#Art and Culture in Prague

[m1male2]

Praga

[hvonart]

Step into the captivating heart of Prague, where the vibrant beauty of the city unfolds like the brushstrokes of an oil painting. The golden spires of St. Vitus Cathedral pierce the azure sky, their intricate gothic designs reflecting centuries of history beneath the warm glow of the setting sun. Cobblestone streets wind like a painter's palette, hues of ochre and terracotta mingling with the lush greens of manicured gardens, inviting you to wander and discover timeless treasures hidden in plain sight.

As the lively rhythms of street musicians serenade passersby, the atmosphere buzzes with an intoxicating energy. Colorful market stalls bursting with handcrafted wares line the bustling streets, each corner radiating the spirited laughter of friends clinking beer steins in cozy taverns. In this vibrant tapestry of culture and art, the soulful essence of Prague awakens the imagination, urging every traveler to create their own stroke of brilliance in this enchanting city.

Discover more travel tips for City Breaks in Europe: book24h.online

[just-call-it-a-day]

The beauty in the heavens

[romanationmovement]

[freyito]

Can you write something where the Smoke's s/o talked him into going to Smoke's hometown together?

yall got me doing so much research for this man, and i love it!!! turns out his hometown is Prague, which i dont know why but i didnt expect. but hey, beautiful city to fit a beautiful man. man now i really wanna go to prague, yall got me ON SOMETHING. update yall when i do lmfaooo

cw: fluff, thats really all, sweet ol' tomas, gn reader, proofread

-𝙎𝙈𝙊𝙆𝙀 𝙍𝙀𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙉𝙎 𝙏𝙊 𝙋𝙍𝘼𝙂𝙐𝙀

At first, Tomas was apprehensive about returning to Prague. It had been a while since he had seen the city. Truth be told, he was a little afraid of change.

But he gives in, especially to you. He figures if he's stayed connected to his Czechian culture, it'd be a wasted opportunity to not go back to Prague.

He admits, his Czech isn't on par with locals anymore, either. Yes, he's studied it and has made it a point to use it, but especially with the Lin Kuei, his English and Chinese out-weigh his Czech. Lucky for you two, about 50% of the population in Prague speaks English, especially waiters. And Tomas is able to cover for the remaining 50%.

Bonus points, if you speak Russian, you get to roughly understand 74% of that 50% of Czech. If you speak Polish, however, you'll only be able to roughly understand about 36%.

Tomas loves the idea of you learning Czech, too. He'll absolutely help, he thinks that it is a really good bonding experience, and it definitely brings you two closer.

Some of the things Tomas is interested in doing when you two end up in Prague is going to the Lobkowicz Palace, an art museum. He definitely wants to explore every little place, but out of the popular tourist attractions, that's the first that caught his eye. He'd also love to see the castle, just out of fascination.

He also takes you to Old Town at night, simply because he thinks it's beautiful. And it shows just a little bit of what he remembered. He isn't much of a pub crawler, but he will follow you if you wish. And if you just want to go to a club to dance, he's down too.

Speaking of clubs, Tomas seems particularly interested in going to the Jazz Dock, as surprising as it may be. He looooves dancing with you, even surrounded by strangers.

To be honest, he just really enjoys the night scene. Not surprising, really. But he loves how the city lights offer a subtle glow against your figure, he thinks it compliments you as a whole.

Tomas will always treat you to dinner, too. He'll take you to some of the more popular, tourist spots if you so wish, but he prefers the smaller local cafés and diners. His favorite has to be the Bella Vida café, while not small or local by any means, he loves the river view and just the coziness of the café.

Another bonus, if you go down there during St Wenceslas Day (Today, actually, September 28th, as I'm writing), Tomas won't mind participating. More of, he'll observe, since he likes to be in-tune with his Czech history, especially since this day is about Czechian history.

© freyito, 2024 | masterlist | queue | kofi DO NOT REPOST AS YOUR OWN OR USE FOR AI/AI CHATBOTS.

