Czech, sound check, Czech Republic: Chipsy and Sticklets in Prague

I left Fulda and arrived in Cologne on a Monday evening, to be greeted at the train station by the ever-delightful Katarina. We spent the night drinking wine, catching up and talking endlessly the way two friends who haven't seen each other for some time do. (I'm somewhat surprised that she didn't knock me out to shut me up!)

The very next day, she whisked me off for a week in Prague and Berlin!

First stop: Prague (Wow!).

How is it possible that one city can be so beautiful?

Not an old, shabby or run down building to be found in the old town– everything grand and colorful and all a bit surreal.

It is like someone has dropped you right into the middle of a fairy tale and you're not quite sure where to start or what to look at.

We arrived at night, starving and thirsty and found a little pub / restaurant that served delicious butterfish and beer by the half litre (at 12% alcohol and very dangerous!).

We found Old Town Square, admired the architecture, and then wandered into a little jazz bar. Upon browsing the menu, I found myself in a fit of giggles because let's face it, 'Chipsy' just sounds funny and I wasn't quite sure what 'Sticklets' were. And so, then and there, we decided to change our names and adopt our new identities: Chipsy (Kat) and Sticklets (Me).

(Turns out 'chipsy' is potato chips whilst we are still not sure what sticklets are. Possibly potato chips on a stick, and yes, that is a real thing...)

We wandered through town trying to uncover some night life, but after a couple of pub and cocktail bar stops, decided to go back to the hotel, re group and rest in preparation for a full day of sightseeing.

The next day, map in hand, we found our way to Prague Castle in time for the changing of the guards, had brunch on a terrace overlooking a Monastery, wandered the cobbled streets surrounding the Castle and in the Old Town, took a cruise along the river and walked to the (somewhat underwhelming) Dancing Houses.

By day, we sought out the sights in the beautiful city that is Prague, often stopping for an afternoon beer or Aperol Spritzer, and every night, we found a different live jazz venue for great music, drinks, and dancing in our seats.

Prague is a spectacularly beautiful city and I was lucky to have such brilliant company - someone who likes to sleep in as much as I do, go sightseeing in the afternoon (no early morning starts), who enjoys nice dinners and drinks and live music, and above all else, who can keep me laughing day and night...

Together, we shall take on Berlin... (if I make it because in my hungover state, standing upright on the platform, waiting for the train is literally the hardest thing I have ever had to do...)