That is the Charles Bridge

In our capital city is a stone bridge since 14th century, built under the auspices of the then Emperor Charles IV. Richly fabled, endured many dangers, connecting Old Town with Lesser Town. Now works almost exclusively as a tourist attraction. A recent walk through it gave me quite a hard time mentally.

It was not because, to some extent controversial, ongoing reconstruction. Not even for the promenading tourists admiring that oldest still-standing stone bridge across the river Vltava. Debilitating are all those "artists".

As well as everywhere there are exceptions. Some photographs showing the bridge or town in the morning haze are charming. Like some of the paintings. But those are few indeed. By walking the little over five hundred meters, I've missed countless cartoonists, retailer of various baubles, singers.

What cartoon has to do with the history of the stone bridge? Will it remember me for a lifetime where I have been portrayed? Baubles could also at least remind the time of the bridge construction. Operatic arias falsely sing-along by sound of rumbling tape-player or live performance on some stringed instrument by musicians dressed in pseudo-period brocaded dress give everything the crown.

Truth is that as some ten year old, I had touched the serpent that one such artist was demonstrating then on the Charles Bridge. Today, I'd rather from my heart wished him the snake out of control hurt him properly.