[barbarakaterina]

CodyWan Wekk Day 7: Modern AU - Academia

Cody loved all aspects of Pride.

Most of his queer brothers tended to show up mostly for the parties, and obviously they all went to the Parade, but he always tried to take in as many of the lectures and panel discussions as possible, too. Not that he objected to a good party, but the educational program tended to be so <i>interesting</i>.

This one was shaping up to be especially so, though in a rather different way than Cody was used to. 

It was a lecture by some big shot academic especially invited for this purpose from London, about LGBTQIA+ in different religious traditions across time. Religion wasn’t normally Cody’s area of interest, but he’d decided to come and listen to this, given how prestigious the guest was.

He was already feeling grateful he had, because even if nothing else came of it, the guy was hot.

He seemed to be in his mid thirties or so, so older than Cody but not so much that it would be a problem, and he had long red hair tied in a bun and beard that made Cody wish he could feel it absolutely everywhere. He was very glad now that he’d picked the first row and would have a completely unobstructed view. Even if the lecture was completely boring, he’d leave happy.

And then the guy started speaking.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” he said in a perfect honeyed voice that had Cody melting. “My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi, and I want to thank you for your attendance and the warm welcome,” he nodded to the host. “This is my first time in Prague, actually, but it will definitely not be the last. Now, to start, I should clarify that I will not focus on modern Christianity much. Frankly, there is enough information about that out there, and there are better qualified people to speak on it. So if you came here for Christianity, sorry to say, you would be better served by some other events. Now, let’s get to it…”

Cody was falling in love.

The feeling only intensified as the lecture went on, discussing different examples from across history and showing what the different approaches had in common and how they differed, dazzling Cody with the simple array of options that existed in approaches to gender and sexuality.

When it came to questions, his hand was one of the first ones up.

“Hello, my name is Cody, and my question is, do you believe we can take inspiration from any of these approaches?” He asked Kenobi when his turn came.

Kenobi looked at him, and then his eyes seemed to sort of snag. “Thank you for the lovely question,” he said slowly, still keeping his eyes on Cody, “but sadly, I’m afraid that it would be rather complicated. All of these approaches I described were rooted in wider cultural ideas and social structure that I didn’t get time to get into here, so that without them, they wouldn’t work.”

Cody frowned, not sure exactly what to imagine with such a brief description. “Could you give an example…?”

“I can try a brief one, but if you are interested in this in detail, I can also recommend some books - come speak to me after the lecture.”

Well, that was just the perfect invitation, so of course Cody did. He wasn’t sure he would be actually reading those books, but a chance to speak to Kenobi one on one was too good to pass up on.

He did, indeed, get a list of books, and then Kenobi said: “Actually, I will be starting a new job here in Prague in the autumn, at the Faculty of Arts, so you could always come to some of my lectures that will be dealing with that, too.”

Oh. Oh.

“That is an absolutely irresistible invitation,” Cody said, leaning just a bit closer and carefully observing Kenobi’s reaction.

His eyes went to Cody’s lips. <i>Score.</i>

“...but if I may, I would extend an invitation for something a little bit sooner, and perhaps a little bit more personal…?”

“Why, Cody,” Kenobi replied, “this is what I would call irresistible.”

-

It's Pride this week in Prague and I wanted to honour it somehow. It's nicely symbolic to have CodyWan week at the same time, though it also means I have less time for writing because of all the Pride events. Anyway, today is Parade Day, so have an academic Pride fic that was very vaguely inspired by the lecture about same-sex marriage in Catholic theology I attended yesterday. Happy Pride to any Czechs reading this!

@codywanweek

[dreamgrlarchive]

Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint Era (+No Frauds)

#PrettyHeiressDiaries: Eras Edition 🎀

this is my first #PrettyHeiressDiaries post. as i’ve previously stated, this series is going to be me diving into my fav muses and celebs and dissecting what i can take from these lovely ladies. this blog will focus on Nicki Minaj’s branding from 2014-2017 roughly. + a few Queen era looks.

