A walk in Prague

Once again in Golden Prague; once again cruising around the beautiful old town, but no more with the sense of awe that struck me in previous years. Sadly Prague is loosing its magic - maybe partly because the novelty is loosing its shine, but more I think because of the increasing annual onslaught of tour groups and taccy souvenir stalls. This year, walking around the city was spoilt by dozens of youths thrusting flyers under our noses and restaurant waiters leaping out of doorways with menus. We walked into the old town square to watch the astronomical clock on its hourly chime.. there were so many people that it was almost impossible to move and when the display was over, I counted no less than eight umbrellas sudenly popping up into the air - ready to guide the flocks to whichever site was next on their respective tour routes.

So whilst Prague might be viewed as a vibrant and beautiful place with plenty to see and do, I couldn't help but see the darkness of a city struggling to cope with such a huge volume of stamping feet and clicking cameras. Prague is unsettled.. internet cafes, even traditional food selling cafes, rise and fall like bubbles from a child's toy. Young men on compulsory military service patiently stand outside the castle, whilst giggling tourists pose alongside for photographs. Even the river - the gradure of Vltava - appears to flow more slowly now, saddened and fatigued by the new trendy grotesqueness of a once proud and dignified town.