Bohemian Tale : Praha

Long on history and even longer on charm, it’s easy and perhaps even recommended to get lost in Prague

Meander through its cobble stoned streets and allow yourself to be surprised when you come upon one of the courtyards that suddenly appears, seemingly out of thin air. Follow the melody of classic music

Nearly undamaged during World War II, Prague managed to retain the bulk of its historic architecture in true form and it has been a charming city of cobbled lanes, bridges, towers, cathedrals and countless church spires for more than ten centuries.

The Old Town Square, with its ancient buildings and magnificent churches, marks a beautiful and historical sight in Prague. I love the feeling of simply standing in the middle of square, basking in the warm sunbeams, taking in the sights and sounds, admiring the charming architecture, and basically just breathing the joy of life.

The Astronomical clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still functioning. Every hourly, a clockwork mechanism show takes place, which has become a major tourist attraction in Prague. Named "The Walk of the Apostles", during the procession, a small window opens, the Apostles march out and notably the Skeleton of death tolls the bell.

If Charles Bridge is glorious by day, it is even more striking by night when the bright lights illuminate the dark skies above. I guess I somehow preferred the serenity, nice breeze and simply the feeling of being around people in love.

And this would be the my favorite part of the city. John Lennon wall painted by locals.
After his murder on 8 December 1980 John Lennon became a pacifist hero for many young Czechs. An image of Lennon was painted on a wall in a secluded square opposite the French Embassy (there is a niche on the wall that looks like a tombstone), along with political graffiti and Beatles lyrics. Even after the authorities would try to whitewash the wall, the rebels would just come back and paint messages of peace and love at night. Still today, the wall is constantly changing with people adding new things to it every day.





Resuming the walk to the magnificent structures , here is the Tanzendes Haus named Dancing house . It looks like a guy giving his girlfriend a squeeze. Frank Gehry, who co-designed it with Vlado Milunić, dubbed it his "Fred and Ginger" building, after the dance team of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Viewed from the right angle, the building could whisk off its corner and dance up the Vltava River. 

There was still a lot to explore and taste and drink. Concluding the visit,  you should try it if you want something where there is peace and history and never dull nightlife.

A Venetian Lagoon Gem

Last year, I hot-footed my way to the place I would like to live in after I retire. Well, frankly speaking,  A place where I would like to spend A lifetime.
I liked many islands I visited in recent 5 years but but the most colorful was definitely Burano island, in Venice, Italy.

While staying in Venice, there is a lot to see other than just famous St.Mark's Square.
The islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello are destinations in their own right. Murano is where all the Venetian glass is made, Burano is the home of Venetian lace, and Torcello is the now-mostly-uninhabited home of the original Venice.

I'd heard it was quaint and isolated, with no cars allowed on the island, but I had no idea how colorful and rich with character this floating town would be!

Burano is a photo-lover’s paradise.
Ever seen those photos of Venice that show brightly-painted buildings and flowerpots.Those aren’t from the main island of Venice, but Burano
Families used to paint their homes in bright colors to designate where their family’s quarters ended and a neighbor’s began, as well as to make their homes more visible from the sea. The tradition has stuck.

Today, Burano is a rainbow of fun, bright colors—and the perfect place for that great Venice photo-up.

From a distance the buildings look like storybook sets; up close their weathered paint texture and age-old street names result in a juxtaposition to the abundance of cheerful color.

Lace making on Burano island
Burano has been occupied from the 6th century, but it only became important in the 16th century, when women on the island began making lace with needles and it became popular among the European elite. It’s a fine art form and takes an incredible amount of patience and time to create. So as you can imagine, it’s a luxury few can afford. Most of the lace that’s for sale in souvenir shops is affordable, so it’s not created by hand.

If you ever find yourself planning a trip to Venice, make sure to spend at least half a day on the whimsical fisherman's island of Burano. It's a true Italian gem!