City's mission possible in Prague

FOR A MOMENT yesterday, it looked like Prague had rolled out the red carpet for Cork City. Literally.

At the front door of the Hotel Praha, on a hill in the city's leafy embassy belt, flags were flying, military top brass stood by and, every few minutes, a black limousine would unload another diplomat.

In the lobby, a string quartet and choral group serenaded the arrivals as, dotted around the place, security men dispensed beady looks. Especially if, like your raving - sorry, roving - reporter, you stood out amid the suits and uniforms by virtue of your less than ambassadorial jeans, t-shirt and black leather jacket ensemble.