Crystal shops, especially Swarovski, are everywhere in Prague. I was fascinated that this man had set up his busking spot directly in front of the advertising poster in the window of this exclusive shop. I’m not sure what the instrument was, but it was eery and very minorly-cool music.

Everywhere we looked, capitalism was in its glory. It’s hard to believe that the communist regime had only ended twenty years before. It seemed like there wasn’t a corner that didn’t have something for sale.

I think we were in the best corner of Prague there was. We were hosted by the uber-grooving Buddha Bar Hotel.  I can honestly say I’ve never before used a remote control for my toilet but in our lovely room #39, we had exactly that…a button for the bidet, one to save your favourite settings for water temperature, the dryer – the whole shooting match. 

There was a remote for the curtains too, but really, we didn’t need to strain ourselves by doing that, as the nightly turn-down service did it for us when they delivered the tray with the weather report, the chocolates and a fresh orchid. It can be so annoying to have to shut your own drapes dontchya think?

Previously, during this five-week trip, we met a lovely couple from Colorado. Ken asked, what I thought was a pretty good question, that is; “Do you think your hotel enhances the experience of your stay in a particular place or does it detract from it or does it not impact it at all?”

I wish I could be above all that, and say, it’s just a place to sleep. I have slept in some rather dodgy places, including less-than-stellar hostels and crappy campsites. I can honestly say I’ve pretty much done the range of experiences as far as sleeping arrangements go. And the really horrible places do make for great stories. But I finally have an answer for Ken’s question.

“Yes. The hotel makes a difference. My memory of Prague is much different because of the Buddha Bar Hotel indulgence.”

It was great to have such a jewel of a place to regroup and retreat from the hustle of Prague. It was lovely to lay in the big soaker tub and pretend this was my world…even if it was only for a few days. 

And you know? A girl could get used to the town car limo service to the airport too.