Author: Ethan P

Inviting ingenuity

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Around Here

08.06.2019

Prague, Czech Republic (11 of 30)

My thirteen days in Prague have made it apparent this city doesn’t stop when it comes to the arts. Today is the final day of Prague’s biggest music festival which takes over the streets with on stage performances in thirty locations throughout the city. It is also a special day since museums across the city open their doors from 18:00-1:00 for free. Everyone is invited to experience, celebrate, and learn. Prague is place that fosters creativity while offering tons of free events and opportunities to stumble upon something new.

I found Old Town especially crowded today, but in the best way possible. Looking for a place to sit down and write this post I found a discreet four-story café in the heart of Old Town Square. On the third floor of Skautský Institut I saw three people performing peculiar movements along with a woman on the floor below. Nothing made sense. A woman would scratch a window and then fall to the ground and sprawl. A man hectically moved along ramps and then quickly switched to demonstrating unusual motions. Seeing these performers express movement in ways I had not seen before was intriguing. They appeared to be expressing insanity without regard to the world around them.

In fact, the performance wasn’t supposed to make sense. Skautský Institut is a space where people of all ages are invited to create and work together. This group was demonstrating how movement is influenced by the architecture that surrounds the world. Art is up to interpretation and there are various ways to view things. That’s what I think makes it so remarkable. It provokes thought and encourages individuals to engage with their imagination, which seems to be tumbling out of society.

Hope everything is all right

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The Nocturnalist
 
07.06.2019
 
Prague, Czech Republic (10 of 30)
 
The nightlife in Prague is a whole different territory. Music is heard and bright lights are seen throughout Old Town as drunks wander with only one particular goal in mind. These people are simply here to have a good time. Whether it be out clubbing, gambling, or attending live music Prague is known for an experience at night similar to Vegas for a fraction of the cost. As I walked through Old Town for photo opportunities to make I settled down near a club with bright violet lights in the windows which complemented the wet cobblestone streets. Crouched on the other side of the street next to the entry of another club I was able to gain an interesting vantage point to photograph from as well as people watch. As I sat on the sideline with a camera the others spent their time drinking beer, smoking cigarettes, and engaging in boisterous chatter.
 
After over a half-hour, a few lads from England began asking about my photography and what I was doing in Prague. This is when I met Charlotte who I felt encapsulated the essence of nightlife perfectly. She was a 23-year-old Australian traveling on a six-month expedition through SE Asia and Europe, initially with her boyfriend. After over a month, she found herself solo in what felt like the first time in her life. Love had ceased with her three-year companion, but she continued her journey despite it. She was out here like many others merely to enjoy the night and worry about sorrows later. She was not concerned with anything except new experiences and her happiness. Life is not always about the destination, but rather the journey.

Sun and spring and green forever

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Around Here

06.06.2019

Prague, Czech Republic (9 of 30)

A few steps are all it takes to escape the swarming crowds of Old Town Prague. What I mean is parks and gardens are abundant here, and it’s hard to swing a dead cat around without hitting one of the nearly 200 that lies within the city. These parks offer a muffled ambiance when compared to the streets; full of lush green grass, tall trees, flowering plants, and wildlife sometimes including peafowl. Every park I seem to walk into shares these characteristics and it has been genuinely hard to find a deficient one. In a city where most residents live in flats without yard space of their own, I imagine these areas must be essential to their wellbeing as well as their four-legged friends.

Today I spent part of my afternoon in Vojanovy Sady, a park in Old Town. As I came upon a few gardeners something finally clicked. These unmatched parks and gardens can only exist in Prague because of the quality care they receive. I ran into the gardeners at a shed in the corner of the park where I watched to see what they were up to while pondering how I could make a photograph. I trailed behind these few as they headed towards the grass wheeling a contraption full of water. I did my best to keep a low profile so I would not distract them from their duty and watched them together watering several trees in the park each one at a time. It reminded me of the tender and diligent care my mom would provide to her various gardens and young trees back in my youth. A planned garden simply cannot obtain a healthy and kept appearance without a devoted and consistent gardener.

