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.