Planeta Žižkov by Chipka
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Description
There is a bar in Prague’s Žižkov neighborhood named—appropriately enough—“Planeta Žižkov. The name is what it implies. It is a world, a planet, albeit a garish green one on the outside. (Think “Kermit the Frog” Green with a hint of something radioactive in the paint and you have some clue as to the color.) Expatriates mingle with locals there, tourists visit and leave marks of their stay on walls and ceiling. I have been there. I know what busses and trams to take from various parts of the city to the small bar on the corner of a familiar street. I have seen the world’s largest equestrian statue: a hulking monument to the one-eyed Hussite hero Jan Žižka, and though religion isn’t my thing, I’m glad to know of his heroism. I know people who live close to this bar and the hill-top statue that shadows it, at least existentially. These people, the ones I know, are friends. They have shaped my journey to Moscow, and have lightened the load I still have to carry in pursuit of my goal. They care for me. They care for Victor. They care for a bunch of other friends they have yet to meet.
More recently, I visited a Persian restaurant in Chicago. (Yep, that Reza’s place again!) And for a glorious evening, I felt as if some aspect of Prague had followed me across the vast Atlantic. For a moment, I could have closed my eyes and simply savored the almost otherworldly aethers without ever seeing the intrusion of Chicago. The sound of voices in American-accented English gave the moment a strange, dream quality: rather like speaking a foreign tongue in your sleep, only to awaken and recall your dream-speech in English. It has happened to me. I have had dreams in which I spoke Russian, in which I spoke Czech, and I remembered the things I said in those dreams, only I remembered them in my own language. It’s funny how that happens, and it’s touching when it happens while you’re wide awake. I went to Reza’s with Marilyn and Tara, Mark and Corey. We went there twice. And each time, the moment felt like Prague; the restaurant felt like a bar at the base of a hill commemorating Jan Žižka. It is unfortunate that Victor was not there, at Reza’s…unfortunate as well that Kača and Marie and Pavl were not there either. But Marilyn was there. Tara was there. Mark was there. Corey was there. All of us were together and though Cheri and Dave and Juanita came later, but not to the restaurant, it was good. Good enough, more than good enough, it was Prague, and it was the promise of Moscow. It gave me hope that one day, the Renderosity Ninjas might reunite in the comforting darkness of another restaurant with our number increased, but until that happens, this image (taken in Prague and retrieved from a forgotten email) serves as gratitude to Victor and for the Renderosity Ninja Photographers (including the ones who aren’t photographers, or so they say) and to the other friends who have gone unnamed here.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope to catch up--reasonably--on commenting on everyone else's posts in the upcoming week.
Comments (16)
koosievantutte
fine image - looks like a fine place to be!
Meisiekind
I feel your words touch my soul Chip - of a restaurant, moments, shared with someone now far, far away... I am starting to intensely dislike the Atlantic! :( Wonderful image with equally wonderful words to tell of a night in Reza's of a life in Prague and a love in Russia... I understand! :)
clbsmiley
Very nice atmosphere... Also nice remembrances of times and dreams in your life.
Bossie_Boots
Your words are quite sad i wont pretend to understand what you mean i love the photo it reminds me of a restraunt my father used to take us to when i was young thanks for sharing !!!
Xantipa
Ha, ha, ha ... in Prague ... regards and kisses from Prague, my friend...
durleybeachbum
This pic sends me back in time ...far too complicated to explain..but it is such an evocative image for me as well as for you.
auntietk
What a wonderful image! I know, through your words, what it feels like to be there. Reza's was, indeed, time out of time ... I wish I could go back there as easily in body as I do in memory. (I'm still working on a Reza's piece. Will it ever be done????)
blondeblurr
It's not quite clear to me, whether you are living your dream in the two big city's, at the same time...or are you dreaming of life in two big city's ? One thing though, it's for sure...I can tell, that you are feeling home-sick, for one close friend, in particular! May this day come soon for you, to be re-united once more; but then you will think of the friends and memories you've left behind in Chicago, but ready to create new memories in Prague, for us to read about. Perhaps we will see a photo of 'Reza's' soon ? This rustic-looking pic of 'Planeta Zizkov', of seems full of memories...keep on dreaming, keep on writing, nobody can steal that away from you. Charming place with lot's of character. BB
ladyraven23452
I love it and as always your words you are a star in a some what dark world.
mermaid
this has a feeling of a place to come with friends, where it doesn't matter, which language you speak and where you can simple have a something to drink and listen to the music of people talking to each other, about allday life, about, friend and about philosphical views... A fine shot and oh I like your words going with it..
Sea_Dog
This looks like my kind of place. Warm, casual, inviting. I can imagine sitting at one of these tables enjoying a local brew and spirited conversation with the tourists, locals and expats. Great capture, chip
elfin14doaks
I love the atmosphere and those big rustic tables. A reuniting of the Rendo ninjas is definitely a must.
anaber
I think I understood correctly what you said...then, I dare to say,that at least we can recreate the places we love and that we need with the help of the dream and with the rememberance of those who are so far away...and in the end, in this litle world where we live, i truly think that we are all together in the same. The atmosphere is amazing.I've never been there, but it is still familiar.Your photograph is excellent.
beachzz
This took me right back to that place. The walk up, my favorite neon sign, the people in the streets, every single moment. Chicago keeps coming back to me, and this foto and your words transport me. This very moment, I'm there, remembering, hearing, almost tasting the food, taking it all in. Wow--!!
KatesFriend
Well I like the colour. Of coarse the host on the video screen is also wearing a rather tacky green suit. That I could do without I suppose. It is great how you've captured the warmth of the environment here. The billowing sunlight pouring through the open windows adds to this feeling.
violet
Wonderful atmosphere in this shot....Excellent work !