Another way to move

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Not from these parts

05.06.2019

Prague, Czech Republic (8 of 30)

I am fortunate to be able to stay and study in Prague for June. In my eyes since this place offers so much to experience, I think it is impossible to do it all even in the month I am here. It must be exponentially difficult for travelers coming for a short time. Learning the encompassing public transportation system Prague offers has been neat as it has allowed me to move from point A to point B anywhere in the city. An interesting activity I have seen people partake in is cycling the city. Locals, tourists, and even messengers can be seen cycling up and down the streets. The rough cobblestones make it apparent that wide tires, shocks, and gears are a must as they are seen on about nine out of ten of the bicycles. Good luck to those hipsters riding fixies, seriously.

In a city where it is commonplace to refrain from driving a car, a bicycle looks like an attractive way to locomote, especially for these time-crunched tourists. Bike tours are common in the city and it looks like an effective way to do some sightseeing as well as burn off the extra calories from the goulash and beer you had for lunch. After seeing these folks cross Charles Bridge and pedal through the various parks and bike routes Prague offers it made me eager to do it myself. Except on my own, with the joy that comes with figuring out where the day will take me.

But we can, you know we can

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Location Notations
 
04.06.2019
 
Prague, Czech Republic (7 of 30)
 
“Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.”
-Mahatma Gandhi

Thirty years ago, communism fell in what was once Czechoslovakia through the means of a non-violent protest known as the Velvet Revolution. Today I attended the largest protest since transpired in the heart of Prague. The prime minister billionaire Andrej Babis was charged with embezzlement of EU funds which he denies openly. In response, thousands of Czechs came from all over to meet at Wenceslas Square to voice their resentment. A sea of people consisting of all ages could be seen throughout the entire square as well as on the balconies of the buildings on the perimeter. Czechs are enraged their government appears to only be concerned about their personal problems and not addressing important political ones. Many held up signs directed at Babis calling for “DEMISI”, meaning resign.

It was apparent Czechs simply wanted justice for their country. As the spokesman lectured and led chants I could not understand, people jingled their keys high in the air. Tereza told us earlier this would be seen as it started during the Velvet Revolution signifying support among the Czech people. It was fascinating to see such a reserved culture voicing what they knew was right together as a whole. Czechs are demanding for Babis to “go home” and are ready to bring justice back to the Czech Republic.

And I could not help from smiling

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Small Wonder
 
03.06.2019
 
Prague, Czech Republic (6 of 30)
 
Prague has a very characteristic romantic essence. Love appears to be in the air everywhere I wander. Whether it is lovers enjoying coffee at a café, kissing in an alley way, or exchanging farewells at the metro station it is apparent Prague is a unique and romantic European city. The fact that Czech culture is on the reserved side when it comes to small talk and outwardly behavior makes it difficult for someone like me to picture how simple interactions can eventually lead to something much more. But love is not a race and it is not rushed. It does not force and it does not seek. It seems to appear when one least expects it without any warning.
 
As I spent time walking through the Prague district Libeň on a quest to locate a wasteland near the train station, I encountered a couple walking together on the way back to their flat. They appeared happy and content without a worry in their eyes. As I made my way back from exploring near the tracks I saw the woman on the second floor peaking through a window towards a white car on the street. As the car slowly inched its way towards the end of the street I could see the woman blowing kisses and waving to the man’s car in the distance. She continued to do so with a radiant smile on her face until the car turned and was out of sight. It was very adorable to see their process of farewell until they would soon meet again.

The imaginary

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Architecturally Speaking
 
02.06.2019
 
Prague, Czech Republic (5 of 30)
 
There is something special about walking around Prague whether it be the various architectural styles, colorfully painted buildings, or shortcuts through the many parks placed throughout the city. Simply Prague is inviting to locomote because it makes you feel like you’re walking around in Medieval times. The old churches, castles, squares, and flats all add a sense of taking a step back in time. In fact, Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world and can be reached easily after walking across the famous Charles Bridge from the historic Old Town. It is astonishing to be able to see something in the distance and walk until you reach it. The parts that are out of walking distance or pose hindrance due to time constraints can be reached easily and quickly with the metro, trams, and busses.
 
Colors and shapes are everywhere. From the top of lookouts and buildings the classic red tiles decorate many of the roofs below and give the city a sense of geometry. It quite common to see several differently colored buildings on the same street which also helps bring life to Prague. Throughout the day as the sun lights up different parts of the buildings interesting shadows are caste that complement the protruding volumes that come off the walls. It also makes the city gratifying to photograph since certain lighting plays a major part on what stands out in the picture.

