EuroTrip Day 50 (Prague Day 3)

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Wow, what a crazy night errr morning it was eh? Anyways, I woke up at about 11:30 or so. Surprisingly enough, I felt like I got a great night’s sleep. It was the craziest feeling ever knowing I only slept about 2 1/2 hours or so. I guess I hit the proper part of my REM sleep cycle.

So I got up, got ready, and headed for the old town square. I figured I’d explore that area. I started off with the astronomical clock. I just happen to be there when it did it’s show. The show is kind of lame, but whatever. It provided me with a laugh that people waited so intensely for it and it was done right after it started. Basically the skeleton tips the hour class (to remind people that they’re mortals and their time could be done anyday now), then the two doors at the top open up and 12 apostles parade by. Meh, I guess it’s cool that I’ve seen it.

From there I went to the famous Tyn Church. This is another one of Prague’s icons. With it’spires, etc. While there, there was a worker who would get FURIOUS when people took pictures in there. He was slam his hand on a table and scream out “NO PHOTO!”. I found it kind of funny. However, being the stealth camera ninja that I am, I didn’t get caught once.

From there I crossed the square and checked out a small memorial. In the square you’ll see an area where there’s 27 white crosses made up of cobble stones. This is to commemorate the spot where 27 Protestant nobles, merchants, and intellectuals were beheaded after rebelling against the Catholic Hapsburgs.

After I sat down, had a beer, reflected a bit, and people watched, I figured I’d go check out the Jewish Ghetto (Josefov). It’s not really a present day ghetto. Back in the day, the Czech rulers forced Jews to live separate from the rest of Prague. If I remember correctly, it was after the Pope issued a decree that Jews should not be able to live with Catholics. How about that eh? Someone that’s supposed to stand for brotherhood, love, etc. causing the exact opposite. Being how it’s the Catholic church, color me not surprised. (no offense to catholics reading this….oh, and if you’re wondering, my parents are catholic so I’m not bashing a religion I’m not familiar with. Just my opinion).

During my tour of the jewish ghetto, I saw the Maisel Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, Ceremonial Hall, Klaus Synagogue, and Old-New Synagogue. I got to read up on the Jewish faith itself and what happened during the holocaust and the times where they were forced to live in the ghetto. It really is sad what humans are capable of with some (improper) motivation. It’s really, REALLY sad. I always wondered that if aliens do ever approach earth and ask us about our history, what they’ll think if we mention stuff like that.

Anyways, by this time, it was about 6pm, so I headed back to the hostel. I had so much fun the night before, I wanted to do the pub crawl again. Unfortunately for me, it started raining pretty hard. I could’ve still gone, but last time I went on a pub crawl while it was raining, not too many people showed up. Oh well. I figured I’d rest up and go on one tomorrow if it didn’t rain. Afterall, tomorrow is Friday, so it should be better anyways.

Tonight…..rest……tomorrow……complete and utter conquering of Prague!

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Comments

[Julz]

I'm really dig'n the clock! That statue with the headless guy is a trip!!!