The Pinkprint Era Style Elements:

the pinkprint was alter ego free, and a return to hiphop and r&b for nicki. meaning she was highly stripped of the campy pop rap star we had come to know. it was chic DOWN. think collector barbie vs the harajuku barbie. don’t mistake me though, onika was still very in touch with her cutesy girly side. there was a balance of sexy and chic with a few drops of cute. and this is why the pinkprint era is my absolute favorite, with her looks being a standard i follow for a lot of my looks.

nicki’s cute mirrors 🎀

nicki’s iconic black barbie insta selfies, wearing real hair or natural extensions(often textured ponytails and blowouts), minimal makeup and natural beats 🎀

lots of black and neutrals, statement purses (often times chanel) 🎀

nicki makes a return to the harajuku barbie aesthetic during the pinkprint tour 🎀 +

prissy pink looks i loved from this era 🎀

No Frauds Era Style Elements:

after the pinkprint era was dying down and nicki had become the victim of “the nicki hate train,” her style was still reminiscent of pinkprint. but i would say her branding shifted from the demure somewhat sweetheart to more of an unapologetically bad bitch. this is marked as the “no frauds era” (the time between pinkprint and queen)

glamorous gowns, grandiose blingy bodysuits and adornments, continuing from the pinkprint aesthetic, she’s still wearing natural glams and hairstyles 🎀 +

latex catsuits, lacey looks, pink as seen in the paper magazine cover and the motorsport video 🎀

literally queen couture (tiaras, headpieces, and maximalist furs), the subtle return of the barbie chain, 40 inch “you b*tches can’t even spell prague” naomi/cher hair 🎀

My Fav Queen Era Looks:

ex. tusa videoshoot, harpers bazaar vietnam cover, 2018 vma look, chun li cover art look, 2018 harpers bazaar look 🎀

So What Can We Learn?

Nicki’s style has never been anything short of ultra femme and makes it clear she’s not afraid to take up space and your attention.

As her branding and look shifts through these eras, it’s as if she’s becoming more aggressive with the her fashion to speak to the public.

During The Pinkprint Era, she said “Look, I can put the pink wigs and rainbow paint away and still capture attention while making quality work. Respect me.”

The No Frauds Era saw her evolve into a more flashy Nicki while taking hints of her past looks to say “I AM the greatest, you will NEVER top me, and I can remind you who I am.” Note the Barbie chain while also dressing like modern day royalty.

Nicki Minaj is a highly polarizing figure in pop culture but that should not stop us from acknowledging the cultural resets she’s delivered us in the fashion and beauty industry. When she said “I got all these girls wantin’ to be Barbie Dollz,” it wasn’t just a line, ITS TRUE. So many influential girls on instagram look like either Nicki, Kim K, or Madison Beer, just to name a few. The girls have taken a heavy note from the colored hair, bussdown middle part inches, bulky chains, all while trying to maintain an untouchable level of HYPERFEMININITY. An actual BLACK BARBIE.

-PrettyHeiressDiaries 🎀

credits: nathyyy and blessing mukosha via youtube, @thevirgodoll and @babyphat05’s breakdowns on femmes in the culture on the respective personal blogs.

[forfucksakesniall]

“Hearts on Hold” - a draft

a sequel to Car's Outside after part 4

𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ*.·:·.✧ ✦✧.·:·.*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Pairing: Lewis Hamilton x Driver!Reader

Word Count: 1,692

A/N: This might be the only part for now. Not sure if I would continue it but I will be doing drabbles about it

The day you left was tough. It was a step towards your personal growth and independence. Yet, deep down, you wanted to be by his side throughout the entire winter break. Your mind was filled with conflicting thoughts.

Why did we leave? 

Because we need to rely on ourselves and not depend on others too much. 

So, does that mean our emotions stem from past issues?

No, not necessarily... maybe. I'm not really sure but that is why we're doing this.

You constantly debate whether you made the right decision or not. However, all doubts disappear when he sends you a text message. Each day, his words bring comfort and kindness. You don't respond much because thoughts of him make your mind race.