May the hour be favorable

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Weekend Miser
 
01.06.2019

Prague, Czech Republic (4 of 30)

Every Saturday and Sunday one person’s unwanted items end up at a flea market for shoppers to hopefully see them as treasures. We set out as a group to see this place, which was only a couple tram rides away from the flats we are inhabiting. At the transfer to hop on the next tram, my professor pointed out the spot where General Heydrich was assassinated. Reinhard Heydrich was the beyond evil entity known as the architect of the Holocaust. He exerted considerable influence on the Nazi Party’s efforts during the war, especially concerning “the solution to the Jewish question.” On May 27, 1942 Czechoslovak soldiers attempted to assassinate him as he was taking a sharp turn in his automobile, but the firearm jammed and a grenade was lobbed by a solider instead. The shrapnel from the grenade left him wounded and in the hospital, where he died about a week later.

Upon arrival the flea market was very permanent and ordered. At the entrance one must insert 20 crowns to pass the revolving gates in order gain access to the masses of vendors selling a variety of items. Clothes, cameras, tires, old passports, TV remotes, and everything else one could consider as junk is presented to the shoppers. It is commonplace to haggle for items, which makes it a fun way to work on those bargaining skills.

I thought the photograph I took represented the setting well. Shirts placed for display on a rack as well as the seller’s car with a buyer appearing to be conversing about an item that sparked his interest. The strange item hanging from his shoulder captures the odd commodities that are not in scarcity at this place. Bleší Trhy Praha is where the needless items of one person can become a fascination to another.

The sun shines for everyone

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A Thousand Words
 
31.05.2019

Prague, Czech Republic (3 of 30)
 
Towards the end of May each year, Prague is known for holding a festival that celebrates Romany culture. Khamoro brings Roma singers, dancers, and musicians together to celebrate and bring life to the city. One of the culminating events is a parade starting in Wenceslas Square that consists of adults and children as they march to Old Town Square while dancing, clapping, playing instruments, and showing their bright smiles along the way. The apparel is one thing that really sticks out and contrasts the modern Prague clothing palette. Woman and young girls wear elaborate and colorful dresses and can be seen twirling as they dance with one another during the stops made in the parade. Music is created in a variety of ways such as stringed instruments and brass instruments, to clapping and chanting together for everyone to hear. There was a band of five men wearing suits that played jazz guitars. I was fascinated by them from start as they played various melodies and improvised as they switched off with one another throughout the preparation phase of the parade.

The man pictured in the photo was one that did not seem to mind being photographed and I found him looking my way here and there as he took breaks from jamming with his band. I thought it was fascinating almost everyone in the group could hold a cigarette in the same hand they held their pick as they strummed and plucked away at their guitar. I also like this photo because on the left you can catch a glimpse of the children dressed in their bright red clothing that was decorated in gold coins which makes it apparent this man must also be a part of some celebration. The worn mahogany guitar contrasts his outfit nicely and I enjoyed capturing the line his sleeve made with the strings of the instrument.

Seize the day

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Location Notations

30.05.2019

Prague, Czech Republic (2 of 30)
 
Old Town Square is the oldest square in Prague. It is also renowned as one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe. People from all over come to experience the atmosphere it provides. Churches, pubs, and historic buildings outline the perimeter where street performers flood the square to make a living. Levitators, figures full dressed in gold, and even giant Pandas are some of the few you can find hustling to entertain tourists in exchange for their Czech crowns, the currency of the Czech Republic. With the various assemblages of people it can sometimes be hard to tell which group they belong to. Locals, tourists, or performers.

One of the many people I saw on the square was a man pictured in the photo. At the time I first saw him, I thought he was a part of a group of backpackers due to the amount of bags in his vicinity and his dishevelled appearance. He had an intriguing demeanor; shirtless in a kilt covered with tattoos, nipple piercings, tall lace-up boots, and topped with a newsboy hat. As I left Old Town Square, all of a sudden I heard a repeated popping sound equivalent to the sound of a firecracker. I found out this man was not a backpacker, but actually one of the street performers who would crack his whip in a hectic manner. Old town square has much to offer and the people moving about it are always changing. Visiting on multiple occasions will offer insight to the variety of people that come and go during different times of the day and night, each with the potential of their own story to be uncovered.