In contrast with this idealistic image of a city, Prague could not precisely be designated as the warmest place in Europe for living, not only because of its extreme temperatures during the winter but also because it’s considered to be a city still a bit rough around the edges.
I might consider there is something true in this statement. However it was not sufficient reason for me to think that Prague is not a good place to put down roots or just spend a period of time just living.
I visited Prague for the first time at the beginning of December 2004. That date meant the end of a year-long trip travelling in Australia. The invitation from a Czech friend meant that Prague became my stopover before landing in Barcelona. This trip was for me the perfect excuse to forget the golden Australian beaches and get used again to European culture. My first impressions of Prague were a blending of feelings; I found it extremely beautiful but with a trace of sadness in its atmosphere. I felt captivated by its magnificent architecture still in its original condition having been spared during the war.
But I also recognised immediately the reserved character of its inhabitants and how difficult it was to get a sweet smile from them; my friend explained Czech people tended to use a masque, not showing in this way their feelings. However their attitude was quite different in their private life.
Obviously this was something I could not see as a tourist during my first time in Prague.
That short trip planned just for a few days turned into three weeks, I felt the need to explore in more detail the gothic spots of this fairy tale city and at the same time, a special relationship with my Czech friend completely changed the direction of my life.
I had the opportunity during those weeks to immerse myself in the real Czech culture beyond the Prague borders. I visited the most rural villages in this country, learning some curious Christmas time traditions (¨Liti olova¨- to melt plum into the water and make draws), eating some old delicious unusual dishes (¨Zabijackova polevka¨ -soup made of killed pig’s blood) and trying to understand their tough language, full of sounds completely new for me. I had the feeling I was travelling in a “time machine” where everything belonged to the past. I knew this country would have a special meaning for me.
After this unforgettable stay, my friend moved to Spain, and some years later, a little bit tired of the fast pace of life that we lived there, we felt a certain desire to move to Prague and start a new and quieter life.
I have now been living here since May. Probably just six months is not enough time to make conclusions about the life in this city but I feel really comfortable and I know there are countless things to explore yet. I like Czech people and their cultural understanding. My friend was right, to appreciate how they are I must penetrate their society and ignore some superficial comments from the tourist industry.
Definitely Prague is one of the most magic and mesmerising places I have ever seen in Europe, a city with an unforgettable soul.
I don’t know how long I am going to live here but…. so far so good.
