The All Seeing Eye, Prague

I've always had a massive fascination with secret societies such as Freemasonry and the Illuminati. There's something about them, potentially the secretive nature of the institutions, that just draws me to them. Only problem about a secret society: it's all a secret. I remember finding the Freemason lodge in Stellenbosch one day, and being so intrigued as to what goes on behind the closed doors.

I snapped this "All Seeing Eye" whilst I was in Prague, wedged into the roof of a building close to the old castle.

The "Normalization" of Czech

Whilst in Prague I visited an exhibition of a Czech photographer. This woman started taking photos when she was 18 years old, and therefore most of her photos were captured during the Cold War period. Thus there is a massive influence of the communist era throughout her exhibition. The "Normalization" of Czech was a period stretching from 1969 to 1987, and referred to the firm establishment of the communist regime in the then Czechoslovakia, and the subsequent assertion of the communist ideals and values. All of the photos were in black and white, and were mostly of Czech men, women and children at work or play. The photos were a stark and grave reminder of the communist years experienced by the Czech population, and the black and white gave them such a dark and honest feel. I feel so privileged to have seen this exhibition, especially because of my love for history and photography.

The photo on the far left was one of my favourites. It was taken at the time of the Soviet withdrawal form Czechoslovakia. It shows Soviet soldiers packing up equipment, and the text reads:

"We are leaving, but friendship remains."

Something about it grabbed my attention. I find the politics and history of the Cold War absolutely fascinating.

Prague, Czech Republic

Praha! Where do I even begin? I've never in my life been to such an enchanting destination. The architecture is breathtaking, the beer amazing, the women beautiful, the history magnificent (what with Nazi occupation and Soviet Russia's influence for many years during the Cold Water), and all of it combines in this boiling pot of culture and bohemian lifestyle that completely swept me away. Our stay in Prague was short, but oh so sweet... A flight to Milano followed, and then a train from Milano to Venice, and then up to Lignano in northern Italy.

Looking up the river towards Charles Bridge

Changing of the guard

The astrological clock in Old Town Square

Old Town Square

Will and Oliver in Old Town Square