“Each passing era leaves its mark without obscuring what came before…whether ruled by emperor or dictator, or venture capitalist, Prague is simply too old and its habits too ingrained not to remain faithful to itself.” -Maya Goldberg, from “Time’s Magpie” 

From the panoramas that define Prague, whether looking towards the castle from the Charles Bridge, or towards the low lying city center from the hilly castle, one might imagine that the evolution of this city halted centuries ago. Baroque and gothic towers adorn the red tile roofs of a minimally scarred cityscape so mercifully spared from the ravages of war that left most of the rest of Europe in ashes. But when taken one building or street at a time, it is easier to see that Prague’s evolution never really stopped. It continues to collect relics from each passing age and plaster them together into a kind of open air museum of the history of western civilization. It’s most recent acquisitions: TGIFridays and McDonald’s. 

For me the feeling of Prague is one of unfinished work. This happens regularly when departing a place I have come to love, but it is particularly acute there. Though I have put tremendous effort into spending time in Prague, I never feel wholly fulfilled in my purpose or goals there. Perhaps this is a good thing. Yes, I think to be finished with this place would be a tragedy.