You don't intentionally ignore him, but there's a certain pleasure in having alone time, where you can fully immerse yourself in the moment. You've grown typical of being alone, and it feels like home. Some may see it as a lonely existence, but they can't grasp the experience of being solely on yourself.

You found yourself in the Czech Republic, a land rich in history and culture. It's a place that fosters personal growth and development. With its stunning architecture, like the iconic Prague Castle, and its vibrant arts scene. You felt like a princess, wandering through the city in search of love or simply a new adventure. 

As you sat at a charming café, savoring your evening coffee and engrossed in a book, it provided a familiar and comforting feeling.

Suddenly, your phone buzzed, breaking the tranquil atmosphere. You glanced down to see one of many of Lewis' daily text messages.

A day ago, 5:06 PM:

Lew

Good morning! You better manage to squeeze in some workouts today, haha. They already miss you - my niece and nephew. I miss you too, but you already knew that...

Yesterday, 5:44 PM:

Lew

Hey, just checking in to see if you're doing alright. Text me when you can. I miss you. I'll see you soon.

Today, 5:04 PM:

Lew

Still missing you, and Roscoe was looking for you.

Today, 5:10 PM:

Lew

Coachella was absolutely wild! Wish you were here. They kept asking if you were coming. I told them you were off doing something way more exciting. Maybe you'll join me next year, haha.

He persisted in texting you, as he could see that you had received and read his messages. Gosh, he deserves someone better, you thought, prompting you to finally respond.

You

Hey Lewis, sorry for not replying earlier. I'm actually doing really well. Sometimes, I do get a little lost, but that's what makes the adventure exciting, right? I won't tell my current location, haha. I hope I don't run into you here, following me around. I'll see you when I return to Monaco.

You reread the messages you sent, caught up in overthinking the entire situation. Just as you finish, he responds.

Lew

I'll see you back at home.

That familiar, tingling, warm feeling rushes back. You suddenly blush, feeling slightly embarrassed by your public display of emotions.

"Ughhh," you mutter to yourself.

Feeling compelled, you text him once again.

You

I miss you too

You quickly type and send it before locking your phone and slamming it onto the table. Frustrated with yourself, you feel like a silly schoolgirl texting her crush.

Lost in your embarrassment, you're suddenly interrupted as someone taps your shoulder. Your heart starts pounding, echoing in your ears.

You slowly turn around and find yourself face-to-face with none other than Mick Schumacher.

"Mick! W-what brings you here?" you stammer, taken aback by his sudden appearance. You were seated outside a café, with only a wooden fence separating you from the bustling street. Somehow, he still noticed you sitting there while riding his bike.

"Oh, umm... I was giving my friends a tour around Europe, and then I saw you sitting here... I should ask what you're up to," he explains a hint of curiosity in his voice.

You giggle, finding him endearingly cute. You and Mick are friends, or at least colleagues working for the same team. You often have chats and occasionally hang out after training, but you wouldn't say you're incredibly close.

"Yeah, well, it's a long story. In short, I'm on a little adventure for myself, taking a break from everything and just trying to relax. It's really nice to see a familiar face," you reply, feeling a sense of comfort.

"I know, right? Who would have thought?" he responds, sharing your amusement.

"Right?" you giggle in response.

"I should get going. It's great to see you again. I'll catch you at the factory then?" he suggests.

"Yeah, definitely!" you affirm with a smile.

He waves goodbye and starts pedaling away, leaving you with a mix of excitement and warmth in your heart.

✧*̥˚ Timeskip *̥˚✧

Weeks had passed, and it felt like an eternity. Finally, you arrived in Monaco, your home. You had managed to keep a low profile at the airport, although a few people still recognized you. The gossip pages had already spread the word about your return. You had considered texting Lewis, but it seemed unnecessary now that the Instagram gossip pages had made the announcement.

Now, you were in your cozy apartment, a place you called home. It felt warm and comforting, and it was all yours.

