From here it`s just a few minutes by foot, at least that`s what it looked liked on Google Maps. Wisely I had made reservations for a small holiday apartment quite close to the city center. At least my first destination in my new hometown to be was well planned beforehand. Everything else I`ll figure out on my way.

After a few minutes walk I reach the building. A 6 stories high house from the early 20th century. The old stucco on the walls is hardly to recognize under the grayish layer of dust and dirt which covers the whole façade. The traffic on the five lane street right next to it has left his marks. It`s five minutes to eleven o`clock, the dark blue sky when I arrived about 50 minutes ago has faded into black. In five minutes I should meet Marek, a guy with short black hair and a mustache. At least that`s the description I got from the company which runs the apartment. Supposably he is very reliable and speaks fluent English. He will bring me the keys and handle the paper work.

It is 20 minutes past eleven o`clock when I see a small bulky man crossing the street hustling into my direction. His dark blue polyester neck tie waves in the wind while he tries to rush through the still busy traffic.

He introduces himself as Petr and tells me half English half German speaking that Marek unfortunately couldn`t make it. I can hardly understand his attempt to explain me in detail the reason for Marek’s failure, however I give myself satisfied with the fact that Petr came as substitute.

After another five minutes in which Petr worked his way through a number of different keys, he finally found the right one and the doors opened…

The old paths I used to walk on became frightening routine to me. Stepping ahead and still walking in circles knowingly expecting what life is supposed to bring.

If life`s a circle, I might as well find another path to walk it in.

I grab my bags and find my way to the exit, not knowing what to expect.

It is a cold and windy summer night. I pass the line of cab drivers standing in front of the airport shouting at potential customers in broken English while offering their services.

I take the Bus.

I finally arrived – now my journey can begin.

I`m not even sure why Prague, I guess it seemed like a fascinating and happening place to be. Not really far away but still totally different. And different is good.

A place where adventures can happen a place where risks can be taken and realities are changing, but most of all, a different place than home.