Praha non-stop

Despite my better judgement, I agreed to meet several people in Prague (Praha) for a weekend get away.  This is one of those instances where when people ask "How was Prague" you just shake you head.  Not because it was a bad trip - quite the opposite - just incredibly exhausting.  Ondrej's family's apartment is currently vacant, so 7 of us squatted there for 4 days.  On the last night I was lucky enough to grab a mattress, which my spine was thankful for.     

Christmas market next to the clock tower 

Prague is an incredibly beautiful city.  I wish I woke up before noon to actually see more of it in the daylight.  I only ever saw Charles Bridge in the dark.  As you travel out to the periphery of the city the architecture leans toward Stalinist functionality, but the old town is impressive.  

We skipped the cultural crap.  For one reason, it was the off season and several things were partially closed.  Also, getting 7 people to agree to anything is a waste of time.  Plus it was bitterly cold for a few days.  We did manage to walk up 270 stairs to a spire in the cathedral located in the castle.  It was a nice view if not a little windy.

Ondrej (tu madre) and Slurms

  I have a new found appreciation for the Czech language.  After struggling to learn a Nordic dialect, I was exposed to a language that has nothing to do with English.
It was harsh, impatient and sexy.  Ondrej was key to avoiding uncomfortable situations.   Don't worry Emily, I didn't call anyone a goat.

And "penis" is russian for.......?

Although the "Budget" brand is probably available in several other european countries, it is a representation of the Czech condition.  While Prague has become a haven for ex-pat hipster doofus pretension, the Czechs manage to avoid concern for appearances.  For instance, they except the fact that the majority of the population are complete alcoholics.  Also the prevalence of the socks/sandals combination did not go unnoticed, a fact that Ondrej came to embrace. Beer is cheaper than water, the trams are late, green vegetables don't grow in czech soil, fanny packs are acceptable and the czechs don't care.
It was refreshing to be in a place where, despite the flaws, the system functioned.  People didn't give a shit.  It works just fine.

You had to drag spines into this!

  This sleeping bag was surprisingly comfortable after getting home from the clubs at 5am.  I also was extremely grateful for the green apple hand soap that washed the smell of cigarettes out of my hair.  Squat or GFTO!