Running Start
Because of the forecast of rain and clouds for the rest of our time in Prague, we rose early to
catch the sunrise on the Charles Bridge. We did beat the clouds and rain but couldn’t avoid the
bone chilling cold. We arrived predawn and waited for action. It has become quite normal to
find brides, most often Asian, that come donned in wedding attire for photographs at famous
landmarks around the world and this is apparently one of the destinations. We caught the
sunrise and promptly headed back to the warmth of our hotel.
After a warm breakfast and hot shower, I could finally feel all my limbs again. We gathered for our classroom session for our first critique. Liza asked each of us to bring 5 images that shows what we have been up to since our last workshop. We each have different photography styles and subjects which we gravitate to which becomes apparent. It's also what makes these trips interesting. Ira talked a little about the week and also one of his latest projects he did for the NY Yankees.
After lunch, the group headed out for the Old Town Square. Ira gave us an assignment to take at least one picture of someone photographing someone else (or a selfie) with a clean background which is very difficult in a crowded tourist area like this. What wasn’t difficult was finding people taking photographs! Since the square is iconic Prague, this is often the first place tourists head when visiting the city. After visiting it a couple of times you realize the square has a daily schedule just like anyplace else: Astronomical Clock on the hour, the guy in the inflatable polar bear suit several minutes each hour, the fire juggler right after the clock, etc..
Several of us headed to a nearby Irish pub for a beer, waiting for dark and the promise of the square’s fire breather. Can I say, there’s got to be an easier way to make a living. It had started to lightly rain by the performance time, but we are a hardy lot and pulled up a piece of cobble stone for the show. Of course there’s a lead up to main attraction, swallowing a balloon (helps to block the stomach from the soon to be swallowed fuel), donning the fire suit, etc. Swallowing flammable fuel from a plastic jug, he spit it back out at the same time he brought a lit torch to his mouth. Flames dramatically shot into the air awing the crowd. Repeating the feat several more times, the performer then reminded the crowd he wasn’t doing for his health, and passed his hat for tips.
With the performance completed, hunger became our top priority. We rapidly walked to a recommended Italian restaurant only to find it at capacity with reservation. The sister bistro restaurant next door was offered as an alternative. La Bottegawas able to accommodate our group. Our attentive waiter was able to recommend a combination of fresh ingredients (sea bass, truffles, risotto) for a satisfying meal. The rain having ended, we headed back to our hotel to review photos and turn in for the evening.
Tomorrow: Jewish quarter
After a warm breakfast and hot shower, I could finally feel all my limbs again. We gathered for our classroom session for our first critique. Liza asked each of us to bring 5 images that shows what we have been up to since our last workshop. We each have different photography styles and subjects which we gravitate to which becomes apparent. It's also what makes these trips interesting. Ira talked a little about the week and also one of his latest projects he did for the NY Yankees.
After lunch, the group headed out for the Old Town Square. Ira gave us an assignment to take at least one picture of someone photographing someone else (or a selfie) with a clean background which is very difficult in a crowded tourist area like this. What wasn’t difficult was finding people taking photographs! Since the square is iconic Prague, this is often the first place tourists head when visiting the city. After visiting it a couple of times you realize the square has a daily schedule just like anyplace else: Astronomical Clock on the hour, the guy in the inflatable polar bear suit several minutes each hour, the fire juggler right after the clock, etc..
Several of us headed to a nearby Irish pub for a beer, waiting for dark and the promise of the square’s fire breather. Can I say, there’s got to be an easier way to make a living. It had started to lightly rain by the performance time, but we are a hardy lot and pulled up a piece of cobble stone for the show. Of course there’s a lead up to main attraction, swallowing a balloon (helps to block the stomach from the soon to be swallowed fuel), donning the fire suit, etc. Swallowing flammable fuel from a plastic jug, he spit it back out at the same time he brought a lit torch to his mouth. Flames dramatically shot into the air awing the crowd. Repeating the feat several more times, the performer then reminded the crowd he wasn’t doing for his health, and passed his hat for tips.
With the performance completed, hunger became our top priority. We rapidly walked to a recommended Italian restaurant only to find it at capacity with reservation. The sister bistro restaurant next door was offered as an alternative. La Bottegawas able to accommodate our group. Our attentive waiter was able to recommend a combination of fresh ingredients (sea bass, truffles, risotto) for a satisfying meal. The rain having ended, we headed back to our hotel to review photos and turn in for the evening.
Tomorrow: Jewish quarter
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