prague blague

This is what the castle looks like when you stare into the sun. I don't recommend it. Wait until later when you won't be blinded.







This church, along with the castle, is what I would imagine are the two most photographed things in Prauge.











This blind man stands in the same place he stood four years ago when I was here. I'm not sure, but I would imagine that he makes more money than most people might think. Today was the first day this week I saw him, and I was glad. Seeing him standing there was comforting, in a way. He just keeps singing as the crowds walk by on one of the busiest sidewalks in the area. What he is doing is kind of strange - he's playing for money, sure, but he's trying to make some kind of contact with people hurrying by. Everyone is in a hurry here, unless they have no direction, job, or home. They don't make eye contact on the street or in the Metro, and everyone else may as well not exist. Then you have this guy, playing slowly, steadily, waiting for someone to stop ignoring and listen. Most of them ignore him, but every once in a while someone drops a coin in his box. He says "thank you" every time, even if he's in the middle of a song.


One last one - this tactic is used by quite a few beggars in Prague. Sometimes they kneel with their hands outstretched, but usually they just put their face down like this. Some kneel on cushions, and stay in the same position for hours. I don't know how much they make - not as much as the guy playing the accordion and singing. I saw the lady with the stroller coming a ways down the street and waited until she got to him. I wanted to see what she would do, and wasn't surprised when she ignored him. Her friend noticed me, though. The only one that looked at the beggar was the baby. I wonder how long before she'll start pretending not to notice the beggar too. I guess she's too young to know better. They'll teach her as soon as she's old enough, I'm sure.