By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

Arrival in Kafka’s City: Prague at Dusk

We arrived in Prague, the city of the legendary writer Franz Kafka, just after sunset—there was still a faint glow in the sky. The bus dropped us near Prague’s railway station. From there, we took a taxi to our hotel, Machova, where we checked in and headed to our room.

After resting briefly and freshening up, we set out again, searching for a desi (South Asian) restaurant on Google. We found one nearby named “Pind”. Calculating the time, we realized it might close soon if we walked, so we hailed a taxi to get there.

A Surprise Encounter: A Taxi from Kosovo

Interestingly, the taxi driver was from Prizren, a city in Kosovo—a place I had visited once. When I told him I had toured his city, he smiled and asked, “Did you drink from the fountain in the central square?” We all laughed because I knew the local legend. When I had visited Kosovo on a day trip from Tirana, Albania, my tour guide in Prizren had told me of a popular saying: “Whoever drinks from this fountain will marry a beautiful girl from this city.” So yes, I was familiar with the tale, and we all shared a laugh.

The taxi driver made a cheeky comment about Albanians, saying they are “Muslims only in name and eat everything,” whereas “we take care of what is halal and haram.”

Pind: A Punjabi Welcome in Prague

When we arrived at Pind, the restaurant had just closed. But since we had made it there, the staff kindly welcomed us and said, “Come on in—we’ll serve you dinner.” We were delighted.

Imran and I initially thought the restaurant might be run by someone from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, because of the name, but that wasn’t the case. It was owned by a Punjabi from Indian Punjab, though the food was essentially the same, and it satisfied our hunger just as well.

An Evening in Prague: From City Streets to Castle Heights

A Lively Night Begins

After regaining our energy, we were not in favor of returning to the hotel. So, we left the restaurant and continued walking on foot. Soon, we found ourselves once again near Prague’s main railway station. A grand fair was taking place there. The building of the railway station was gleaming with lights, and the glow extended to the railway tracks, which sparkled in turn, creating a beautiful atmosphere.

Museums and the Grand Boulevard

Nearby was a large square with the New National Museum on one side and the Grand Museum on the other. In front of the Grand Museum was a charming fountain, and right across from it lay Wenceslas Square, a grand boulevard. Cars and people moved along its sides, but the central path was reserved for pedestrians. At the beginning of the street stood the statue of Saint Wenceslas.

We roamed through this lively street, exploring here and there. The place felt festive – it was a Saturday night, a weekend in Prague, and a large crowd was out and about.

Into the Narrow Alleys of Old Town

On our way back, we scanned various places to sit and rest. After crossing a couple of intersections, we entered Old Town Prague. The alleys were narrow in places, crowded with people coming and going.

Eventually, we reached the famous Old Town Square. The square was lined with cobblestones and surrounded by small shops and stalls. On this square were several historic landmarks:

• The Church of Our Lady before Týn
• The Astronomical Clock
• The memorial of Jan Hus
• The Prague Meridian
• The Marian Column

The square was full of people, clean to the point that the stone slabs seemed polished. Rickshaw cyclists were offering tourists short rides. Groups of youth were zooming past on big motorbikes.

The Clock That Slept at Midnight

We took a walk around the square and approached the Astronomical Clock, one of Prague’s most famous sights. This medieval astronomical clock, first installed in 1410, still works today. It features an astronomical dial indicating the position of the sun and moon, along with other celestial details. Statues of Catholic saints also adorn it.

Every hour, it performs a short animated show. We were there at midnight, along with many other tourists, waiting eagerly for it to strike and chime. But it didn’t. Perhaps it is turned off at night. As the bell didn’t ring, many tourists were disappointed and started dispersing. We too decided to come back another day.

Winding Down at Wenceslas Square

We moved on and eventually returned to Wenceslas Square, where we settled into a bar. A singer was performing live music, and the atmosphere was lively, with people slightly intoxicated from their drinks.

Some Ukrainian girls were working there, one of whom appeared to be a manager. After the war, many Ukrainians, especially women, have resettled across European countries, taking up jobs. Wherever they go, they quickly learn the local language and try to adapt to the environment.

