prahably, october – Adventurings

we were in prague for the weekend under the pretense to take in the signalfest– a newer festival in only its second year a little bit like berlin’s festival of lights. however, the whole deal with signalfest is that it’s only over a couple days instead of a couple weeks and the projections are actually short films (around 5 minutes long), projected on famous prague landmarks and incorporating the architecture playfully into the film as well as some almost 3D effects.

so, signalfest was pretty cool. except that prague was packed. i mean, to the gills. thousands of tourists descended upon the city for the weekend and it was near impossible to even walk at some junctures. traffic onto the charles bridge and into old town square from certain points was at an absolute standstill. it almost reminded me of the tree lighting ceremony in 2012 only worse because i swear there were more people this time and an obvious less captivating holiday atmosphere.

although the signalfest projections were really cool and completely fresh and creative, i would rethink my approach if i attend next year: map out what sites i want to see in advance and avoid old town square at any cost. too many people!
besides signalfest mayhem, i had a lovely autumn weekend in the hlavní město enjoying what is very likely to be the last of the 20 C sunny weather for the year.

mediocre times included… nursing whiskies at chapeau rouge trying to pretend that a christina aguilera/jet mash-up is a good idea, when clearly, it is not. anyone with any ounce of decent deejay capabilities, please apply to chapeau rouge.

some great times included…

a warm sunny “bridgey” autumn afternoon. say what you will about the crowds– it will never get old to me.

getting that g-d pumpkin spice latte! i didn’t get one last year because apparently by mid-november, most starbucks in the city are out of pumpkin and have already transitioned to christmas beverages (phooey!). discovered that PSL goes swimmingly with a steaming, fresh trdelnik, especially from my favorite stand in malostranské náměstí. sorry starbucks, that was me who left the sugary trail behind.. i tried to clean it.

brunch at cafe savoy. my goodness, this is a wonderful experience when in prague. i’ve never been seated by hosts wearing suits before in this city, nor have experienced such superb customer service. as well as lunch, they serve a multitude of delicious breakfast options: french, english, american, healthy, greasy, and eggs several ways. we joked next time alex will order the english breakfast, i the french, and we will bicker back and forth in our respectively chosen accents.

picking up some necessary halloween materials at the costume store on křižovnická street. here’s a little insight into my costume. do you know what i’m going to be? i’m guessing “tash” is a poorly translated version of ‘stashe. google translate is not always one’s friend.

a walk around the jelení příkop, or stag moat. last week tina brought to my attention that this glorious place exists: the moat directly around the prague castle. it’s only open april through october though, so with a free couple of hours on my hands i felt it was the perfect time to get better acquainted with the area and autumn is the best time for a proper wander. the views of the spires of st. vitus cathedral peeking through the trees is enchanting!

i entered the moat from the west entrance on u brusnice street, which is directly near the most adorable nový svět street. wandering around charming hradčany is always fun: imagining where we would like to move next in a dream scenario. although i’m fairly certain nothing can take the place of my former neighborhood, malá strana… but i would not refuse you, hradčany– no way, no how.