Wending our way through the narrow streets at Prague Castle.
Consulting a travel book can sometimes be tricky. You see, we had this book on Prague. A very good book, as it turns out. It had a whole section on Prague Castle and Hradcany. (Fascinating place, by the way.) And it said that when we went there, we should look for Golden Lane. “The picturesque artisans’ cottages along the inside of the castle wall were built in the late 16th century for the Castle’s guards and gunners.” And right beside the write-up was this sweet picture of colorful cottages along a tiny lane.
But when we funneled our way down a first lane to get to Golden Lane, we realized what we were up against: summer tourists. By the droves.
Crowds of tourists at Golden Lane, Prague
So that when we entered Golden Lane, we could hardly view the sweet cottages for all the people taking pictures and coming and going in and out to escape the pop-up shower that soaked us all.
But we were looking for No. 22. After all, said the tour guide book, the writer Franz Kafka stayed at No. 22 with his sister for a few months in 1916-1917. And we wanted to know what writing. And where? And when?
House No. 22 at Golden Lane, Prague where Kafka lived from 1916-1917.
So, we entered No. 22 and there was the confirmation:
And here’s the proof: Kafka wrote A Country Doctor right here in No. 22.
Of course, we had to buy a copy. And then, oh yes, we’ll take that, too: a little journal with this graphic that we noticed was on t-shirts and pencils and buttons to wear.
A little journal sporting a Kafka-esque graphic cover! Don’t you love it?
Writing by Kafka is popular in Prague!
For more entries in Ailsa’s Travel theme: Writing, click here.
And our book that led us all through Prague? Prague 2016 by Eyewitness Travel. www.dk.com
gallivance.net
Rusha, we visited Prague in January, and crowds weren’t a problem … but frigid weather was. We found ultra-cheap airfares to Prague and said to ourselves: How bad can it be? Well as it turns out, it can be really bad in January. We loved the city, and spent a week there. As it happened, it was a record cold wave that killed lots of people in Russia. The entire time we were there, the high temp was 3°! We learned a lesson on that trip. Golden Lane looks crowded, but it looks better in shorts and T shirts. BTW, we love DK travel guides. ~James
Oh, the Places We See
You make a strong case for visiting anywhere in the spring, summer, fall . . . anytime besides winter!!! We bundled up to see Russia, but hopped back on the cruise ship as quickly as we could. (Kinda explains why Bert had more nips than he probably should have!) We don’t mind crowds too much — it’s more to watch, of course. But in those tiny houses, it was a tad tight. Especially during the pop-up shower sending everyone to take cover!
Marigold blooms...
Your photos brought back wonderful memories of Prague. Lovely!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I plan to write more. The city of Prague is one of my favorite places to visit!! Thanks for commenting.
Zambian Lady
Prague can be really crowded, but I think the city’s spirit still comes through. Beautiful photos.
Oh, the Places We See
You know what? We loved Prague anyway. I’d love to see it when it’s not so crowded, but sometimes the people made it even more fun.
hilarycustancegreen
We went to Prague for a conference and I must admit that, although we were royally entertained, I found the city uncomfortable because of the crowds.
Oh, the Places We See
It was definitely crowded, but so orderly and peaceful. Most tourists and locals seemed so happy to be there, and we were among the happiest!
anotherday2paradise
So many like-minded tourists to keep you company. At least you got to go inside the all important #22. 🙂 Yes, I do love the beautiful graphic on the cover of your journal.
Oh, the Places We See
I love that graphic, too! So striking. And when all the journals are lined up on a shelf, it’s quite the picture. Now, why didn’t I take one????
anotherday2paradise
You’ll have to go back again. 🙂
ourfrenchoasis
Have just written a post about the Basque Country in SW France. We used to live there and returned for a weekend. It was so crowded. I thought the Charente Maritime where we live on th e coast was busy in summer, but nothing compared to the crowds we encountered in St Jean de Luz, a shame as we wanted to go to the beach, but it was literally cheek by jowl with bodies. As Curt says above, this is why it’s good to travel outside of August!
Oh, the Places We See
We would love to see Basque Country — the closest we got was a section in Boise, Idaho with Basque-related restaurants and tourist items. But that’s better than nothing, I guess. Thanks for letting me know about crowds in St. Jean de Luz. Good to know. But I think we tourists flock together in any pretty place during the summer. Gotta travel on anyway!
cindy knoke
WOW! Horrendous crowds! Nothing like this when we were here. Crowds ruin the experience.
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so right, Cindy. Crowds ruin the pretty pics, at least. But everyone was cordial, crowding into those little houses and standing patiently in line at cafes. If I had a choice, though, I’d go in spring or fall. Thanks for taking a look.
Curt Mekemson
There are reasons why I travel, for the most part, in spring and fall. 🙂 –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right! It was really crowded. But we made it through. I just have more photos of rooftops because I was trying not to have so many tourists in my pics!!! (I guess somebody has Bert and Rusha in theirs!)
Curt Mekemson
Isn’t that the truth, Rusha! I am always struggling to get photos not crammed with tourists. 🙂 Maybe we should just give up and take photos of tourists! –Curt