July 2015, Prague, Czech Republic
This is one of those moments that gets under your skin, one of those moments that you wonder about long after the moment has passed.
We woke up early one day in Prague–planning to walk the town, and especially the Charles Bridge area, before the rest of the tourists woke up and the crowds gathered. It was a good plan. Prague is a fantastic city, but the summertime throng of tourists (added to the 100 degree heat of this particular week) is oppressive. 
So we started early, in order to have views like this:
We very nearly had the bridge and the streets to ourselves. We meandered, took photos, and drank coffee.
The sky was hazy in an early-morning way, and, while our spirits were high, our brains were just peeking out of their foggy morning stupors too. We were in a quiet, subdued sort of morning state when we turned to make our way back over the Vltava River.
We walked slowly, sipping our coffee, and looked up to see this:
I snapped a photo and sipped more coffee. As I walked along, I kept a lookout over my left shoulder to watch the rower’s progress.
Once he was close to me, I realized that this was a very elderly man, rowing his solitary boat down the long river ever so slowly. He was dressed for more than that slight chill of the morning, in a heavy jacket and old camouflage pants, and he sat with his back to his travel bag and crutch in a rustic wooden boat.
Where was he going, this elderly man who walked with a crutch and a heavy bag? Was he rowing across town because it was easier than walking? Was he making a longer journey, across towns or across borders, with just his arms and the current to propel him? This man was a story that I’d never have the chance to read to its end–and that made me a little sad. But I quietly cheered him on as he passed– he was the old man and the sea, full of determination and greatness, bowing neither to age nor circumstance.
When you look at a map of the Czech Republic, you will see a land locked country. I used to see the same. No more. To me, the old man and the sea will always be an integral part of the city of Prague.
Travels and Tomes: One Expat's Amblings and Ramblings 
An opportunity to talk with that gentleman would have been amazing. 🙂
I agree. I’m so curious to know his story!!
Wow, this is breathtaking, and the way you write is stunning, I completely forgot where I was. Brilliant x
Thanks–you’re very kind. It was a great morning and I just fell in love with Prague and with this lonesome rower.
Love Prague. And your little story – really fitting somehow, even if there’s no sea..
Thanks. It was a lovely moment in a spectacular city–can’t ask for more.
There is so much to observe and appreciate about Prague. (The bubbles of tour groups, an exception.) It is a wonderful city, a garden of urban adventure. Enjoyed the read.
I wish I had a week or two to spend in Prague. We spent 2 1/2 days there and it wasn’t enough! Hopefully, we’ll get back soon. Thanks for reading.
Prague: another place for the bucket list. Especially the way you write about it.
Prague is a great city–I hope to make it back in a few months, as 2 1/2 days was too quick a visit for me! I’ll try to post more photos in the weeks ahead. Thanks for reading!
Prague is lovely! great photos!
Thanks!!
Such a charming post – little vignettes like this make for such interesting travel! Prague is so beautiful at this time of day too. We were there in another very hot summer (2006) and although lovely it was so hot and oppressive with all the crowds. However we were staying right by Charles Bridge and found like you that it was very quiet in the mornings so we always made sure we were up and about before the throngs appeared (usually by lunchtime once their hangovers had worn off we presumed!) 🙂
Early morning is the best time to sight see and avoid tourists! We took an early morning stroll in Bruges last weekend, too–I think this is quickly becoming part of our travel strategy! And, yes, moments like this really make a city and its people come to life for you; they are priceless. Have a great day!