Little Belle's Mama

In March 2022, I had the most unforgettable birthday experience. Little did I know that two months later, my life would take a beautiful turn when I found out I was pregnant. That birthday in Prague became a significant milestone, not just because it was a special day, but because it was the beginning of a year that would bring so many changes to my life. The weather was perfect, the scenery breathtaking, and the entire trip felt like a dream.

The journey started with my husband and I making our way from home in our car. It wasn’t the shortest of drives, taking us almost seven hours, but it was worth every minute. We made a few stops along the way to stretch our legs and rest, as my husband was the only one driving. Though long, the drive was smooth, and the excitement of what awaited us in Prague kept us energized. The beauty of the Czech countryside as we made our way through it only added to the anticipation of the adventures we were about to have.

Arriving in Prague, we checked into our hotel, the Radisson Blu, a gorgeous property located in the heart of the city. The hotel was welcoming and comfortable, offering us the perfect base to explore the city. We stayed for four nights, giving us three full days to explore everything that Prague has to offer. From the moment we arrived, I felt like I had stepped into a fairy tale. The architecture, the cobblestone streets, and the river running through the city created an atmosphere unlike any other place I had been to.

It was not our first time in Prague; my husband and I had visited the city in 2014, and we were thrilled to return, especially knowing this time would be even more special. In 2014, we were captivated by the city’s charm, but in 2022, we returned with a new sense of excitement, knowing that soon, we would be bringing our daughter here to explore it as a family. It was the perfect time for a return visit.

On the first day, we wasted no time. We set off to explore the famous Old Town Square, where we were greeted by the magnificent Prague Astronomical Clock. This historical gem, with its intricate design and history, immediately drew us in. I marveled at the hourly show as the clock struck, with the figurines coming to life. We took plenty of pictures, as every corner of the square seemed like it belonged in a postcard.

Next, we walked across the Charles Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague. The bridge was filled with artists, vendors, and tourists, but it still had an air of serenity to it. As we walked across, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history in the air. The Charles Bridge is not just a bridge, but a symbol of Prague’s rich past. The views of the Vltava River and the city skyline from the bridge were breathtaking, and we paused several times to take it all in.

On the second day, we decided to head up to Petrin Hill, which is one of the best places in the city to get a panoramic view of Prague. We took the funicular railway, which was an experience in itself. The ride up was smooth, and as we reached the top, we were treated to one of the best views of the city I had ever seen. It was a clear, sunny day, and the city stretched out before us, with its red rooftops, church spires, and the iconic Prague Castle in the distance. We spent some time walking around the hill, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and taking in the beauty of the gardens and views.

After spending some time on Petrin Hill, we decided to visit Vyšehrad, a historic site that offered another stunning perspective of the city. Vyšehrad, meaning “higher castle,” is a fortress that sits on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. The views from here were equally as spectacular as from Petrin Hill, but what made Vyšehrad special was the sense of history that surrounded us. We walked around the grounds, explored the church, and learned about the history of this ancient site.

While we were at Vyšehrad, we decided to enter the church and take a moment for reflection. The church was beautiful, with its intricate stained glass windows and peaceful atmosphere. Inside, I made a heartfelt wish to God for my birthday. It was a quiet, emotional moment for me, and I remember feeling hopeful for what the future would bring. Little did I know, that wish would come true later that year when I discovered I was pregnant.

On the third day, we explored some more of Prague’s hidden gems. We visited the Prague Castle, which is one of the largest ancient castles in the world. Walking through the castle grounds felt like stepping back in time. The architecture was stunning, and we marveled at St. Vitus Cathedral, which was a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The castle complex also offered incredible views of the city, and we spent several hours there, exploring the museums and admiring the history of the place.

We also visited the Lesser Town (Malá Strana), a picturesque district of Prague filled with charming streets, colorful buildings, and quaint cafes. This area of the city had a more relaxed feel compared to the hustle and bustle of Old Town, and it was the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll. We made our way to the John Lennon Wall, a tribute to the famous Beatle and a symbol of peace. The vibrant graffiti and messages of love and hope on the wall made for an inspiring experience.

Another stop on our itinerary was the beautiful Wenceslas Square, a historic landmark in the heart of Prague. The square was bustling with people, but it was impossible not to be drawn to its beauty. The National Museum stood proudly at one end of the square, and we took some time to explore its exhibits before heading out to find a cozy café to relax in. The cafés in Prague were fantastic, serving delicious pastries and hot chocolate that kept us warm during our explorations.

Throughout our trip, we enjoyed the local cuisine. Czech food is hearty and comforting, with dishes like svíčková (a creamy beef dish), goulash, and koláče (sweet pastries). We dined in traditional Czech restaurants, where the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The flavors were rich and satisfying, and it was the perfect way to refuel after a long day of sightseeing.

In the evenings, we would often take walks along the river, admiring the city’s beauty as the sun set. The lights of Prague reflected on the water, and the city took on a magical glow. We would end our days with a quiet dinner and a glass of Czech beer, savoring the moments and reflecting on the memories we were making.

On the last day, we visited a few more spots, including the Jewish Quarter, where we explored the synagogues and learned about the history of the Jewish community in Prague. We also walked around the beautiful gardens at the Wallenstein Palace, which was a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Every corner of Prague seemed to have something new to offer, and it was hard to believe we had already spent three days there.

Looking back, my birthday trip to Prague was a perfect getaway, filled with stunning sights, rich history, and personal moments that I will cherish forever. It wasn’t just a celebration of another year of life; it was a celebration of love, hope, and the beginning of something new. That birthday, I made a wish that would come true in the months ahead, and every moment of that trip felt like it was meant to be.

Prague is a city that holds a special place in my heart. I have so many fond memories of our first visit there in 2014, and coming back in 2022 made the experience even more meaningful. We are already excited about the idea of returning to this beautiful city with our daughter in the future. I can already picture us strolling along the Charles Bridge, visiting the Prague Castle, and sharing the magic of this wonderful city with her. It was the perfect start to a new chapter in my life, and I am so grateful for the memories we made there.