dear ma,
i walked around for about 5 hours today. i began hiking west up a
hill to a park within the mala strana district, an old german
settlment along the vlatava's western bank. i winded up this hill to
breathtaking views overlooking the city, and continued along the ridge
to an old buddhist monastery surrounded by jazz clubs.
then i reached the neighborhoods surrounding the prague castle, the
biggest castle in the world. i walked the winding streets to open
courtyards filled with impeccably kept, functioning stone buildings
and tourists and accordian music, then i was at the south wall of the
prague castle.
the main catherdral was surrounded by other tall, regal buildings with
spires, but within the cathedral i was simply blown away by its
massive hall. the ceilings were higher than i could imagine and
colored stained glass shone long, colorful streaks across the floor.
the hall echoed with the voices of excited tourists and i stopped for
a few minutes to hear a tour guide covering the historical
significance. it was the most spectacular place i've ever been.
i exited and headed back down to the river and the charles bridge,
walking past street venders and artists and tourists and emigrants,
like me, trying to find themselves. once i reached the river, i
needed only to turn right and walk shoreside back to my flat.
overall, it was one of the best days i've ever spent, and now, rather than be
anxious and overwhelmed, i'm mostly just excited. this is one of the
most beautiful places in the world, and i don't know when i'll ever
leave. the people are friendly, jobs are available everywhere, and
the beer and food and culture are boundless.
matt, my classmate from seattle, is here now. we went with christopher, 29,
a student still here from last month, to eat chinese food ($3.45 for a plate of
sweet and sour chicken and rice) and then to the mall for an outlet converter
for matt. i think we'll try to get a beer later tonight, before we begin school
tomorrow.
talk to you later,
keith
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