There's a certain edge or intangible that is missing in the streets as fall arrives. I can never put my finger on it exactly, maybe it's just fall - simply put. Just last week we had gorgeous Indian Summer days - known here as Grandma Summer (Babi Leto).
The clouds seem heavier now, the chestnuts, although beautiful, rumble at our feet and kites fill the parks.
Today I walked through Kampa picked up a few chestnuts for good luck and admired the two mill wheels turning the now cold waters. Near one wheel is a wall now littered with padlocks of all kinds clinging to the bars in the wall. In the past year this phenomenom has picked up speed and cluttered or intensified (depending on your point of view) the bridge's view of the wheel.
Just opposite of the wheel is a small plaque in the wall that notes the water's level for the flood of 1890. It's one of those details that most people don't recognize - including me until a few years ago. (By the way, this little scene is just a few steps from the John Lennon wall.)
Kampa is such a unique place really. I mean, it sits in the middle of Prague, just steps from Charles Bridge and there's a world of stuff there. When I have time, I like to walk the length of it from Ujezd tram stop all the way to Malostranska metro station. It's remarkably uncrowded even in the summer and there's always something new to see.
Today, along the southern path, there were about 10 large black and white photos hung gallery style. But there were no captions or details available. In fact, Kampa often has outdoor exhibitions, small festivals or a performance or two. You never really know.
Oh, and Kampa includes what might be my favorite cafe in Prague. Mlýnská kavárna (Mill Cafe) is indeed a cafe in an old mill. It has a few tables outside just above the water and a large open space inside - with mill accessories still in use.
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