My first experience of Žižkov was through the window of a taxi that I had taken from the airport. The gothic style buildings, contrasted with graffiti and a cultural mix of local residents walking around. As the taxi pulled up to my apartment building, I didn’t know what to make of my surroundings. Over the course of a few weeks and lots of strolling around the area, I still couldn’t form a concrete image of the neighborhood which now was a home to me.
Asian bistro. Again.
Yes, mom, there is a tower a few hundred meters long with babies climbing it.
My landmark for knowing I’m home is pizzeria Einstein.
An artistic representation of blurry walks home.
However, after spending six months in this area, with countless walks home at seven in the morning from one of the local 24-hour bars, I can definitely say, now I have a feeling of this place called Žižkov. The word I would use to describe this neighborhood full of bars, dodgy massage cabaret shows, various potraviny and interesting people, would be unique.
Somewhat reminiscent of fear and loathing, don’t you think?
The landmark for the metro station which I don’t think I’ll ever learn how to pronounce.
A typical reaction I get from others when I say that I live here is “How can you walk around at night especially since you’re a girl!” After getting over the desire to start a rant on some kind of sexist arguments, I just reply: “why not.” These spooky night photographs captured the essence of what I believe Žižkov is: which is a safe but mysterious place.
A couple wondering what these strange shaped objects are through a potraviny window
Starting place for plotting the Velvet Revolution, supposedly.
By Rita Puhto
My first experience of Žižkov was through the window of a taxi that I had taken from the airport. The gothic style buildings, contrasted with graffiti and a cultural mix of local residents walking around. As the taxi pulled up to my apartment building, I didn’t know what to make of my surroundings. Over the course of a few weeks and lots of strolling around the area, I still couldn’t form a concrete image of the neighborhood which now was a home to me.
However, after spending six months in this area, with countless walks home at seven in the morning from one of the local 24-hour bars, I can definitely say, now I have a feeling of this place called Žižkov. The word I would use to describe this neighborhood full of bars, dodgy massage cabaret shows, various potraviny and interesting people, would be unique.
A typical reaction I get from others when I say that I live here is “How can you walk around at night especially since you’re a girl!” After getting over the desire to start a rant on some kind of sexist arguments, I just reply: “why not.” These spooky night photographs captured the essence of what I believe Žižkov is: which is a safe but mysterious place.