Bad dreams bordering on nightmares (the whole of Sussex was destroyed when an earthquake set off a nuclear accident) but awoke well rested nonetheless.
Breakfast was a bit of an ordeal – I struggle with new places and cultures, and indeed with human interaction, before I’ve had coffee. However, they had (tiny) bowls for the cereal, so that was an improvement.
Church this morning. My friend Christina who used to go to Adelaide Place, also used to go to Do Slava (Into the Word) church, so I met some people who know her. It’s easy walking distance from my hotel, conveniently. I also met a Ukrainian girl called Anastasia (Nastia) who has offered to text me some recommendations for when I’m Prague. She seemed very dubious when I told her that her name means resurrection, but it does.
Going to a bilingual church is an excellent way to learn the language, by the way. I must have come away knowing five more words than when I went in, just by listening to the sermon being translated. The topic of the sermon was “Sex je velký věc” (Sex is a big deal), so not in any way awkward 😂
I find a restaurant near the church as I think it’s just about lunchtime. It will certainly be lunchtime by the time they serve me. Ah eastern Europe, how I have missed your foibles 😉
A wee siesta back at the hotel (I have promised myself that I will get some rest this holiday) and then out to explore the old town. Prepare for a major photo dump…
They have museums of everything here!
- Beer
- Chocolate
- Kafka
- Banksy (yes, our Banksy)
- Pedal cars
- Metal figures (Czechia gave us the concept of robots)
- Illusions
- Alchemy
I’ll probably go to the alchemy one if I have time tomorrow.
After the very crowded old town and Charles Bridge, I was feeling claustrophobic so I walked back along the River Vltava, which was much more pleasant. I could have hired a Lime scooter instead of walking, but everywhere is cobbled here, even the cycle lanes.
Feeling that I had walked enough today, I went to the restaurant just across the road. This neighbourhood (Florenc) has a wealth of restaurants. My starter (basically crisps and dip) was so filling that I could only pick at my main course. I tried the local spirit, šlivovice, as a digestif after dinner, but it wasn’t great. I’m enjoying the local Pinot Gris, though.
By the way, in case you have not fully appreciated the astrological clock, here is some information on all the things it records. It’s a lot! You’ll notice from my photo that it says we’re in Taurus (♉), which we are! And the moon is nearly full – which is also accurate. Astonishing technology!
K C Murdarasi 
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