Perpetual Change

Praha

The capital of the Czech Republic is called Prague, which entymologically means 'threshold'.

This first struck me as unusual, but it was originally called that because the Czech lands are in a basin, more or less, and the gateway to them, figuratively, is in the center - Prague.

I then relized that I almost always first visit a new country through one of its big cities. Although they may not be located at the border of the countries, they are often my first taste into the culture, language, history and food. And yet, they really are a threshold - not fully in the place that they serve as the passage for. In order to fully experience the place you must move beyond.

I am moving back through Prague on my way home. I start my Master's work in Tallahassee on Friday. Happy trails to all. My rolling stone may start gathering a bit of moss.

posted by jjs @ 9:29 AM