Prague praha prage
3 days in Prague was just right. The almost rigid orderliness is in clear contrast to the chaotic blur of Istanbul and Turkey in general. The droning call to prayer has ceded to the chime and clang from spire perched church bells. The Viking River winds through old Prague. Its highest real estate, without surprise, is occupied by church and palace. Except for an occasional blink, the motionless, disciplined palace guards endure the tourist rabble, mugging at their shoulders for photos. The expansive stone paved interspace would have been perfect for the hoop skirted gentry carrying small umbrellas, promenading over the centuries. (But this morning we were shunted aside so a Czech commercial could do its retakes.(
Our stay was highlighted by 2 classical music venues. Friday, the Chamber Orchestra was really great. The little willow in the first violin chair got most of the bows, and I learned that if you clap loud enough when it is finished, the group can be suckered into one more selection of their own choosing. Saturday´s performance featured an oboe quartet. As my nature, I turned critic the next night. From a sport perspective, the allegro didn't fly: the violin's timing was off and the oboe wasn't a team player. Actually the grace and stamina to perform for an hour is truly athletic. And now if given a choice I would prefer a concert over Minnesota Wild tickets. Still growing at 61. PS I really appreciate my musician friends. You know who you are.
Our stay was highlighted by 2 classical music venues. Friday, the Chamber Orchestra was really great. The little willow in the first violin chair got most of the bows, and I learned that if you clap loud enough when it is finished, the group can be suckered into one more selection of their own choosing. Saturday´s performance featured an oboe quartet. As my nature, I turned critic the next night. From a sport perspective, the allegro didn't fly: the violin's timing was off and the oboe wasn't a team player. Actually the grace and stamina to perform for an hour is truly athletic. And now if given a choice I would prefer a concert over Minnesota Wild tickets. Still growing at 61. PS I really appreciate my musician friends. You know who you are.