Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Castle began with its first walled building, the Church of the Virgin Mary, in 870 a.d. Around the church evolved the fortified castle, which now serves as the seat of the Czech government. It may be the largest ancient castle in the world. The old kings of Bohemia would be proud (even though their lineage has been overthrown). [1994]

Prague, Czech Republic

When the Communist government of Czechoslovakia collapsed, state industries collapsed as well. Among those liberated from their jobs were classical musicians, many of whom took to the streets and became part of the informal free-enterprise economy. That era continued even after the country split in two. [1996]

Prague, Czech Republic

Bohemia no longer has a king, but it still has its capacious castle, which is patrolled by the castle guards. Today, they protect the President of the Czech Republic. The castle is over a thousand years old and reminds the world that Prague was one of the earliest and most powerful of the command-and-control points of the central European realm. [1994]

Prague, Czech Republic

Crossing the Charles River is like passing through heaven and meeting the saints: statue after statue of Baroque renderings circa 1700. Along with St. Vitus' Cathedral in the background, they remind us that God expects heavenly behavior while still on earth. Today, fortunately, the sculptures are being cleaned and restored. [1994]

Prague, Czech Republic

Communism fell in 1989. Czechia and Slovakia split in 1993. Rebuilding began. The purpose of the rebuilding was to erase all traces of the Communist past. Do these bricks look like erasers to you? That's what they were in the hands of these newly independent Czechs who were busying themselves with nation-building. [1994]

Prague, Czech Republic

Other cities have castles and cathedrals (atop the hill), but only Prague has the Charles Bridge. Here’s the recipe for city success: Find a river that divides, build one bridge only, make traders use it, defend it from the heights, and put it all in a basin with good land for farming and lots of minerals (like silver) in the surrounding hills. Medieval magnificence! [1994]