Sometimes I feel like there's so much to tell about one trip that it's too overwhelming to write about. If I put in this detail, well then I should put in that detail as well. What do I leave out? What's not important enough to make the cut? The problem is I'm a person who keeps pretty much everything. I take too many photos on purpose so that I can weed out the bad ones on my computer and end up with a nice, reasonable bunch of great photos. That usually doesn't happen, though. I just have an unreasonable number of photos of varying quality. And clothes? I remember where most of my clothes came from, so I find it hard to give them up, even many years, holes, and worn fabric spots later. Probably the most troublesome is the giant plastic tub that sits in my closet brimming with notes, letters, and scraps of pretty much everything starting from when I was probably 7 or 8.
Well, all my aversion to throwing things out means for this blog is that I'm not done with retelling the tales of Prague (and Amsterdam, which I haven't even gotten to!). In fact, one of the most interesting photos I took on the trip was along the Charles Bridge in Prague. While there is no particular interest in the way in which I snapped this shot, I think the subject matter is what makes it so intriguing for me. Mind you, I was quite intrigued when I saw it in person:
I don't think I've ever seen a depiction of Christ, particularly on a crucifix, surrounded by anything reminiscent of his own religion. If anyone knows what it means, I'd love to learn more about it.
This was by no means the only statue on the Charles Bridge. There are tons of statues lining each side, one of which shines golden at the base from all the people who rub it for good luck as they go by. It is of a man who was thrown off the bridge to his death all for his unwillingness to divulge information to the King.
Our lovely Midd guide told us a bit about the story, but she was foggy on the details. So, I turned to faithful Google for help. According to The Prague Experience website, his name was John of Nepomuk, and it was the Queen's secret he refused to tell. Unfortunately, King Wenceslas wasn't pleased and he ordered that old Johnny take a dive. Maybe king Wenceslas wasn't so Good after all. At least it made a Martyr out of John of Nepomuk.
In addition to the statues lining the bridge, there is a beautiful view to look at.
This is Prague Castle, one of the largest castles in the world. I don't know what happened, but we didn't make it there. Maybe it was closed? Maybe we missed the entrance? We went to St. Vitus Cathedral instead, which, I'm pretty sure, is that pointy building on the left that looks like a castle. And like at a castle, the cathedral was lined with guards and protected by gates.
Once inside, however, you can enjoy the silence as you watch splotches of purple and red humming on the stone walls from the brightly lit stained glass windows.
Well, all my aversion to throwing things out means for this blog is that I'm not done with retelling the tales of Prague (and Amsterdam, which I haven't even gotten to!). In fact, one of the most interesting photos I took on the trip was along the Charles Bridge in Prague. While there is no particular interest in the way in which I snapped this shot, I think the subject matter is what makes it so intriguing for me. Mind you, I was quite intrigued when I saw it in person:
I don't think I've ever seen a depiction of Christ, particularly on a crucifix, surrounded by anything reminiscent of his own religion. If anyone knows what it means, I'd love to learn more about it.This was by no means the only statue on the Charles Bridge. There are tons of statues lining each side, one of which shines golden at the base from all the people who rub it for good luck as they go by. It is of a man who was thrown off the bridge to his death all for his unwillingness to divulge information to the King.
Our lovely Midd guide told us a bit about the story, but she was foggy on the details. So, I turned to faithful Google for help. According to The Prague Experience website, his name was John of Nepomuk, and it was the Queen's secret he refused to tell. Unfortunately, King Wenceslas wasn't pleased and he ordered that old Johnny take a dive. Maybe king Wenceslas wasn't so Good after all. At least it made a Martyr out of John of Nepomuk.In addition to the statues lining the bridge, there is a beautiful view to look at.
This is Prague Castle, one of the largest castles in the world. I don't know what happened, but we didn't make it there. Maybe it was closed? Maybe we missed the entrance? We went to St. Vitus Cathedral instead, which, I'm pretty sure, is that pointy building on the left that looks like a castle. And like at a castle, the cathedral was lined with guards and protected by gates.Once inside, however, you can enjoy the silence as you watch splotches of purple and red humming on the stone walls from the brightly lit stained glass windows.