We enjoyed the music and ambiance while sitting there. After spending about an hour, we left the bar and returned to the hotel, leaving the night’s hustle and bustle behind.

Exploring Prague Castle and a Hilltop View

A New Morning and Local Flavors

The next day began with fresh energy. After washing up, we headed to the breakfast area, where many hotel guests were already having their morning meal. We joined in. Most of the guests seemed to be Czech nationals. The environment was vibrant—traveling is loved by people of all ages, and even children, on school holidays, were traveling with their parents.

That day, we had planned to explore Prague throughout the day. After finishing breakfast quickly, we got ready and booked a Bolt taxi to head toward the Prague Castle.

A Taxi Mix-Up and Cityscapes

However, the taxi driver took the wrong route. We eventually asked him to stop and let us out. He did not understand English, so we left the cab and hailed another one.

The drive toward the castle offered stunning views:

• The Vltava River with its boats and small ships
• Prague’s picturesque hills and bridges
• Red-colored trams crossing over bridges

All of it created a truly captivating scene.

Walking Toward History

The second taxi also dropped us off quite far, so we began walking toward the castle. On the way, an Indian student stopped us and tried to tell us about hop-on-hop-off tour tickets. But we were not interested at the moment, so we told him we’d think about it later.

Walking through Prague’s charming old streets, it felt as if a spell had been cast over us. The cobbled paths, made of ancient stones, were enchanting. Slowly, taking in the atmosphere and catching our breath, we climbed up and reached Hradčany Square.

A Breathtaking View from Hradčany

From this elevated square, one can see Prague from a bird’s-eye view. What a sight! All around were rooftops—red, orange, and light green—tiled with weathered shingles, interspersed with lush green trees. In the distance, some of Prague’s major buildings were visible. On one side, a vast forest stretched across the hill.

The sky was overcast with clouds, but it wasn’t too hot. Standing on this hilltop, one could see not just Prague’s cityscape, but also many historical landmarks nearby, including:

• A statue of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk
• The National Gallery
• The Marian Column adorned with religious statues
• Religious institutional buildings

Other statues were also visible, and the place was crowded.

Entering the Castle Grounds

We joined a queue to enter the castle complex. Outside the gate, we witnessed the changing of the guards. Soon, we entered the castle area through Matthias Gate, which leads to different courtyards and open spaces.

Inside, one can see:

• The St. Vitus Cathedral
• The darkened, almost scorched-looking Prague Castle buildings
• The Basilica of St. George
• Several palaces

We didn’t enter any specific building but wandered around, taking in the surroundings. The area was teeming with tourists, a proper rush. We spent about an hour exploring before heading back.

Descending the Cobblestone Path and Souvenir Stops

On our way back, we descended through the rocky, cobbled hill path and took a few rounds of the souvenir shops, picking up one or two small keepsakes to remember the trip.

A Charming Café: Kaferna

Feeling the need for tea or something to drink, we noticed a unique cafeteria called Kaferna, operated solely by Czech girls. As we stepped into its veranda, we saw large, open wooden cubicles built into the walls, each capable of seating two people—two stools or chairs with a small table between them.

Once the veranda ended, we entered a courtyard where a few young men and women were seated, enjoying their coffee and the relaxed atmosphere. We occupied a table in that courtyard, ordered tea, and continued chatting casually. The ambiance of the café was simple yet pleasant, as if we were sitting in someone’s home garden.

Farewell to the Castle: Malostranské náměstí Again

As with all things, our visit came to an end, and we continued walking, arriving once again at the Malostranské Náměstí Street, where a large religious tower stood, known as the Column of the Holy Trinity. Across from it, the Church of St. Nicholas was visible. However, we didn’t intend to go inside, so we admired it from the outside and moved along.

Bustling Malostranské Square

We now found ourselves in the heart of the city, at Malostranské Square, bustling with trams, buses, taxis, cyclists, and pedestrians—all part of one dynamic environment. There was a lot of activity and movement; trams, buses, cars, and people came and went from various directions. We explored a few more shops in the area.