During your soul-searching journey, you had disabled all the apps that connected you to the outside world - Instagram, Twitter, emails, and more. Now, you decided to open them again, and your phone buzzed incessantly with notifications. Choosing to mute it, you placed it under your pillow.

"Some people sure missed me," you tell to yourself, looking around the house to find your laptop. It was exactly where you had left it, in the living room.

You opened your emails on the laptop instead and saw several team-related messages about an upcoming meeting. You stared at them for a while, realizing it was time to return to work and face reality.

A tinge of sadness and nervousness crept over you, but you pushed any negative thoughts aside. You didn't want to dwell on the idea that they might not want you or anything pessimistic. It was time to move forward.

A knock interrupts your thoughts, causing a small jolt of surprise.

"Why do people keep scaring me?" you mutter to yourself.

The knocking persists, growing slightly louder.

"I'm coming!" you call out.

Excitement builds within you as you jog to the door, eagerly unlocking and swinging it open without hesitation.

"Hey,"

"Hey..." you respond, your tone revealing a lack of enthusiasm.

"Well, that sounds like you weren't happy to see me," the coach remarks.

"Because I wasn't," you reply, adding a touch of sarcasm to your voice.

He was your performance coach, and truthfully, you were never thrilled to see him. His presence meant returning to rigorous training. You had been working together for a year now, and while there was still a connection, you had been avoiding it since last year due to past issues. 

However, you had undergone a transformation and were now a different person.

"Are you ready to get back out there?" the coach asks.

You gaze at him, newfound determination shining in your eyes.

"Hell yeah," you declare, a wide grin spreading across your face.

Throughout the day, you engaged in scheduling and planning, a common practice among Formula 1 drivers and their performance coaches. You both discussed training sessions, physical workouts, and practice sessions to optimize performance on and off the track. 

Despite feeling exhausted from the earlier flight, the overwhelming flood of missed notifications, and the planning for upcoming races, your determination remained steady.

As the evening grew late, the coach suggested that both of you grab a meal together. You ventured out and decided to go to "La Marée," a renowned eatery in Monaco. 

Stepping out of the car, a swarm of people immediately surrounded you. Cameras flashed, videos recorded, and requests for autographs came from all directions. It was the familiar scene you had missed—the support and admiration from the fans, which warmed your heart. With a wave of gratitude, you bid them farewell and entered the restaurant.

And there he was once more, Mick Schumacher, but this time accompanied by Toto and Susie Wolff. You greeted them warmly and approached closer.

"You've got to stop following me, man. It's becoming quite obvious," you playfully remarked to Mick.

"I could say the same to you!" Mick replied with a grin.

"Well, well, it seems like you two have been keeping tabs on each other," Toto chimed in, joining the conversation.

"Yeah, it certainly seems that way," you said, winking at Mick as he reciprocated. "So, are you guys heading out or...?" you inquired, curious about their plans.

"Yeah, we were just discussing... contracts," Mick added.

Contracts? Already? Why haven't they mentioned anything to me... you wondered, feeling a bit surprised.

Toto's hand gently squeezed your shoulder. "If you checked your emails once in a while, you would have known about yours already," he reassured you.

A sigh of relief escaped you. Thank goodness for that, you thought, realizing you had left your phone under your pillow and hadn't retrieved it before leaving with your coach.

"I had such a great vacation that it completely slipped my mind," you laughed awkwardly.

"We'll be expecting to see you at the factory, alright? We need everyone there," Toto emphasized the importance of your presence.

Then it hit you—Lewis. Where was he? You still haven't texted him.

After conversing for a while, you and your coach went to eat.

You enjoyed a pleasant dinner together before finally parting after arriving at your apartment.

Waving him goodbye, you made your way upstairs to your apartment. As you opened the door, you noticed that the living room was illuminated. Have you forgotten to turn off the lights? Perhaps your coach had left them on.

As you approached to switch off the lights, you froze. There, laying on your couch, was someone unexpected.

It was Lewis.

