The Oldest Cities.

One of the the major appeals of Europe - in my eyes at least - has always been it's rich history. The old age of this ancient landmass is reflected in almost any of its cities or towns. Numerous archaeological finds, dating back centuries in time make this continent an absolute paradise for anyone who finds history intriguing.

To me it is of outermost fascination to walk around the streets of old towns, where the tides of times can be read in every cobbled stone, where one can physically touch walls which has seen centuries of life and death, laughter and tears - where thoughts that redefined our history were conceived and decisions that changed our world were made.
The fact that I live in one of the fifty oldest cities in the world - and actually in the oldest Scandinavian city - makes my location on the map quiet interesting.

On the same note one would ask; Which is the oldest city in the world?

The answer to this is actually not that simple. After researching the web I found that another question should be asked first; what is actually considered a city? Closely followed by the limiting factor whether one is looking to find the oldest continuously inhibited city or just the absolute oldest city, that no longer exist. That of course is somewhat tricky, as the oldest city might yet have to be uncovered.

As the case is with any information find online, I have to say that there are conflicting reports to what is actually the true oldest city in the world. However, most sites list Damascus, the capital of Syria, located on the Asian continent as the oldest known city in the world. Inhabited as early as 10000 BC, it became a city of importance first around 1400BC. This is closely followed by Jericho (3000 BC) located on the West Bank and Byblos (5000 BC) in Lebanon.

In Europe, the oldest cities are found on the Greek Islands of Crete; Chania and Larnaca on Cyprus, and Athens, on the European continent, all dating back to around 1400 BC.

On the African continent, the oldest city Fayium is positioned in Lower Egypt dating back to 4000 BC.

In the Americas, the oldest city is considered to be Ticul in Mexico, from the 7th century BC and in the US most likely Acoma Pueblo and Taos Pueblo in New Mexico with settlements dating back to ca 1075 AD.

In 1999, archeologist began an excavation of Hamoukar in northeastern Syria, most likely the oldest city in the world, or at least one of the oldest. Inhabited some 6000 years ago, it came to redefine the traditional concept of the city appearance and the civilization on Earth.

Christmas City Illumination.

Cities become fairytale like during the Holiday season. Particularly after the onset of darkness, which happens in the early afternoon in Scandinavia.

I love to take a walk in the streets just a few days prior to Christmas Eve. There is an atmosphere of joy all around. Despite the certain feel of the holiday rush, as some still feel overwhelmed by the last gift purchase, when I watch the smiling faces around me, I sense happiness.

The lights lining the streets and decorating the stores take my breath away ever year. Intricate decorations, unusual ornaments line the sidewalks and the walkways, making the evening bright and tranquil. This year an extra Holiday feel is added by the white frosty blanket that covers the streets.

When it comes to the magic of the bustling metropolis, it is never more appealing or enchanting than during winter, as it becomes decorated by the glittering snow and illuminated by Christmas lights.

A City In The Heart Of Europe.

"I see a majestic city, whose glory will reach the stars!"

Such was the prophecy of Libuše, a beautiful woman of royal blood, who married a humble ploughman, Premyšl. According to the legends, she had visions of a glorious "golden" city and her dynasty ended up ruling Prague from the castle of Vyšehrad.

Everyone who has once visited this city will tell you that it holds a certain magic; one that will allure and capture you like no other metropolis.

My father was born there. He studied at Charles University, where he met my mother. Today both my parents live outside Prague, where they moved about three years ago. I never lived in the city myself, only briefly in its vicinity when I was a child. But I have spend almost all of my childhood summers here, until the age of twelve. They were spend in company of my grandparents and the rest of the family on my fathers side.

I knew already as a child that this was a special place. I read its tales with excitement and fascination and have always been intrigued by the "city of hundred spires". Positioned truly in the heart of Europe, it has played major roles in its history. And indeed history can be sensed everywhere. It is almost as if the city is an aged book; the old cobbled streets are lines in stories that will take you back into the time of knights and kings, into wars and to the time of peace, when the city flourished and its powerful rulers gave rise to the magnificent castles, bridges, churches and cathedrals that are its trademark to this day.

It would take me days and days to list all the sights, packed with tales of history, describing the rise and fall of the capital of small kingdoms and even empires throughout the times. Instead I decided to post a collage of pictures depicting the main historical places which I visited on my recent trip. I have seen them all, numerous times before. Yet, they seem always new to me. Each visit is different than the previous one, as I am different as well. Each time I see something new. This time I saw everything once again fresh and unexplored through the eyes of the Irishman. Unlike during other visits, on this occasion I tried to look up, at the old houses and the striking architecture and the multitude of "house signs"; small ornate pictures illustrating a particular spot, aiding greatly in recognition of places in the -often illiterate- past.

What makes the city unique is the picturesque downtown, that stretches from the castle, which towers over the river Vltava (Moldau) and continues spreading over both river banks, which are connected by the legendary Charles Bridge. This creates almost a theater backdrop, appearing at times unreal. Very romantic at night, when the historical buildings become illuminated, one can feel the past and the present combine in a fairytale like setting.

Today, the city I remember from my childhood doesn't exist. Progress, as always, brings changes. I refuse to contemplate to what extend these changes bring benefits or not. The optimist in me will at all times think that change is the only constant in life. One can either choose to be assimilated by it, or to embrace it and realize that time will never stand still, only in ones memories.

Spring Equinox.

This week has been weather-wise the most beautiful week I can remember for a really very long time. Today is spring equinox, meaning the day has caught up with the night and they are both equally long. This is also considered the first true spring day.

Considering that I have made progress in my work and the fact that the weather has turned, I decided to take a "mental health day", as I used to call them while living in the US. "A day off" to sooth my mind and soul. So today has been my kind of Friday.

What does such a day look like?

I slept long and enjoyed a good cup of coffee while reading the newspaper.


I took a drive by the ocean.





The drive took me to the city where I took a walk.
Later I stopped by the post office to pick up a package containing long awaited summer fashion.
On the way home I went by the store to pick up my weekly groceries.

When I returned to the house, my weekly surface mail from Ireland was in the mail box, waiting for me.

And now I am off to do some gardening and to enjoy the wonderful spring weather, as in these parts of Europe one never knows how long it will last. Happy Friday everyone.;)

Christmas City Lights.

Today is weather vise one of those days I truly dislike. It is rainy and windy. Well, stormy would be a more appropriate term actually.
However yesterday was a wonderful winter day; sunny and calm, no wind to speak off. I took a walk through the city in the early evening to see this year’s decorations. I manged to visit a small Christmas marked as well and finally got to stand next to the enormous Christmas Tree in front of the City Hall, which I drive pass every day to work.
I always enjoy walking through the streets close to Christmas, especially when I do not have to feel the stress of purchases and preparations.