WHAT MAKES A CITY

A city without a pedestrian bridge is just not a city. A necessity, a bridge offers so much to so many.

The best bridge, and I am a lover of bridges, is The Charles Bridge in Prague in the Czech Republic.

The bridge itself is an old one with centuries of wear. Statues, lamplights, set in a beautifully lit up city that comes out of fairy tales when illuminated with castles aflame. The glow of the city is almost surreal. A painter's perfect backdrop to an unmistakable visual.

"Let's walk this way, but don't turn around until I tell you to." My first time on the Charles Bridge when Gov. Edgar and his wife and a few others took my wife and me across the bridge.

When we got about half way across, the Guv said, "Now turn around." What a terrific view! It was out of Disney. Multi-colored domes and spires lit up the Czech sky. I can still picture it after 15 years.

Later that same evening I had a chance to repeat the directions with some Chicago friends and they were equally impressed with the sights. They didn't seem to trust me as much as I trusted Mr. Edgar, Chandra Seki even commenting, "Is this like Hansel and Gretle?" But they, too thought it very worthwhile.

It's not the only ped bridge, but the best I've seen for views and activities. Street vendors and musicians gathered there where I saw the best marionette show I'd seen. Lots of strollers, lots of hands held, a stolen kiss or two--all were marked for my memory bank.

I think if I lived in Prague, I'd become a regular.