The Gate to Vyšehrad by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
We walked from Centrum to Vyšehrad, Pavel and I. We’d foregone the expense of Coffee and Cigars and simply wandered aimlessly, smoking cigarettes, and speaking of the important things in life--music…writing…the inability to live like ‘normal’ people…the inability to be normal people. We found half-abandoned buildings and paused for stir-fried vegetables and noodles at a place I’d come to know as “Beth’s Chinese Restaurant.” I spoke of how I missed Beth, of how she lived just around the corner--so close to Prague’s most ancient heart. She’s back home now, in Wales…in a different life. We spoke at length about her, about how I met her, and how we shared professional goals, only to learn that Prague, the city of thresholds, had chosen other paths for us to walk.
It happens, Pavel said…but that’s how you know when you have friends. You don’t see them any more and you miss them. And then you see them a gain, later...much, much later.
We said nothing of my impending departure, of the time I have yet to spend in Chicago. Instead, we picked at peapods and bean sprouts and noodles with our chopsticks. Pavel said something in Czech, but never explained what, even when I asked. It happens with him on occasion, he thinks out loud; he falls into trances of abstraction.
After noodles and vegetables and mouth-cleansing tea, we climbed the sloping road to Vyšehrad, we crossed through the gate, and Pavel yelled for the simple pleasure of hearing his voice echo. The reflected sound was unimpressive, but Pavel laughed anyway.
“When a duck makes his noise, he does not echo,” Pavel said, and then he smiled with obvious pride. “I am not a duck.”
****
Vyšehrad is one of my favorite areas of Prague…my friend Beth lived there for a while, and the old fortress dominates the area, centered with the gothic spires of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. You get to that church, along a winding, cobblestone street that passes through a massive, ancient gate. And yes, as we walked through this gate, that’s when I discovered that Pavel is NOT a duck.
As always, thank you for viewing and reading and commenting, and I hope you’re having a great week.

Comments (24)
great lighting this has Vision Imagination Creativity and Excellence! 5's++
Great capture!
I like this light and very nice place for to game with it ! Excellent ! Good day :)
Oh! Chip, I don't know how you do it but you have a way of making me feel I am there with you, just standing behind you somewhere. Beautiful image, the lighting is awesome. Your writing transports me to another time and place. I feel so happy here. Take care and hugs. Di. xx
awesome lighting, wonderful mood, I really love this
A sturdy image. It just feels like the walls are in control here. Even the promise of the light at the end of the tunnel does not give much hope... Excellent shot.
Some tinges of regret here and such a poignant intro Chip...once again, kudos for the writing and splendid capture ! ~ Hugs ~
You and your friends view this world thru amazing eyes, Chip, and I feel as if I know you, and them, so well. Your mention of leaving was so brief, so poignant, yet I felt it to my very soul. I don't know how you do it, but as Rainbow said, I always feel as if I'm there.
Wonderful spot my friend lovely light catch
A lovely capture.
superb work, fantastic light and mood
Bravo ! This image is a treasure of light and dark. But I speak for all of us, when I say, we would like to hang with you, on one of the adventures you convey so well!
Wowwwww Chip, such fantastic POV and light... an amazing shot my friend!
Gorgeous capture!!!!!!!!!!!!
GReat plays of lights of different colours !!! WONDERFUL...SPLENDID !!!
A beautiful image, and your words transport me to the city you love. Gorgeous.
Now this is a stunning photo Chip! Love that light.
a wonderful capture thank you for sharing greetings, smillinfaces
wow, superb compo and great lightning, well done!!!
Love the shadows and light in this one, a beautiful cobblestone walkway, this one is beautiful...very well done Chip!
You are truly blessed.You have a writers gift,an artists eye and you live in a beautiful place and you share this bounty with others.Very beautiful art.Light and shadow set a almost haunting mood,a mood of reminiscence.Excellent!
Krasa..predpokladam, ze jsi z Ceska...zdravim..krasna galerie..Eva
Amazing light!
another great place!