Echoes of Prague by Chipka
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Description
The memory is as clear as the image. I'd taken a walk through the streets of Prague (over a year ago now) and found myself utterly relaxed, as is common in so friendly (though quirky) a city. I'd spent the day with friends, my camera, and my writing, and as the city's already relaxed pace slowed near the stroke of midnight, I found myself skirting the banks of the Vltava River, heading straight for the tourist trap known as Karlove Lazne. Everyone knows it as "That Five Story Club." Locals don't have much need for it. Young tourists flock there, especially Italian men of a particular mindset. When you walk in, you invariably see them, dressed to the nines with their crisp, white shirts open. For those (like me) interested in the mating behaviors of various species, such men provide an amusing spectacle, as their main form of establishing dominance seems to involve pointing one's chest hair at the competition...or at least that's how it seems.
I uninterested in any mating rituals that didn't directly involve me, and since I wasn't in an amorous mood, I gave the tourist trap a pass, and simply walked. The river hissed, lisped, and whispered to one side, while trams trundled along their tracks to my right. I remember the smells of that night, the sounds, and the cloying humidity that seemed more a part of the river than the city itself.
I'd found this picture in the saved copy of an email I'd sent to a friend, and in seeing it now, I've decided that it's worth a post. Prague Castle dominates this picture, but for those with sharper eyes, you can also see Charles Bridge, and the shimmer of light on the Vltava itself.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting on this and on previous posts, and hopefully you're all having a great week.
Comments (20)
MrsRatbag
Chip, it's a magical shot; the light on the water is fantastic, as is the shape of the castle itself. Beautiful!
Sea_Dog
Great image. I can almost here the river and the trams as you've described. The reflections in the river and the lights on the far bank are inviting and fascinating.
bpclarke
A lovely capture and fun memories. Splendid work.
lior
A so wonderful scene by night! Keep up the good work! Lior
romanceworks
A very lovely shot. You speak of Prague with such longing. I hope you will be reunited with your soul city soon. You are at home in her arms and she holds you tightly, so you can create with confidence and joy. CC
SSoffia
DEAR FRIEND BEAUTIFUL & SPECTACULAR CAPTURE :)
MagikUnicorn
The City of LOVE :) Beautiful (sobre lumière)
MrsLubner
Such a gorgeous view. The night is heavy but the illumination is so enlightening.
auntietk
Ahhhhh ... such a glorious night shot, and so evocative of your time in Prague. I'm glad you found this, my friend.
ladyraven23452
there are no words for the magic you put to paper.
texboy
mighty fine, Chip!
durleybeachbum
Fabulous writing!!The marvellous pic serves to enhance it.
M2A
Light is a presence and also an echo, updating our mind for what things and people cannot show or express.
ledwolorz
Beautiful photo.
NefariousDrO
It is a fascinating shot, the lights are quite beautiful against the stone. I love your description of the city.
anaber
Wonderful light!reat image as always..very evocative and impressive!
KatesFriend
Excellent and clear night photography and all the colours bouncing around the image are wonderful. I love your description of the shimmering Vltava river. Alas, the only great city river I can visit is the Don River in Toronto. A body of water with such a reputation for pollution that, in times past, young people used to watch it catch fire on Saturday nights. And it used to be overlooked by the city jail, "The Inn On The Don". A far cry from the noble Vltava. And I'm always so impressed by the vision of some of the Czech rulers of old. These palaces and castles and fortresses have a grandness of design you do not see in many other parts of the world.
CoreyBlack
I love this! I've seen a lot of your pictures of Prague (and heard their accompanying stories )since you returned in February, and thought I can't say that I almost feel I've been there, i can admit that it sounds fascinating, I envy you the experience, and can't wait to check the place out. Great night-time shot and wonderfully evocative! So, when are we leaving?
nikolais
to see Prague was... has been my dream since early school days way back to the early 60s when I started corresponding with a peer who would send me postcards. seems like if and when I ever get there, it won't look strange. your wonderful images remind me of those postcards and the time
anahata.c
beautiful & evocative, you capture the mystery of night-in-a-city impeccably, both with the lights and with the looming black space around them (a generous night-sky, chip!), and with the looming shadows near the water; you know how to use a camera, my friend, and how to let it pick up the mysteries and caverns of night in & beneath a city. (Those shadows over the water remind me of some of your science fiction...) I've never been to prague, but your writings have taken me many places I've never been; and your photos have taken me there too. A wonderful shot bathed in the love you have for the place, and in the mystery & illumination you bring to everything you create. Please know that I can't comment on everything I've missed because it would take me so long, but also know I've seen everything, I haven't missed an upload, and I'll try to comment on representative pieces as I return. This was a great place to start...beautiful.