Crossing the Charles Bridge

Eventually, we passed under an arched gate and stepped onto Prague’s famous Charles Bridge. It felt as if every tourist in Prague had gathered on this bridge—it was packed. A man had seated himself with two dogs, a donation box placed in front of them. Some street performers showcased tricks, others played music to attract attention, as if declaring, “I’ve tried every effort just to live.”

From the bridge, one could see other beautiful bridges of Prague stretching over the Vltava River. We strolled across the bridge and reached the other side of the Vltava.

Old Town Energy and the Astronomical Clock Show

After crossing the bridge, we arrived in the Old Town, which was just as lively and busy, filled with the clangs of trams, narrow streets, and thick crowds. Roaming around, we eventually arrived at the famous Astronomical Clock. Hundreds of people were already gathered, and we joined them just before one o’clock.

As the clock struck one, the bell rang, showing the positions of the sun and moon, while statues of Catholic saints appeared in rotation from small windows. People clapped, the spectacle ended, and the crowd dispersed into nearby bars and restaurants.

Desi Flavors in the Heart of Prague

The restaurants nearby were buzzing with lunchtime activity, reminding us we hadn’t eaten either. We searched on Google for a desi restaurant and found one close by.

We headed to the Golden Tikka Indian Restaurant on Konviktská Street, which was located a few steps below street level. Besides desi people, many foreigners were dining there too. The staff and waiters were all from India.

A young Indian boy who served us started chatting with us when he realized we were desi. Upon learning that we live in Sweden, he asked many questions about education, life, opportunities, jobs, and visas in Sweden.

We enjoyed our meal while chatting with him. He’d excuse himself for tasks and then return to continue the conversation. After finishing our lunch, we exited through a different route and returned to the riverside of the Vltava River, where we had booked a boat tour lasting about an hour.

Second Crossing of the Charles Bridge

To board the boat, we had to get to the other bank of the river, so we crossed the Charles Bridge once again. The bridge was just as vibrant, filled with beauty. The beauty of the people, the river, the city, the bridges—nature was putting on a show. We slowly made our way to the cruise and boarded, choosing seats on the upper deck.

Cruising the Vltava: History and Reflections

Our journey on the Vltava River began. There were many tourists aboard. As the boat cruised along, commentary provided information about the historical landmarks along the riverbanks.

In developed countries, rivers are major sources of transportation. Compared to the Indus River, the Vltava is much smaller, yet boats here create employment and tourism opportunities.

There are around 14 different boats and cruises run by various companies on the Vltava—some for regular trips, others for lunch or evening tours. It would be wonderful if we had something similar on the Indus back home. The boat passed under several bridges, and commentary included historical facts about each one. Occasionally, tourists standing on the bridges would wave joyfully to us below.

The sky had mostly cleared by then, and we could see the sun’s reflection shimmering on the river’s surface. We also caught a glimpse of the grand building of the Ministry of Industry and Trade from the boat. Once the cruise ended, we lingered by the riverside, strolling back and forth for a bit. After an eventful day, we returned to the hotel for a brief rest.

Sunset at Riegrovy Sady Park

As evening approached, we ventured once more into the streets of Prague, walking until we reached Riegrovy Sady Park, a well-known and popular park in the city. Established in 1902, it was named after Czech lawyer and politician František Ladislav Rieger.

In one corner, young people played football; elsewhere, people queued up for food, drinks, or just water. Most people were lounging on the park’s grassy slopes—some sitting, some lying down. The park, situated on slightly higher ground, offered elevated views of parts of Prague.

But what truly drew the crowds was the sunset.

It was a popular spot for watching the sun go down. Everyone had phones in hand, capturing the slow descent of the sun in photos and videos. As the sun hovered near the horizon, we decided to leave, passing by the railway station and eventually returning to Václavské náměstí Street. The sky still had a faint glow.

Final Evening in Prague

People of all ages sat on benches in pairs, enjoying the moment or simply passing the time. We didn’t need to go far, so we strolled for a while and eventually returned to the hotel after having a light dinner.

