“Hajin, It's Mr. Kim from KBA. there will be korean ambassador cup in prague next weekend. We assumed young-sun would be able to go there but she had another schedule already. Can you go there?”

“Wait, Prague? Next weekend?”

Just like this, I got an opportunity to visit Prague for the first time in my life.




The 39th Prague International Go Tournament Korean Ambassador Cup


Lee Hajin 3P

 

Venue:  Czech Technical University, Congress Hall of Masaryk College

Date:    May 1 Saturday 10:00 ~ 20:00

                     2 Sunday  9:00 ~ 17:00

Participants:  Approximately 100

Winner:   Hwang In-Seong 6 dan (5 wins)

Czech Champion:  Ondrej Silt 6 dan (4 wins & 1 defeat)

Important Guests:  Czech-Korean Ambassador, Mayor of Prague

 

Main Activities

·         Participate in Opening Ceremony

·         May 1 Simultaneous games 16:30 ~ 19:00  (10 + 4 players)

·         May 2 Open Commentary on Czech-final 12:00 ~ 13:00 

·         May 3 Dinner with Czech Go players


This is a part of the report that I wrote for Korea Baduk Association. (They paid for the flight tickets to go there) Of course it was originally written in Korean. After coming back from Prague, I have been thinking how to write the travel log. Telling what happened in time order seemed too normal. I wanted to make it short but special and fresh just like the travel was to me. Although it was usually gray and cloudy weather, in my memory, Prague is more shining than any other cities. Moreover, this light in my mind doesn't seem to leave any time soon.

 
Now, let me continue the report inofficially for the rest of my journey.
 
First Impression
 
I arrived at Praha airport around 10:30 at night. Shops and restaurants were almost closed and only a handful of people were walking around. As I passed the gate, I found a good looking blonde girl holding big white paper. (The paper had 'Hajin' in the center) That was Klara. And Her mother was there too. On the way to Klara's place, I could see the dark and calm Prague beyond window. Oh, how would I dare to describe the scene with my short English! One thing I obviously realized was that 3 and a half days in Prague will not be even close to enough. 
 
European Breakfast
 
Czech bread, cream cheese, homemade apricot jam, butter, slice cheese, slice ham, smoked sausage, yogurt, blueberry, green grape and cafe latte. There were even more that I cannot remember their names. Thanks to this fantastic breakfast, I could gladly wake up in the every morning despite I was very tired due to jet lag. 
 
Prague
 
I will skip naming all the places I have been in Prague. I am afraid that it may make my experience just the same as one of the millions of tourists'. Prague was indeed full of tourists from all over the world. What about Prague attract so many people? Needless to say, Prague was an amazingly beautiful city. But there should be more to Prague since there are countless beautiful cities in the world. What distinguish Prague from other cities? Looking back, I especially liked the liveliness and purity of Prague. For me, it seems as if no matter how many people come and leave every day, Prague doesn't care but welcomes everyone with warmth and grace. 
 
Czech Food
 
It's almost impossible to experience Czech food in Korea. So for the first time, I tasted a few of Czech traditional style of food. Ingredients were not so special, usually beef, chicken, pork, mushrooms and potatoes. Yet the way of cooking and the sauces were quite different. Right now I am thinking about the sauce of Svíčková, which was so delicious. I wish I could have a chance to taste it again in near future.
 
Czech Go players
 
I have a theory that Go players are all good people. Playing Go means one knows how to accept his/her own mistakes and defeats, how to respect other people (opponents) and admits the fact that no one can win every time. So Go players are modest. And modest people are usually friendly and easy going. Oh, me? Um. There always are exceptions. haha :) Anyway, Czech players were so nice. They were friendly but polite at the same time, and gladly told me about themselves and things about Czechia.              
 
Leaving Prague
 
At the airport, I somehow felt sad. Although I was tired and missed home, I didn't want to leave there. It felt as if I wasn't ready yet. However unfortunately there was no sign from Island and I could come back to Korea without any problem. Now, a few days after coming back, I found Prague occupied one corner of my heart and gave me bright energy. :)



    
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