My Prague: the night watch
With visits to the city numbering well into the double digits, Prague started me on a different path, and eventually, to a change in my life.
According to legend, the city’s name, Praha, is derived from the Czech word, “práh” for “threshold” or “steps”. With the city’s geographic location within the European continent, it’s hard to recount the chronicles of Central Europe without mentioning Praha. History and significance permeates the city in the cobbled stonework, centuries of architecture, and stories of struggle and change.
I believe the city is one step of many on my journey and transition from my past as research scientist to a future that remains under continuous construction. Prague has been and continues to be an important part of this process. I’ve fallen in love with Praha – she means a lot to me.
As day passes to night, many parts of the city become quiet and empty, with only the yellow glow of the street lamps for company. Many are taught not to go into areas unknown, poorly lit, or vacant.
But I know Praha enough to see her differently.
I’ve done the legwork by day, scouting out and noting various locations around the city, and imagining their appearance in the dark. With a newly crafted road map in my head, I stand in the hotel lobby. I close my eyes in a mental walkthrough of my map, breathing deeply, slowly. I open my eyes again and step out into the night, guided by the lights of Staré Město, and across the Vltava over to Mal´ Strana.
I’m on the “night watch” with Rembrandt’s painting high in mind. The city and its streets don’t care who we are or from where we come. They lie still, in wait around the next corner.
In this place I’m always on the verge of something new; it’s a set of new ideas, much of them extraordinary, romantic, and meaningful. The meanings signify truth on a personal level for those willing to listen and heed the signs.
“Prague never lets go of you … this little mother has claws.”
— Franz Kafka (1883-1924).
City view south, Letenské sady (Letna park)
City view east, Letenské sady (Letna park)
Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square)
Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square)
Karlův most (Charles Bridge), to Malá Strana
Thunovská, Malá Strana
Hradčanské náměstí (Castle square)
Ke Hradu, just below Prague Castle
U lužického semináře, Malá Strana
U Kasáren, Hradčany
Na Kampě, Malá Strana
Bridge tower silhouette looms over Charles Bridge
Míšeňská, Malá Strana
“Na hrad!” (To the castle!), Malá Strana
Hradčanské náměstí (Castle Square)
Smetanovo nábřeží (Smetana Embankment)
More on Prague:
• “Praha, miluju tě | I love you, Prague”
• 5 of the Best Spots to View Prague at Night
• “Love story number 1” – Karlův most
• Na hrad! To the Prague castle! – Malá Strana, Pražský hrad
• “The colours of fall in Prague” – Malá Strana, Pražský hrad
I made the photos above in October 2008, October 2009, and July 2013, with a Canon EOS450D (XSi). This post appears on Fotoeins Fotografie at fotoeins.com as http://wp.me/p1BIdT-3uO.
Fotoeins Fotografie 
11 Responses to “My Prague: the night watch”
I only had a quick stop at Praha many years ago and I think it is time to go there again someday aoon as especially your pictures really makes me feel to discover the city at evening hours with those lights eveywhere
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Timo, that’s a great endorsement, and that’s exactly what I want people to take away when they see these nighttime images from this beautiful city. And yes, have someone look after the kids, and you and your wife have a weekend getaway in Prague.
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You’ve truly captured wonderful images here – dreaming of the day I get to experience Prague! -Ginette
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Hi, Ginette. I’m glad you feel inspired to visit and experience Prague for yourself. It’s precisely what I’d like people to feel when they see these pictures. I hope you can get to Prague as quickly as possible 🙂 Thanks again for reading and for your kind comments!
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By gosh these are some really amazing photos, well done!
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Hi and thank you, Sarah-Jane; I’m glad you liked the photos! The sights were a pleasure to find as well as to photograph; in a way, the sights “photographed” themselves 🙂
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