PRAGUE THE FINAL STOP

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WE MADE IT

I jolted awake to the sound of my stop heart pounding, almost jumping out of my seat, worried I’d miss it. That’s the wild thing about dozing off on these long rides, especially when you don’t know the language. If you miss your stop, it could mean another hour rolling into the unknown, so staying alert is everything.

I grabbed my bags, texted my brother, and hustled off the train into the bitter cold, nerves and excitement buzzing inside me. This was the first time my brother and I were traveling internationally together, just the two of us. We’ve always been close, not just in blood but in spirit, so sharing this experience meant a lot. Something new for both of us.

We met at our Airbnb, exchanging a hug and a dap, just grateful to have made it halfway across the world safely. It’s funny how those small gestures mean everything at the start of a trip, a silent acknowledgment that, no matter what, you made it. We dropped our bags, mapped out our plan to grab some food.

prior to the trip, we had gone sober for 60days, no alcohol, cold showers, working out every day, and switching up our diets. Looking back, it feels like that discipline was the start of some real change for both of us. We were diving into deeper versions of ourselves, different journeys, same timing, perfectly aligned.

Prašná Brána 

Traverse Town

Touching down in Prague for the first time, everything felt strangely familiar, like stepping into a place you’ve only visited in dreams. As my brother and I wandered through the chilly, lantern lit streets, the city buzzed with an energy that felt both new and nostalgic. Every corner flickered with shadow and light, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that we’d landed in our own real-life version of Traverse Town.

Prašná Brána The Powder Tower rose above the rooftops, dark and majestic, like the clock tower at the heart of Kingdom Hearts’ most mysterious world. The way it stood there watchful, weathered, a little bit magical felt like a checkpoint between adventures, a place where lost souls and wandering hearts cross paths.

Passing through its ancient archway was like walking into a cutscene: two brothers, carrying their own stories and questions, stepping into a city alive with possibility. The air was thick with echoes—footsteps on cobblestones, distant laughter, the secrets of travelers who’d come before us. Even the cold felt softer, like a nighttime stroll through Traverse Town, where every alley hints at another secret or an unexpected encounter.

Inside, the spiral stairs and shadowy nooks of the tower made it feel like we were searching for hidden items or following a trail of clues. From the top, Prague sprawled out beneath us, rooftops layered like the different districts of a video game map, each with its own promise of adventure.

For a while, the heaviness I’d carried just melted away. Sharing this city, this moment, with my brother, it felt like we were characters in a game—swept up in the wonder, possibility, and the sense that, just maybe, we’d found our own Traverse Town.

ARTIC BAKEHOUSE

It’s amazing! Atric Bakehouse, hands down! This spot is a true treat a dense experience layered with artisanal breads and pastries that are seriously out of this world. Of course, we had to stop in thanks to my deep love of sweets espically COOKIES! As I write this, I’m already daydreaming about going back. For anyone who can’t get enough pastries, this place is the stuff of dreams. Now, these aren’t your classic Parisian pastries, but that’s what makes them special—they have their own style, taste, and flair. I know some people will say, “It’s just bread…” but to me, it’s bread with frosting, and that’s a whole different vibe. If you find yourself in Prague, this spot is a must. Like all landmark bakeries, it’s best to get there early—the line moves fast, so scan the menu first and be ready to jump in. The coffee hit the spot, and the pastries warmed us up from the inside out, even in the bone-chilling cold. Trust me, Atric Bakehouse is worth the detour. Don’t sleep on this one!

BROTHERHOOD

Having my brother join me on this leg of the journey couldn’t have come at a better time. With everything I’d been carrying, just having him there brought comfort—not only as a distraction, but as someone to share the real, unspoken moments with. This was probably the first major milestone we truly experienced together as adults, and it changed our relationship for good. Facing loss and new realities side by side, we actually started to talk about the deeper things—something my family never did. Growing up, it was always “don’t ask, don’t tell,” but this trip finally opened the door for honest conversation and real connection. Some moments were so heavy, I’d need to pause just to process, but looking back, I’m grateful for all of it. Funny enough, one of the surprises of Prague: the best food we had wasn’t local—nah, it was the Indian spot and a random Mexican place that really hit. Sometimes it’s not the landmarks but the little moments, the unexpected flavors, and those honest talks that stick with you most.

Everyone Looking

YOOOO!!! So let me keep it 100 for a sec. Being Black in Prague? That’s a whole experience, not just for us but clearly for the locals too. I’m not exaggerating everywhere we went, people stared. Not like in the medina in Marrakech, where folks are sizing you up to run game, but more like, “How did you get here? Why are you here? I’ve never seen you before except maybe in a movie or on TV.” At first, I didn’t really know how to take it especially coming from the American South where stares have a different energy. But the longer we stayed, the more I realized it was mostly curiosity and genuine intrigue. It never felt like hate or animosity, just that honest “I haven’t seen this before” energy. The youth? They barely noticed, just kept it moving. But ride a trolley and you’ll catch people locking eyes, tracking your every move. Looking back, it’s kind of funny, but in the moment it definitely made me do a double take. Not saying this to be paranoid—just sharing my real experience. Sometimes, travel isn’t just about the landmarks and the food, it’s about the way you’re seen, the questions you spark, and the curiosity you leave behind.

MORE THAN JUST A TRIP

There was so much to this journey lessons about myself, about life, about the weight and lightness of being alive. With my brother by my side, I found joy in the middle of all that heaviness: seeing new places, tasting unfamiliar foods, laughing, and sharing those silent, meaningful moments that change us.

This wasn’t just a trip. It was the end of one era and the start of something I couldn’t have imagined. When my brother left and I spent my last day in Prague alone, I realized how much I needed that space to really sit with all that had happened to grieve, to let go, and to prepare for what was coming next.

That final shower, the quiet in the apartment, and the mask on my face as I boarded the flight home it all marked the close of a chapter. I was returning to a world still in chaos, but I knew, deep down, I was never going back to who I was before.

There were landmarks I missed, stories I didn’t fully capture, and yes, there are other layers. But that’s the thing about a real journey: it doesn’t fit neatly into one post or chapter. This is just the prelude. The true story of THE SPACE BETWEEN WORLDS is just getting started.

For now, enjoy these photos. More chapters, more lessons, coming soon.