Cop

There are a lot of Czech men with ponytails. More than in the UK, I think. Is it a symptom of lagging 15 years behind the UK and US? I am sure long hair was still in fashion amongst rock fans in the mid-90s. Plus dreadlocks are still in vogue. Not a full head of them, but rather a couple of odd strands like a traveller, again from the early 90s. Or is it simply that male fashion (for lack of a better term) has not yet taken off, even in Prague? I admit to having been spoilt in London, but it seems that here one either dresses as teenage version of oneself, or mismatches business and smart casual in the most dreadful ways imaginable. I shall head down to the true business/style centre(s) of Prague to investigate further.

In other news, autumn is in the process of arriving. The skies took a decidedly grey hue today, and it has started to rain properly for the first time. Tomorrow I will attend my first gig in the Czech Republic – an album launch for a nu-psychedelic band (I believe). I am intrigued to see the nature of the gig-goers, and to experience real modern vital Czech music. Or not. At least the beer will be cheap.

I have posted some photos on Facebook. I am not sure what to do with regards to the architecture. Even here, in the inner suburbs, each and every building (pretty much) is simply staggering. Small architectural details, fascinating facades and obscure bits of history all combine to make each and every corner you turn a reason to celebrate and photograph.

Today I limited myself mainly to signs – there are very few classically socialist ones left, especially around here – the area reminds me of the nicer – bits of Berlin or any other German city you would care to name. The signs are either functional and colourful – most noticeably the myriad Vietnamese-owned fruit and veg shops, or are informed by Western design – and all the coffee shops seem to be WiFi – one fo the perks of living in expat central, I suppose. So I took a few photos today of socialist and immediately post-socialist signs – there would have been more, but I will have to revisit the streets and shops once winter is upon us and the accursed trees drop their leaves.