Location Notations

“THEM”

Location Notations
Charles Bridge (Karlův most) // 6.8.2019

One of the things I’ve found most culturally appealing about Prague is its level of tourism at this time of year; of the places I’ve visited in my life so far, the city seems to strike a happy-medium between the over-commercial and the local. Even some of the most scenic or historically significant parts of Prague have been less crowded than I’d expect during early summer. But I’ve also been warned by my professor that, come the end of our study program, popular places like Old Town Square will be so bustling with tourists that you can’t see the concrete of the plaza.

There’s something special to be said about the timing of our trip and the many sites we’ve visited outside the hustle and bustle of tourist season. While having more English speakers in the area would make certain things easier, stripping away the buzz of tourism leaves so much more room for true culture to shine through. I’d like to label myself as a student distinct from a tourist. Indeed my fellow students and I fill 95% of the space on our cameras with pictures of the local culture per our assignments, trying our best to blend in with our surroundings. Yet, admittedly there are little moments throughout our days where I’d love to strike a pose in front of the stunning scenery that constantly surrounds us.

The girl pictured above started modeling right next to a group of us who were soaking in the perfect weather on a ledge near Charles Bridge. She looked so effortless and confident as she posed that it was impossible for me not to pull out my own camera to grab a few shots, catching the tourist in the act with a beautiful scene to frame her. I bet the Instagram photos she got from that shoot were all things glamorous.

“WE ARE NOT BLIND.”

Location Notations
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) // 6.5.2019

The Czech Republic has found its voice, and history is being written because of it.

Without getting into the messy details, the Czech are currently in the midst of protesting the recent actions of their prime minister, Adrej Babis, who is believed to have committed EU subsidy fraud. What is being called the largest Czech rally since the Communist era took place in Wenceslas Square yesterday, and it was covered by some of the biggest names in the journalism world. I got to wade my way into the thick of it, my first time documenting a protest.

The Czech are a quieter culture than America with respect to most things, and this demonstration was no exception. There were no arrests made and no objects being hurled, things you might typically associate with such a politically-charged affair. There were only impassioned speakers and faithful sign-holders, with lots of whistling, clapping, and chanting from all sides. The exceptionally nonviolent nature of this event created an atmosphere so distinct from anything large gathering I’d experienced back home. Peaceful demonstrations can still attract global attention.

To say the protest was family friendly would be an understatement; children flooded the area. It was almost reminiscent of a music festival, but without the evil looks from people as I pushed through the crowd to get some shots. Kids sat in strollers, stood on benches, and even peered above the crowd from the safety of their parents’ shoulders, like the boy above. The red letters on the sign he held translate to “we are not blind.” Indeed, it seemed like every set of eyes in Prague were open and unafraid that night, and it was moving.

“LEISURE”

Location Notations
Letná Parks (Letenské sady) // 6.2.2019

The Letna district of Prague is known for its scenic view of the entirety of Old Town, and is also home to one of the most-frequented beer gardens in the city. Letna Park, which extends along the south-facing hillside, was bustling with colorful people this warm afternoon, such as the turbaned woman captured above. While her friend sat across from her in simplistic black stripes, she screamed style and sass with the bright pink accents in her outfit, which immediately caught my eye. The two were enjoying a conversation in a patch of forest all their own, away from crowds.

This photo encapsulates my own mental picture of “summer” to a tee: warm sun, lush grass, and purposeful conversation. While the beautiful skyline of a bustling city lay just beyond the treeline, these girls found leisure in the folds of nature. As cliche as it sounds, we all know finding time to escape everyday busyness is no easy feat. To me, the Czech seem to be experts at setting aside time to just enjoy the sweet things in life, creating spaces and moments that revive their spirits. This extensive park, with each of its little glades, reveals the societal values behind the culture that established it. The Czech work “letna” translates to “summer,” and no doubt the Letna gardens are one of those rare physical manifestations of the word.