Lewis Hamilton had fallen asleep, patiently waiting for your return home.

[i-am-a--lionheart]

And now we are finally free

Prague, 18th of October 1918

He had shed so many tears for her during the last centuries, his soulmirror, his sister in anything but blood since centuries. Kjetil had expected anything and nothing from their visit to Vienna to court the Holy Roman Emperor on the eve of the Torestenson war - he had expected anything but to find a friend that would grow so close to his heart.

His own independence, finally, finally, had been agreed upon thirteen years ago, but Austria's grip around Czechia and Slovekia had still been tight, but now. Now they were here and Hedvika looked so stunning and he would have payed anything, anything to see her so happy and carefree but there was no need to, because now he had her. Now they had the freedom to see each other whenever they wanted. To reinvent themselves. To reconcil with those that they had lost. To forgive, but he wouldn't bring that up, he figured while helping her readjust the crown on her head.

Her smile was worth the stars, and he made sure that she knew. He had made sure she knew her worth during her Dark times like she had made sure he wouldn't give up on himself during the four hundred years or night. If this wasn't the purest form of love, then what was?

Art commissioned by Vy Bóis on Tumblr

Czechia and Norway was never a pair I was thinking about until realising that, like the Germans, the Norwegians are all in love with Three Wishes for Cinderella - and that the Norwegian government funded the restauration of classical Czech movies.

Then I dug deeper and realised that a lot of historical struggles are similar for the both of them, like loss of language, loss of cultural and historical importance and a foreign empire that ruled over them in an absolute manner.

Together with a dear fellow rper I have been exploring this ship for ages and as always with my rarepairs, i got them commissioned by talented Vy Bói!

[mybeingthere]

Paul Camenisch (1893 - 1970) was a Swiss architect, draftsman and painter. He was a co-founder of the expressionist artist groups «Rot-Blau» (also of "Rot-Blau II") and the «Gruppe 33».

Camenisch studied architecture at the ETH Zurich under Karl Moser. From 1916 to 1919 he was a construction manager in East Prussia, Danzig and Berlin. From 1921 to 1924 he painted his first watercolors with fantastic architectural landscapes. In 1924 he moved to the "Villa Loverciano" in Castel San Pietro in Mendrisiotto. There his friends Hermann Scherer and Albert Müller encouraged him to paint and from 1925 he turned away from architecture completely and became a full time artist.

On New Year’s Eve 1924/1925, Paul Camenisch, Hermann Scherer and Albert Müller founded the Group "Rot-Blau”, an artists’ association modeled on “Die Brücke”, which made the most important contribution to Swiss Expressionism.

In the summer of 1926, Camenisch and his future wife Martha Hörler spent three months with Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in Frauenkirch for the first time ; further stays followed. In the same year, the third and final exhibition of the artist group "Rot-Blau" took place in the Kunsthalle Basel, organized by the sponsor and curator Wilhelm Barth. Kirchner acquired the portrait of the sculptor Hermann Scherer from Camenisch and shortly afterwards donated it to the Museum Folkwang in Essen. There it was confiscated in 1937 in the Nazi campaign " Degenerate Art ". It was shown in 1937 in the Nazi exhibition " Degenerate Art " in the Haus der Kunst in Munich and has been considered lost ever since.

Camenisch initially based his work on Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in terms of color and form. At the beginning of the 1930s, his style moved away from expressionism.

After the deaths of Scherer and Müller, the "Rot-Blau", also known as "Rot-Blau" II", was re-founded in 1928 with Hans Stocker , Coghuf (Ernst Stocker), Otto Staiger, Charles Hindenlang and Max Sulzbachner.

In 1933 he married Martha Hörler and in the same year he was one of the co-founders of the Basel artists' association " Group 33 "; he was its president from 1937 to 1952. In 1953 he was expelled from the group because of alleged political activities on a cultural trip to Russi. In fact, alongside his painting, Camenisch was intensively involved in political work, initially in various aid committees such as the founding of the "Aid Organization for Women and Children in Germany" and in aid for emigrants, supported by his wife who was also a politically active member of the PdA . Due to the predominantly politically motivated artistic and social isolation, galleries in Basel were put under pressure by the Hypothekarbank to stop exhibiting Camenisch.

