3 days in Prague…
There is so much to see: castles, bridges, museums… but I’m a Bad Tourist, and I always find an excuse to ditch sightseeing for something else (and if you’ve been following me on Instagram, this should be no surprise…). So, if you want to see pictures of Charles bridge or the Prague Castle, buy a guidebook. They have beautiful photos by much better photographers than me. Besides, 3 days is way too short a time to try and see everything, and that would leave no time (or energy) to do what I do best: walk around aimlessly, taking photos of anything not even remotely worthy of a serious tourist’s time…
Of course, there was some low-intensity sightseeing: Professor M and I had a nice dinner cruise on Vltava river. Lots of food, some wine, beautiful scenery. So, let’s get the touristy snaps out of the way:
Wait… Yellow penguins????
Just making sure you’re paying attention… No, seriously, they were there. I have the photo to prove it. How smart of me: otherwise I might have put it down to too much wine…
I may not like big museums, but do love small ones. And Alphonse Mucha museum was certainly worth a visit. As one of the artists / illustrators defining the Art Nouveau style, his more commercial work is probably familiar to most people, but he was also an accomplished, serious painter and a nationalist.
Speaking of art… One of the reasons why I don’t want to plan ahead what to see is that there should always be room for surprises. Such as taking the wrong underground exit and getting lost… only to find something really interesting, such as a small museum above a bar, exhibiting the work of a famous Czech comics illustrator and artist:
While the style and themes of Saudek’s work are very similar to his western contemporaries, they were quite controversial in a country that was still under the communist regime, and as a result suffered from censorship.
However, it is possible to look at his work from the purely aesthetic or cultural point of view, especially if you are interested in 1960’s and 70’s illustration.
And our knowledgeable museum guide told us that one of Saudek’s influences was none other than Alphonse Mucha… Serendipity indeed, to see two such masters. What do you think, can you see the Mucha (left) influence in the pop art painting by Saudek (right)?
Yes, Prague is an interesting place, and there is a lot I didn’t get a chance to see. But at this point my only regret is that we never got to the Chocolate Museum… I guess that means that we’ll have to go back, one day.
I hope you enjoyed the highlights of my very superficial and short visit to Prague.
I will, of course, prepare a post on my travel wardrobe a bit later…
Tiina
FOLLOW:
Linking up with:
A Touch of Tartan, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Sydney Fashion Hunter, The Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On, Happiness at Mid-Life, A Labour of Life, Doused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom
From Prague magnificent reportage, thanks. Beautiful jacket.
Thank you!
My husband told me it is a very interesting city to visit. Maybe one day I'll get there. Great photos.bisousSuzanne
I certainly seemed like a very interesting place. And this was a very brief visit, barely scratching the surface.
I didn't know there was a Chocolate Museum in Prague… and it sounds very interesting!! :-)Your idea of leaving room for surprises during a trip is very good! Never plan every moment, it would be boring!!Beautiful bluette colour of your jacket! ( and funny photo of the yellow penguins! )
Well, the guidebook I got listed a chocolate museum… I've only ever been to the one in Barcelona, so it might have been nice to compare…
Another great trench! That just confirms it for me – I need to buy more coats 🙂 And as I learned from one of your replies to a comment – repeat it enough and it becomes an inevitable necessity!Praque is such a beautiful city, not only around that famous city center. It has lots of lovely cafes, some of them quite old, dating back to the Art Nouveau era. I never went to any museums when I visited the place, but instead visited artist's workshops and little galleries. There's certainly a resemblance to Mucha's work in Saudek's, and a great sense of humour 😀
Yes, absolutely! Living in a Nordic country means being at the mercy of unpredictable weather, and hardly having a chance to wear a summer dress… at least not until July. Having a closet full of nice coats helps… a bit. I'm thinking of getting a pretty rain coat next. It always rains in summer, doesn't it?
Prague is so beautiful. I enjoyed my week there and went to many of the places you did. (even saw those yellow penguins) I agree 100%–getting lost is the best way to explore a new place! Enjoyed revisiting this city through your stylish eyes.
So, the yellow penguins have been there for a while, then? They're not just some sort of temporary thing? Great!
Prague is a long time dream of mine, and I would also like to just walk the streets and see where they take me… I think it all has its place, sometimes you get a great guide and learn something you can't learn from guidebooks, but nothing can be better than just experience a new city like you did, spontaneously. xxxx
I'm really bad at reading guidebooks, too… Mainly I just want to walk around, hang out, enjoy the atmosphere… and go shopping, of course. But I always manage to find a nice, small museum that I love. Great, huh?
Thank you to remind me my amazing city. I am missing it. It seems that you enjoyed your trip. Btw. the color of your trench coat is beautiful.o)
You're welcome. Yes, I enjoyed the brief visit very much. Thanks for stopping by!
I love your photos of Prague. I must admit I love sightseeing too ;)Jasmine xx
Thanks, Jasmine.
Great pics! Thanks for much for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday & here's to the weekend!OXOXDawn Lucyhttp://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Thanks, Dawn!
I would love to visit Prague one of these days. I love that you didn't really have any plans and got lost and finding a great museum. Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com
It was a nice visit. And I never make plans… I'm really not much of a tourist, I'm afraid… But I always find something interesting, so no regrets.