That was our final night in Prague on this trip. Our flight back to Stockholm was scheduled for the following evening. That night, Imran and I chatted about the entire journey until we slowly drifted off to sleep.

Departure Day and Final Reflections

In the morning, I didn’t have much to do, but Imran had plans to meet a friend in the city, so he left early. We agreed to meet later on Václavské náměstí so we could head to the airport together.

I took my time getting ready, had breakfast, checked out of the hotel, and began walking toward Václavské náměstí. The hustle and bustle there remained unchanged, crowded with tourists, just like the previous days. I browsed a few souvenir and gift shops and bought some items. I then grabbed tea from a nearby café and sat outside, enjoying both the tea and the atmosphere. It was a festival of beauty and charm.

After a while, Imran arrived, and together, we left that lively setting, took a taxi to the airport, and decided to have lunch there ahead of time.

With the grace of the Almighty, our journey concluded safely, and we returned to Stockholm from Prague. (Concludes)

Click here for Part-1, Part-2, Part-3, Part-4

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. 

The post One Continent, Two Wanderers-5 first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Maid Corbic, 24, from Tuzla, is a well awarded young poet. He is the moderator of the WLFPH (World Literature Forum Peace and Humanity) for unity and world peace in Bhutan; editor of the portal of the First Virtual Art Universe, led by Dijana Uherek Stevanović, and the selector of the competition on the page of the same name, which aims to connect all poets around the world. Many of his works have been published in anthologies and magazines in Chile, Spain, Ecuador, Bosnia and Herzegovina, San Salvador, United Kingdom, Indonesia, India, Croatia, Serbia, etc. as well as printed anthology of poems “Sea in the palm of your hand”, “Stories from Isolation”, and” Kosovo Peony “and others. In 2020 he was named Poet of the Year in the Indo-Universe Group, which also engages in charity around the world. He is winner of numerous awards, among them the association “KNS – Nova Svjetlost” in Sarajevo, during which he won a bronze charter for his work. He is ambassador of cultural differences in Syria, and recently presented on the blog “New Story” as a young author. He is currently on the jury of the Galaxia International Competition for Unpublished Poetry in Spain in 2021. He is the winner of the BigBang competition that was organized in Tuzla in 2021.

PRAGUE, CENTER OF THE WORLD

I was happy in Prague.

Because I drank the best spirits

Meet a historical fact

Yes, Prague is a country of existence

Where people are very happy

I was a tourist one day.

But I felt like it every day.

I am their resident.

Because they are really good people.

Historical battles are shown

Where people with swords fought

For the history of his country

In all this, it is as if I find myself

Because the meaning of life is my existence.

Love was born in that wonderful time.

When no one cared, it wasn’t

Prague is the center of the world for me.

Because I feel free in it.

The reason for life is now more persistent

Because the Czech Republic is the land of peace and happiness

***

COLD WEATHERS

Winter has come

In a white coat

There’s a man standing

That was me.

And I looked around

Austria is a country of cold

Rich in Mozart balls

Eight euros and much more

I was amazed by the garden

At Schoburn Castle

And everything is as if they are in a dream.

More than ever especially

Because I’m so happy

Why I meet people at night

Culture and Art

I appreciate everything about them

Because they are people

Similar menu

Cold but beautiful

Because the meaning of life is

To look forward to a new day

Coming to me

Austria is my dream

To experience it again

Because love is very clear

When I have what I want!

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Also read: MY PLANET IS MY CHOICE – A Poem from Bosnia Herzegovina

The post PRAGUE, CENTER OF THE WORLD – A Poem from Bosnia Herzegovina first appeared on Sindh Courier.

SHOUKAT LOHAR

Franz Kafka, born on July 3, 1883, in Prague, was a renowned German-language writer whose works have left an indelible mark on literature. Kafka’s unique storytelling style, often characterized by themes of alienation, bureaucracy, and absurdity, has made him one of the most influential figures in modern literature. This article delves into the life and works of Franz Kafka, explores his art of narration, and examines his seminal work, “Metamorphosis,” along with other notable contributions. Finally, we offer an analysis of Kafka’s narrative techniques and draw conclusions about his enduring literary legacy.