In 1959, Camenisch was able to present his work in a major solo exhibition at the Musée de l'Athénée in Geneva and in 1962 in Prague. He was involved in the preparations for a comprehensive exhibition of his work in August/September 1970 at the Kunsthalle Basel, but died on February 13 of the same year. He was buried in a grave in the Hörnli cemetery .

[m1male2]

Praga

[hvonart]

As the sun breaks through the iconic spires of Prague Castle, the city awakens in a glorious symphony of color. The vibrant reds and yellows of the buildings lining the cobblestone streets glisten under the morning light, inviting passersby to bask in their vintage charm. The Vltava River shimmers like a jewel, reflecting the ethereal beauty of the Charles Bridge, where street artists showcase their talents against a backdrop of historic grandeur.

In the Old Town Square, laughter bubbles from café terraces, and the aroma of fresh pastries wafts through the air, mingling with the sound of the Astronomical Clock chiming — each note a reminder of time's relentless march through this enchanted city. The energy is palpable, each corner bursting with life, as tourists and locals alike weave through artisan stalls, their vibrant wares adding to the kaleidoscope of sights that make Prague a feast for the senses.

As dusk falls, the golden glow of the city lights dances on the bridges and the river, creating a tapestry of serenity and excitement. From the bustling streets of Mala Strana to the maze-like casements of the Jewish Quarter, every moment in Prague teeters on the edge of this vibrant duality — forever caught between the echoes of history and the fervor of the present.

Discover more travel tips for City Breaks in Europe: book24h.online

[forumgamer]

A Jane Austen moment

I am currently re-reading Northanger Abbey (not my favourite Austen, but also not my least - probably rank 3-4 I'd say), and I was struck with the realisation how ODD the notion of Catherine Morland's trip to Bath would be to many modern people.

Here is a young girl (17), going on a trip to Bath with a rich older couple that are neighbours to her parents - not as an au pair or governess or whatever, but as a guest and companion. Taken along to have fun, as a kind gesture of favour and goodwill. And they aren't even her godparents or relatives or something!

And I find that notion so very charming.

Catherine is not like poor Fanny Price, rather abused than cherished, used as an indispensable companion for a very silly and lazy lady (though Mrs Allen certainly has her share of silliness and indolence...). From how their relationship is presented, the Allens seem genuinely motivated by wanting her to enjoy herself. They don't mind her meeting new people and spending time with them, and she in turn refers to them when she is unsure about how to behave in this to her completely new and exciting world. And rich as they may be, they also seem to spare little expense in taking her to Bath and there to balls and plays.

We have today a weird aversion to inter-generational friendships, or so it seems to me. Yet when I was growing up, in a semi-detached suburban house, I was always welcome at our neighbours' house and table. Sure, mostly because they had a boy my age who quickly became my friend, but even now, when we have both moved out, I rarely visit my parents without also checking in with their neighbours, who are like an uncle and aunt to me.

And as for myself, I have no children of my own, and will never have any either. Yet working as a teacher, I get to interact with younger people on a daily basis, and you guys, young people can be amazing company. Sure, some of their concerns appear trivial to me, but I remember they weren't that way when I was their age - just as some of my views or hobbies might seem odd or boring to them, yet they also know I have seen more of the world than they, and apply to me for insights into issues that they feel unsure about.

And guys... I get it. I get what the Allens feel. I might still be a bit young to QUITE get it (I assume the Allens to be in their 50es or so, which I am not for another decade), but... imagine taking a seventeen-year old teenager, that has never been able to travel so far, to a prime holiday spot! Showing them Paris, London, Prague or Rome, seeing their amazement and delight, presenting them the art, cuisine, culture and pleasures of such an unfamiliar site... to find new enjoyment in these things yourself by witnessing their effect on someone younger and more excitable than yourself.

