European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 28, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                An old Beauty with a fresh spirit the Spires of the Cathedral of St. Vitus Rise from behind the Walls of the Prague Castle. In the foreground is Charles Bridge and the Vltava  Ron Mckinney staff writer the essence of Prague a City filled with architectural wonders covering More than 10 centuries is Best found on its oldest existing Bridge. The Charles Bridge one of 18 Bridges spanning the Vltava River in the czechoslovakian capital teems from late morning until dark with artists musicians artisans vendors and nomadic youths from All Over the world. Tourists and the curious gather in semicircles around the entertainers dropping Money into hats and around the artists buying up caricatures and River scenes. The crowded festive Bridge captures the heart of Street life for the 1,500-year-old City of 1.2 million. The Gay mood on the Bridge carries the rejuvenated spirit of Czechoslovakia newly freed from the Iron grasp of communism just three years ago. Some of the merry musicians Young and old sing tunes of the religious variety. Others attempt a More heavy Metal Edge with an acoustic guitar and a coarse voice. On the Charles Bridge anything goes but it s All rated pc. Some of the More risque adventures on the Bridge involve writing postcards watching people and enjoying the music from the dozens of groups hanging around. Work on the Sandstone Bridge began in 1397, some 25 years after Prague s first Stone Bridge was washed away in a flood making it a Symbol of rebirth even then. These Days the Bridge s function is less to Cross the Vltava River than to serve As a tourist attraction. While the pedestrian Only Bridge is a perfect Stop for a leisurely afternoon walk a even when it s packed shoulder to shoulder a Prague has plenty of other areas to sightseer. It was originally five Independent towns that weren t United until 1 784. These districts have kept much of their distinctive looks the old town with the most famous Square in Prague the jewish Quarter the Royal town crowned by Prague s Castle the lesser town built by 1 7th-Century Gentry and the new town which is Only 650 years old and is the modern City s commercial District. Most of the architectural monuments Are in the old town and Castle District. But each area has scores of Parks gardens squares Heaters and towers making Prague a fascinating City to walk through. Prague is a City for aesthetic pleasures As opposed to a party town like Berlin where the night never ends. It is a place where visitors might want to take in a jazz club on Friday night instead of a discotheque. If anything Prague May Well be considered As its popularity and free Market grow in the years ahead As a romantic getaway that will compete with Paris and Venice. Perhaps the reason Prague can be considered so romantic is that it is relatively devoid of night life. Whenever night life was mentioned to the locals the usual response was a scratching of the head and eyes squinting in deep thought. Night life a new concept continued on Page 8 May 28, 1992 stripes Magazine 7