Life and Background

Raised in a middle-class Jewish family, Kafka studied law at the University of Prague and subsequently worked as an insurance clerk for most of his life. Despite his professional obligations, Kafka managed to dedicate his spare time to writing, which became an outlet for his internal struggles and existential questions. Unfortunately, he experienced little literary recognition during his lifetime, and it was only after his death in 1924 that his works gained widespread acclaim.

Works and Themes

Kafka’s body of work primarily consists of short stories and unfinished novels, including “The Trial,” “The Castle,” and “Amerika.” His writing often explores themes of isolation, guilt, and the human condition in the face of absurdity. Kafka’s unique blend of realism and the surreal, coupled with his meticulous attention to detail, creates a sense of unease and disorientation in the reader.

The Art of Narration

Kafka’s art of narration is characterized by several distinct elements. Firstly, his use of first-person perspective allows readers to delve into the minds of his protagonists, experiencing their anxieties and internal conflicts firsthand. This technique creates an intimate connection between the reader and the characters, fostering empathy and immersion.

Secondly, Kafka employs a sparse and precise writing style. His prose is characterized by concise descriptions and a lack of unnecessary ornamentation, which contributes to the overall sense of unease and detachment. This minimalist approach forces readers to actively engage with the text, filling in the gaps and interpreting the underlying meaning.

“Metamorphosis” – A Masterpiece

Arguably Kafka’s most famous work, “Metamorphosis,” published in 1915, tells the story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a monstrous insect. Through this bizarre premise, Kafka explores themes of alienation, identity, and the human condition. “Metamorphosis” is a powerful allegory for the alienation Kafka himself felt in his personal and professional life, as well as a reflection on the existential crisis faced by modern individuals.

In “Metamorphosis,” Kafka employs a unique narrative technique, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The story unfolds in a matter-of-fact manner, with Samsa’s transformation treated as a factual event. This technique accentuates the absurdity of the situation while simultaneously reinforcing the themes of isolation and estrangement.

Analysis and Conclusions

Kafka’s works have a profound impact on readers due to their ability to tap into universal human experiences. Through his exploration of bureaucratic systems, social pressures, and the inherent absurdity of existence, Kafka manages to capture the complexities of human emotion and the struggle for meaning in an indifferent world.

Moreover, Kafka’s innovative narrative techniques have influenced generations of writers.

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Shoukat Lohar is Assistant professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro. He can be reached at Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk

The post Franz Kafka: A Master of Narrative Art first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Monitoring Desk

In Prague, 70,000 people took to the streets on Saturday to protest against the sharp rise in energy prices and to demand a neutral position on the war in Ukraine.

The organizers said after the end of the demonstration that if the government does not resign by 25 September, they will announce pressure actions and will plan for another protest on 28 September.

“We demand the establishment of a temporary government of experts and the calling of early elections. If the government does not resign by 25 September, we will declare the right to resistance under the Constitution of the Czech Republic at a nationwide demonstration and announce coercive actions. We are already in talks with trade unions, businessmen, farmers, mayors, transport operators and other organizations to declare a strike,” the organizers warned.

Police estimate that about 70,000 people gathered on Wenceslas Square for the more than three-hour demonstration against the government.

According to Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS), the event was called by forces that claim to have a pro-Russian orientation, are close to extremists and are against the interests of the Czech Republic.

However, the protest are so far peaceful and without any serious problems.

Among the speakers at Saturday’s event were former Agrarian Chamber President Zdeněk Jandejsek and energy expert Vladimír Štěpán.

Other speakers included SPD MP Jiří Kobza, Trikolora chair Zuzana Majerová, Communist presidential candidate Josef Skála, economist and dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Economics in Prague Miroslav Ševčík, and lawyer Jana Zwyrtek Hamplová.

According to the organizers, the Czech Republic should declare neutrality, “free itself from direct political subservience to the EU, the WHO or the UN”, and secure cheap gas supplies from Russia and “free Czech industry from dependence on foreign companies”.

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Courtesy: TeleSur

The post Thousands Demand the Resignation of the Government in Prague first appeared on Sindh Courier.