Prague: For the Very First Time

We were supposed to get on the road right after the Berlin show but after Dan broke his hand, we decided to stick around until morning to make sure he was in good hands (no pun intended) at the doctors.  

One of my favorite memories from this European tour took place at the McDonalds a couple hours outside of the city. Platzman, sweet Platzman, intends to order a 5 piece chicken combo meal but instead he accidentally orders an entire chicken "box" that is intended for 5 people. Chicken lost in translation. If memory serves me correctly, there were 5 different kinds of chicken with 5 pieces each. Oi Vey. Platz, the trooper that he is sat and ate, determined to finish the 5 lbs. of food that sat before him. He didn't finnish but  boy did he show dedication. 

I would describe the rest of the drive into Prague as quaint and etherial. The cities along the water, layered over the hills and mini mountains. Weaving through pockets of old European villages gives me the feeling of time travel. I would love to see the evolution of these small towns from their origin to now. How change has found its way into these semi-isolated places. 

Best potato chips I've ever had

Trying to find our way around 

Love him

We didn't get into Prague until about five but we didn't waste any time at the hotel before we went out to check out the town. My first glance at the Old Square was a shock to the system. I've never been to a place that felt more historic, charming and put together. Each building and monument perfectly fit together like a gigantic puzzle. The visual impact was overwhelming. The best way I can describe it is: adult Disneyland. If someone asked me where to go in Europe, to  really experience old, culture-rich Europe, I would tell them to go here. 

We ate Sausage, spiral cut fresh potato chips, and a Nutella-banana crepe from food carts (first McDonalds now this, man are we health nuts). Side note: One strange thing we saw was a man with a Shrek mask in a window of a spa, sitting with his feet in tank while fish ate off his dead skin. I'm only putting this in because we laughed forever and I don't want to forget it. 

We walked on the Charles Bridge (est. in 1402 ahh so old!!) and rubbed all the lucky spots on the statues as we made our way across . We hiked up to Prague Castle, but by then it was night. No problem, the city views were gorgeous and we could see street lights for miles. We took a different path down the hill walking through a vineyard. For dinner we spotted a small Italian cafe. Daniel Wayne and I shared an appetizer of 24-month aged prosciutto with mellon and then a black truffle and beef pizza.

Prague Castle doors

Prague Castle

The next day, the Prague show was out of control. The Venue was supposed to house 2,000 but they let in about 2,400. Extremely cramped and maybe the loudest crowds I have ever heard.

Earlier that day the boys did an interview on the biggest radio station in Prague. The Universal reps in the area said that "It's Time" is still in the top 10 on radio and has been a huge hit there since it started played in November 2012. There music has brought rock back to radio stations that normally play "Euro trash dance music." (there words, not mine). Everyone at the radio station was very kind and accommodating. They warned us that the audience may not sing along as much because not everyone knows English but I was blown away by how loud the whole crowd sang that night...as you can see in some of my photos.

The doctors decided not to do surgery on Dan's hand which was great but it was still very much broken, sensitive and very painful. The most hardcore painkillers they would prescribe him were 200 mg of Ibuprofen. Performing on adrenaline alone, Dan's first show with his temporary cast went smoothly. His movement reminded me of a mix between Thom York and Mohamed Ali, fists up in the air and slightly more awkward than his usual grace but he didn't give the audience any less than 100%. You could tell the band hit a groove that night. This was the furtherest east they had ever played, the culture and people were so different but the crowd truly embraced them. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship...I sure hope so because I really want to got back! 

Fans mobbing the band as they left the venue

Mini dance party at the "Roadie Bar" aka a trash can posted outside the bus