This post is dedicated to my big sister, Lauren.
The pictures below show what the Lennon Wall looks like as of February 23, 2012. I say that because there are layers and layers and layers and layers of graffiti (it's always changing...like, daily) on this wall...all dedicated to John Lennon, whose ideas gave many locals hope and a vision during the totalitarian era. Prior to 1989, when communism ruled, western pop songs were banned by Communist authorities...especially John Lennon's songs because they were about freedom...freedom that didn't exist in Czechoslovakia. The wall was started in 1980 when Lennon died, and night after night, the police would paint over the "All You Need Is Love" and "Imagine" graffiti. Day after day, travelers, freedom-lovers, and local hippies gathered and re-made the art. They could have been imprisoned for the graffiti and for "rebelling" against the state, but that didn't stop them. The Lennon Wall is a memorial to him and his ideas for freedom and peace, but also a monument to free speech and the non-violent rebellion of Czech youth against the regime (leading to the Velvet Revolution). Even today while the tension and danger associated with this wall are
gone, people come here to imagine. "John zije" is Czech for "John
lives."
Other pics of the Lennon Wall from Google Images:
OMG!! Luke and I just spent a good 20 minutes zooming in on each picture. That is probably the most beautiful thing i have ever seen!
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant man Mr. John was. This wall is a good reminder of how i want to act. Easier said than done... But still;)
Thank you for sharing. Now i just need to find a George wall somewhere, since he's my fave Beatle:)
I have lots more pictures, but these ones were the best! I thought it was awesome, and I knew you'd appreciate it. :)
DeleteTravelers, freedom-lovers, and local hippies.. I immediately thought of Lauren! I bet they all wore knit hats as well... :)
ReplyDeleteLove you Lauren!
Love you too Papa Bear :D
ReplyDeletethese really are the best pics of your trip so far, in my humble opinion. Luke has always loved Prague, he said that city is his #1 on his Europe bucket list (Edinburgh is #2).
Glad you both thought of me! Ha ha ha.
I definitely recommend Prague 100%. It's fabulous! Good choice Luke!
DeleteMaybe we should start a graffiti wall on one of our chicken coops! We have one that needs painting and this way you guys could help!
ReplyDeleteI just told dad that I almost bought a knit hat while I was in Italy, but decided not to because I didn't want to look like a Lauren wanna-be. :)
ReplyDeleteJust because we like the Lennon Wall doesn't mean we know how to graffiti. Haha. :) Oh, and Lauren, it's your turn to paint a chicken coop.
dad, if you let me paint the chicken coop however i please, you got yourself a deal.
ReplyDeletethat thing will be covered in so many peace signs those chickens will be liberal before they can even lay eggs.
there is a fine art to knit hat-wearing. not all of us are blessed with huge hair that we have to contain by wearing such headdresses :)
I'm so not having a wedding reception. ;)
ReplyDeleteA chicken coop with peace signs would be the perfect wedding picture backdrop. Don't forget how impressed the guests would be with free ranging chickens joining them for refreshments.
ReplyDelete