I doubt I will ever have the option to do so, because a) times have changed and b) if Mr Allen had been a bachelor/divorcee like me, the book's plot could not have happened back then either, but... I think I might like it. I really would.

[theamazingplaces]

Do you like books and love to travel? Here are 8 stunning libraries around the world that you can add to your travel bucket list:

Strahov Monastery Library, Prague, Czech Republic: Immerse yourself in Baroque opulence as you explore two magnificent halls filled with ornate decorations, frescoes, and countless books.

Tianjin Binhai Library, Tianjin, China: A futuristic masterpiece, this library features a mesmerizing, multi-story "bookshelf" that cascades down its central atrium, creating a truly unique and inspiring space.

Alexander Library at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland: Step into a scene straight out of Harry Potter at the Long Room of this library. Towering bookcases line the walls, housing over 200,000 ancient texts.

Stuttgart City Library, Germany: A modern marvel, this library's sleek design and open-plan layout create a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for book lovers.

New York Public Library, New York City, USA: A symbol of knowledge and culture, this iconic library's Beaux-Arts building houses millions of books, manuscripts, and other materials.

[vladdocs]

CD is coming to Prague on 4.04.2024

Have you always wondered, "How did Vlad the Impaler become an icon of Romania"? If so, the solution may be within reach… ���

On April 4, the Department of World History of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in cooperation with the Department of Ethnology and Central European and Balkan Studies of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University and the Romanian Cultural Institute in Prague/ Institutul Cultural Român de la Praga will organize a lecture on the "Dracula" theme. Two renowned experts, Dr. Adrian Gheorghe from the University of Munich and Dr. Albert Weber from the University of Regensburg, will speak on the topic. 😁

📅 4.4. 2024 🕜12:30-14:00 📍 P 201 (main building of the Faculty of Arts, Palach Square)

[liminalgardens]

Art History of Bohemia

Enthroned Virgin and Child

Date: ca. 1345–1350

Culture: Bohemian

Medium: Limewood with paint and gilding

The energetic pose of Mary, peering over the shoulder of the Christ Child at an exaggerated angle, suggests that this sculpture was once part of a larger story: most likely a depiction of the Adoration of the Magi, or the Three Kings bringing gifts from afar. The delicate facial features, thickly curling hair, and frilly draperies are typical of courtly art made in fourteenth-century Bohemia, when Prague was a center of power for the Holy Roman Empire.

The oldest artworks in this exhibition date from the rule of the Přemyslid dynasty of which St Agnes of Bohemia, the founder of this convent, was a member. The best works from the collections and national cultural legacy treasures include those dating from Luxembourg rule – that of King John of Bohemia and, especially, his successor Emperor Charles IV and his sons. Outstanding painters and sculptors active in the Luxembourg era included the Master of the Madonna of Michle, the Master of Vyšší Brod, Master Theodoric, the Master of the Třeboň Altarpiece and the Master of the Krumlov Madonna.

Title: Bust of the Virgin

Date: ca. 1390–95

Geography: Made in Prague, Bohemia

Culture: Bohemian

Medium: Terracotta with paint

With regal elegance and a tender face, this image of the Virgin constituted the upper portion of a standing or enthroned figure that would have been accompanied by the child Jesus. Artists working in clay would normally divide a large sculpture horizontally with a wire before firing to ensure that it dried evenly. The sections would then be reassembled with mortar disguised under the paint. This is the only terracotta sculpture attributed to medieval Prague.

The phenomenon known as the Beautiful Style arose in the late 14th century, bringing artistic renown to the Czech Lands. The period of the rule of Vladislaus II of Hungary and Louis II of Hungary is linked with the late Gothic and early Renaissance eras. The Master of the St George Altarpiece, the Master of the Puchner Ark, the Master of the Litoměřice Altarpiece and the brilliant carvers the Master of the Lamentation of Christ from Žebrák and the Master of the Lamentation of Christ from Zvíkov were active at that time.