originates from the Old Slavic word Praha, linked to práh, meaning “threshold” or “ford,” referencing its location on the Vltava River. Often called the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague resonates deeply with Bohemian history, legends, and cultural symbolism, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and enchanting.

However, while the city’s beauty is undeniable, visitors should approach certain interactions with caution. Some restaurant and shop owners can be less than welcoming, with abrupt manners and unpredictable pricing. It’s wise to check your change carefully before leaving and to stand your ground when bargaining - being direct and assertive is often necessary.

Despite its architectural charm, my experience with local hospitality left much to be desired. Never before have I felt so cheated and unwelcome in a city. The disconnect between Prague’s majestic scenery and the cold, transactional nature of some interactions was disheartening. The lack of warmth toward tourists was certainly surprising. Visitors should remain vigilant, approach transactions with confidence, and be prepared for a more pragmatic rather than friendly cultural dynamic.

Above left: House at the Minute located in the Old Town Square ~ its facade is adorned with intricate sgraffito decorations, depicting scenes from Greek mythology, the Bible, and Renaissance legends. Franz Kafka and his parents lived on the second floor in the House at the Minute from 1889-1896.

Above: Old Town Hall Astronomical Clock ~ installed in 1410, it remains one of the oldest functioning astronomical clocks in the world. Though restored after WWII, its original mechanism still tracks the position of the sun and moon, zodiac signs, and Old Czech time.

Above: The Baroque St. Nicholas Church at Old Town Square, completed in 1737, originally belonged to the Catholic Church before passing to the Orthodox Church and later the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, which was founded here in 1920. The striking chandelier, a gift from Russian Tsar Alexander II in 1880, adds to the church’s grandeur.

Above left: Our guides for the day; Above right: St. Nicholas Church in Old Town (Staré Město)

Above left: The Church of Our Lady before Týn, a Gothic masterpiece, distinguished by its striking twin spires.

Above: Historic house signs in Old Town - used before house numbers became standard - reflect professions, noble emblems, and symbolic meanings tied to the buildings they mark. Prague is home to around 265 of these unique signs, preserving a rich architectural tradition.

Above left: The building’s facade features decorative frescoes, blending its rich historical roots with the vibrancy of modern-day businesses.

Above: The Basilica of St. James the Greater has a richly decorated Baroque interior

Above right: The organ inside The Basilica of St. James the Greater

Above left: The Franz Kafka statue by Jaroslav Rona, inspired by Kafka's short story: 'Description of a Struggle'. Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was a German-language writer from Prague, known for his exploration of absurdity, paranoia, existential dread, and oppressive systems. His legacy gave rise to the term "Kafkaesque," which describes situations that are bizarre, unjust, and eerily disorienting.

Above right: Spanish Synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter

Above left: The Old Synagogue Restaurant

Above right: The Old-New Synagogue (Altneuschul)

Above right: Old Town Bridge Tower

Above: On Charles Bridge

Above: The Vltava River

Above: The wall markings indicate significant flood years (1390, 1784, 1945, and 2002) showing how the water levels varied across centuries. The most recent inscription, from August 2002, refers to "hladina vody," meaning "water level" in Czech, commemorating the devastating flood that impacted much of Central Europe that year.

Above left: A historical water wheel

Above left: The John Lennon Wall ~ it became a symbol of freedom and resistance during the communist era in Czechoslovakia. After John Lennon's assassination in 1980, young Czechs, inspired by his music and ideals, began painting his portrait and writing lyrics on the wall; the wall remains a living monument to creativity and freedom

Above right: the rear façade of St. Nicholas Church in Lesser Town (Malá Strana)

Above left: Archbishop's Palace; Above right: Entrance to the Prague Castle ~ the grand gate is flanked by the Fighting Giants statues

Above left: St. George’s Basilica, founded in 920, is the oldest surviving church within Prague Castle. Its striking red and white facade and Romanesque architecture reflect centuries of history and restoration

Above right: St. Vitus Cathedral with its Gothic architecture - sharp spires, intricate stone carvings, and grand stained glass windows. It’s the largest and most significant church in the Czech Republic, deeply tied to the history of Bohemian kings and saints.