Adjusting to life in Prague - 12 days in

"Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth." -Rumi


Since my wife has updated everyone in great detail the "scientific" side of our story, I thought I could fill in some gaps of the rest of the experience thus far in Prague.  We spent the first week in an AirBNB rental while we searched for a flat to rent longer term.  That search was exhausting; communication barriers and the extreme differences in how you go about renting a flat was a learning process.  All while adjusting from jet lag and learning the local transit.  When we found our place there were three other people "helping us", one representing us (for a hefty commission paid by us), the flat owner's representative and a building manager.  We tried to save ourselves some money and go around the system but it can't be done (maybe if your a local with connections). We moved into our flat last Thursday June 11th.  This meant it was time to go to IKEA.  Wife says "hooray" and I just shake my head.  IKEA without a car is.... interesting.  Our first trip (yes, more than one so far and we need to go back) we left IKEA and got onto the bus at 9:30 P.M (thankfully IKEA closes at 9) with large bags stuffed to the gills for our 45 minute bus/metro trip back to our flat.

Coming from small town Colorado to big city Europe has a few minor changes to adapt to.  Big city life is fascinating.  The public transportation system here in Prague is amazing, but after selling three vehicles in the U.S. we still had to acclimatize.  There are 3 major metros (subway) covering 62 km and 500 km of tram lines. Stops are typically 4-12 minutes apart means your waiting very short time periods and seldom do we need to walk more than 3-4 blocks to get to a stop.  From our flat it is 2 minutes to a tram and 7 to a metro by foot. Another big city note, since there are endless buildings it is not uncommon to find dog excrement/urine on the sidewalks, probably part of the reason you don't where shoes in the apartment. Thankfully Prague gets plenty of rain at over 20" annually to help wash it away.  That being said there seems to also be an abundance of parks/open space, from our flat it is 1 block to a park that has two pubs within it and is about a mile to walk the perimeter.  Czechs love beer, therefore I love Prague.  There are 27 places within a 10 minute walk where I can order two 1/2 litre (17 oz) beers and pay less than $3.  What a way to enjoy my first retirement.

The endless sea of available restaurants is overwhelming.  Katherine and I love food!  Leaving our small town with limited delicious options we have enjoyed all that the big city has to offer.  Due to travels, jet lag, lack of functioning kitchen, and our love of eating out we have enjoyed meals at many different restaurants.  Just trying to find our staple Thai, Mexican, Indian,Italian, Pho, coffee/pastry/dessert/wine cafe, burger, and sushi restaurants plus some of the local fair (it's a meat and potato kind of country). We were slightly worried about finding good food in eastern Europe but have been pleasantly surprised.  Some locals, Dan and Jana (new friends from a common old friend, thanks Trish) started us off right at an amazing Indian restaurant.  Almost every dining experience has been a pleasure.  We have enjoyed all the types of food listed above except sushi. Our background with sushi requires us to find something excellent, anything less would ruin our stellar experience in Prague thus far.

In old town square is the world's oldest functioning astronomical clock installed in 1410.

While Prague can be modern it has a strong retro element.  The first song I consciously heard here was by Genesis (jet lag is helping me forget which song).

Katherine on an escalator to the metro (subway). At Namesti Miru, our closest metro stop and the deepest, it is 171 feet underground or about 15 stories.

The Prague castle across the Vltava river at dusk.

Jana and Kat chatting after dinner.

A common sight.  Two 1/2 litre mugs of beer for about $2 total.  A good way to enjoy the afternoon.

Cobblestone hand laid roads with some cool local art.

Our first Mexican experience was delicious and long overdue.

A Michelin rated Italian restaurant just down from our flat had Katherine say "that's the best thing I've ever tasted"

Fresh made crepes with many options, Katherine chose chocolate and strawberries.

Cheesecake, wine and an ashtray. While smoking is not permitted in most restaurants, most allow it on there patios.  An adjustment for sure.

Thai food in old town.  Happy belly!

Prague is all about recycling.  These are street side collection containers found around town.

A local market three days a week with different offerings each day.

Bacon baked around cheese, need I say more?

Lots of gnocchi and beef options.

Delicious soups and carpaccio

The Church at Namesti Miru (peace square) a couple blocks from home.

The Vinohrady theatre with winged statues of comedy and tragedy

Stain glass windows in the Church of St. Ludmila at Namesti Miru.

Hanging out in Riegrovy Sady our neighborhood park.

Latte, americano, eggs with prosciutto and a croissant.  The coffee and croissants here are amazing.

The Powder Gate found in old town. A historic entrance through the original city walls.  It's construction began in 1475.  It's current name derived from it's use for gun powder storage in the 18th century.