Break on through to the other side

 ....of the bridge.
Yesterday I fell completely in love with Prague. It was sunny! Still only slightly above 40 degrees but it was the first day I could shed my winter jacket and wear a sweater. I've really missed my sweaters. It's a shame I brought my favorite coat because I have developed a bitter relationship with Gertrude the gray after wearing her every stinking day, yet I know I cannot survive without her.

But seriously. My Prague experience thus far has been like a giant virtual history lesson. This is where so and so lived, this is where so and so wrote his book, this is an example of gothic architecture, etc etc.  I'm not saying I wasn't impressed, but it's hard to digest such a pungent dose of information when I knew I was in the golden city and I hadn't even had a chance to explore it yet.

I needed to wander. I needed to wander aimlessly. I needed to let my trusty map guide me straight and through (Goofy Movie reference, anyone?) without following 40 other American students and a professional tour guide. Most importantly, I needed to cross Charles Bridge. Charles Bridge is the most famous bridge in Prague; it's the thing to see in Prague, because atop the majestic stony arch, you get the best view of the city. It will make you pee your pants.


So I wandered. It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

 It was refreshing to look at the buildings, knowing nothing about them, and love them just because they were beautiful. I guess I'm shallow, but sometimes the best way to approach things is with a childlike wonder. So I did, hence the awkward tourist picture seen below. No shame.

Then, after an entire day of meandering, I crossed Charles Bridge and there it was! The "Golden City". The buildings were literally illuminated by gold light. Finally, Prague. :)
I don't have a great camera, but I didn't edit these pictures except to crop out creepy strangers who were sort of looking at the camera.