Prague Unveiled: Discovering the Magic of the City of a Hundred Spires

Good morning from Prague. I'm perched on the narrow balcony of my hostel, a cup of freshly brewed coffee warming my hands, watching as the city wakes up below me. There's a chill in the air, and the rooftops of the centuries-old buildings are dusted with frost. I can hear the distant chatter of early risers making their way to work or perhaps heading out for a morning stroll along the Vltava River, just like Marco and I did yesterday. Prague has this enchanting ability to blend its rich history with everyday life, and it's one reason I'm thrilled to be staying here a bit longer. Marco is still asleep inside. We've been traveling together for 125 days now, finding our rhythm in the dance of morning coffees and separate adventures leading to sunset reunions. It's a comforting routine that makes each day feel both new and familiar. Love doesn't make you less of a wanderer; it just means you have someone who understands why you can't stay still. Our time here in Prague has been a whirlwind. On our first day, we wandered through the maze-like streets of Old Town, eventually landing at Old Town Square. The astronomical clock chimed as we stood among tourists and locals alike, all craning their necks to catch a glimpse of its mechanical dance. It reminded me a bit of my time in Barcelona, where Gaudi's whimsical architecture seemed to transport me into another realm. Here, though, we've stepped into a fairy tale. Of course, no visit to Prague is complete without walking across Charles Bridge at dawn. As the sun slowly rose, turning the Vltava into a shimmering ribbon of gold, Marco captured shots with his camera while I attempted to soak in every detail—the statues peering down with their silent wisdom, artists setting up their easels for another day's inspiration. It's moments like these that remind me why I travel: to experience life beyond the ordinary. We've tried to dive deeper than just the tourist attractions during our stay. We found ourselves at Letná Park yesterday afternoon, which offers some of the best views in the city—views that definitely follow the steepest stairs! As I caught my breath at the top (I blame those extra layers I wore), Marco snapped photos of the city sprawling below us like an intricate puzzle. And then there's the food. Oh, Praha! We've indulged in everything from hearty goulash served with fluffy dumplings to delicate trdelník pastries rolled in sugar and filled with ice cream—a treat that almost rivals gelato from my earlier stop in Florence. Street food stalls offer sausages sizzling away on grills for about 5 to 8 USD, perfect for nibbling as you continue exploring. Still, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Finding reliable WiFi has been more challenging than expected; it's funny how much you miss it until it's sparse. But it's also pushed me to unplug a bit more—to sit quietly with my thoughts or chat with fellow travelers over beer instead of staring at screens. There's something humbling about seeing myself change through these travels. Just four months ago, I was leaving Denver, unsure where this journey might lead or what I'd discover about myself. Now here I am—standing on a balcony in Prague—with Marco by my side and memories tucked away like postcards from another life. So what's next? Well... adventure is out there; go chase it! Our plan is fluid but involves more exploring around Lesser Town and hopefully visiting Vyšehrad Castle if time allows. Maybe even stopping by some local LGBTQ+ spaces we've heard whispers about—Prague has a reputation as an open-minded city with spots welcoming all walks of life. For those planning to explore Prague themselves soon: 1. Life is short; pack light—but bring layers! Especially during these chilly autumn days. 2. Wake up early at least once for Charles Bridge at sunrise—it’s worth every step. 3. Local first; tourist second—try finding dining spots tucked away from main squares. 4. Letná Park offers stunning views but be prepared for a bit of uphill exercise. 5. LGBTQ+ travelers will generally find Prague welcoming—there are plenty of friendly cafes/bars around Vinohrady. 6. Save coins for public transport—trams are efficient yet charmingly old-fashioned. Until next adventure, Chase