In typical Michael and Deena fashion, we booked our flights from Norway to Prague only two days in advance. That meant we had high prices and three layovers for what would be a direct two-hour flight. Instead, SAS took us from Stavanger to Oslo to Stockholm to Prague. Ugh. #travelfail.

But we made it!

Everyone I talked to about Prague said how wonderfully romantic it is.

Sadly, I never quite had the “romantic” feeling… I’d attribute it to the crowds of tourists everywhere. Hard to feel the romance when you’re constantly running into selfie sticks.

We stayed in the Old City, which was the perfect location. Close to the main plazas, but far enough to avoid the noise of night life.

Throughout our quick two days, we explored the Old City and many plazas filled with tourists, music, and outdoor cafes…

Strolled along Charles Bridge… (with the rest of the world apparently.)

Touched the statues for good luck…

Enjoyed the night time city vibes and lights…

Toured St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle…

Beautiful city views from the castle…

Went on a river boat cruise along the Vltava River…

Walked around the Jewish Quarter, and tried to avoid the crowds of tourists. Then checked out what all the fuss was about at the Astrological Clock – First installed in 1410, it’s the third-oldest clock and the only one still working. Tourists crowded around for pictures all day/night. I was just confused…

This trip to Prague solidified our feelings towards crowds. Major anxiety. I never used to be like that, but I think after traveling for seven months, I cherish my personal space and become slightly irritated with the selfie sticks and mass crowds of people that won’t move out of your way. Perhaps I’m jaded now. I’m sure it’ll fade once I’m home, and I’ll be destined to become one of those tourists some day, but today, I’m just annoyed. 😛

On our last night we met locals in a bar, Gabriela and Peter, who we ended up spending the rest of the evening with, drinking Pilsner, hanging out at the oldest bar in Prague, going on a “Mystical Prague” tour, and singing in the world’s smallest amphitheater. They were a wonderful couple that I wish we could have spent more time with. Cheers to new friends!

Personally, I really enjoyed Prague, and can see how it’s a popular destination, beautiful city, but it honestly wasn’t one of my favorites. I didn’t feel the romance, sadly, and the crowds were really annoying. The music was lovely though. My favorite part for sure.

Hopefully another city like Budapest will be better… Next stop!

2015 Bucket List Complete:

• See the Charles Bridge and rub the statues for good luck
• Astronomical clock – Packed with people. I don’t get it?!
• Prague Castle
• St. Vitus Cathedral
• River boat tour down Vltava River
• Wenceslas Square
• Walking tour of the Jewish quarter and cemetery
• Go to Cafe Den Noc and get the pancakes – Best I’ve EVER had

• Try a traditional Slovak pastry – I suggest the chocolate one. SO good! 

• Eat Goulash Soup

• Try absinthe
• Visit the John Lennon Peace Wall

Next Time:

• Visit the Petrin Tower – Fun Fact: Looks like a mini Eiffel Tower
• Watch the sunset from the top of a tower 
• Beer tour/Pub crawl

Pro:

• Great city to walk around and roam the streets and many plaza. They all do start to look alike though — Cute sidewalk restaurants and cafes everywhere.
• Very walkable city
• The most amazing music everywhere you go
• Fresh lemonade sold everywhere
• Cheap! At least coming from Norway it is.

Con:

• Couldn’t find the romance that everyone talks about because there were too many people. 
• WAY TOO MANY TOURISTS. Come during the off season. – Segway Tour?

• Can’t get out of people’s pictures and can’t get them out of yours

Tip: 

• Take a walk at night on the Charles Bridge and listen to the music. It’s good for the soul. I think that’s where you’ll find the magic of the city.
• You don’t need to pay just to walk inside St. Vitus Cathedral. And the view is good enough. Otherwise, tickets are cheap 10 euro.
• Try Slivovice – Traditional Moravian liquor, once then never again – The locals describe it as “plum and sun”; I beg to differ.

Fact:

• We were in Prague for the 47th Anniversary of the Soviet-Led Invasion of Czechoslovakia on August 21st – Concerts and demonstrations throughout the city were a great way to learn more about the history of Prague