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“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me. Actually, I was just out exploring. Enjoying the chilly morning. Taking your advice and checking out the architecture.”
“Woman after my own heart. I love the mornings this time of year. Only the bravest tourists venture out.”
I shivered as if on cue. “I suppose I’ve been warmer, but it is lovely out. Like a winter wonderland.”
“Just wait. In a couple of days, this really will be a winter wonderland. We take the Christmas season very seriously around here.”
Visions of massive European markets flooded my mind. “Can’t wait.”
“Would you like me to show you around?”
I blinked. “Right—right now?”
He shrugged. “Why not? I know every inch of this city. I’ll be a better tour guide than whatever app you’re using.”
“Wow. Yes, please.” I tried not to sound as giddy as I felt at the idea.
He walked me through the main square, highlighting a few key bits.
“Knowing you as short of a time as I have, I’m guessing you’ve probably read every detail about these buildings already,” Ondrej said as we walked through the Old Town square.
“Guilty. I pretty much memorized every pertinent fact about the castle.”
“Yeah? When was it built?” He folded his arms and stared at me with mock severity.
“Oh, 9thCentury. Home of kings. Houses the Bohemian jewels. Largest ancient castle in the world.”
He tapped a finger against his lips. “Hmm. Ok, ok. Not bad. But maybe that was low-hanging fruit. What about the Astronomical Clock?”
I made a show of thinking. “Hmm. Built around 1410. Oldest clock still in operation.”
“Smart girl. Did you hear about what happened last year?”
I shook my head. “What?”
Ondrej sighed dramatically. “Tragic, really. In 2018, the clock was taken down for reconstruction. Last year, it was discovered that the reconstruction artist, Stanislav Jircík, had deviated from the original artwork on the clock and painted the likeness of his family and friends onto the clock.”
I sucked in a horrified breath. “Noooo. That’s unthinkable.” I was being dramatic, but I agreed with the thought.
“Really is. He changed the skin tone, clothes, and even the genders. The Ministry of Culture is investigating it—it’s that offensive.”
“Not to sound dramatic, but that’s grounds for treason.”
Ondrej chuckled. “Oh, it is. Charges are probably being filed. Ok, let me show you some hidden spots you won’t read about.”
He led me through a labyrinth of narrow alleys, then revealed a hidden courtyard, a sanctuary where ivy caressed ancient stones, and the city's clamor faded to a distant murmur.
“This doesn’t seem like much, but this little hidden space has been home to clandestine meetings of revolutionaries and star-crossed lovers' trysts.”
I closed my eyes and pictured state secrets and stolen kisses. “That’s a very romantic picture.”
“We are a city of ancient tragedy and romance both. Have you been down to Karluv Most yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Now that’s a tragedy. You must see it. Come on.”
“Completed in 1402, right?” I said with a little smirk as the iconic bridge came into view.
