Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague had been on my list for a long time because of the wonderful things I’d heard/read about it. Every time I go on a work trip, I try to find somewhere new to visit. Not to mention Nicki Minaj made it a personal challenge.

Prague was a nice trip, mostly due to the colorful buildings, the weather and the open carry laws. We went during a particularly toasty weekend: temps were well into the high 80s. You can see/experience a majority of the city in a day-and-a-half.

Prague architecture is a myriad of many different European styles: Gothic, Romanesque, Art Nouveau, Renaissance, Baroque, etc. We started our tourist quest at the Charles Bridge, which looks like and reminds me a lot of the St. Angelo bridge in Rome. We also hit the St. Vitus Cathedral, and during our walks, we passed a few other buildings including churches, basilica and a castle. At this point in my travel journey, and given the mix of different architecture, it felt very familiar to me compared to other European cities I have visited, of which many have cathedrals, basilicas, churches and castles. If you love European architecture, these photos are especially for you. The one style that stood out to me the most was the Baroque, as those were the buildings of all different colors. (Photo ops everywhere). Other places we visited include the Prague Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square which may cause nightmares, the Lennon Wall which is full of rebellion and pride, and the Botanical Garden which is a calm, peaceful pause from the thousands of tourists at your side at all times at the other places. During our self-guided walking tour (read: wandering around with google maps), we had a drink of some sort, because, when in Prague! At some point, it got too hot to even bother with alcohol, but it was fun while it lasted.

Absintheries are popular in Prague, so we made sure to pop into one. I had little-to-no idea what to expect, but I will say this drink is not for the uninformed. Imagine isopropyl alcohol on fire, literally, and that is absinthe. After the first sip I realized I would be there a while. With that, I say: go there with an open mind and a full belly.

All photos taken with Nikon D5100.