Praha, Česká Republika

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Praha, Česká Republika, Aug. 4th - 9th, 2009


After spending several weeks staying with Dan's wonderful aunt, it was inevitable that we would have to return to the hostel life. When we arrived in Prague and started walking towards the Chili Hostel we quickly realized that Prague is like no other city we have seen so far. Most of our days in Prague were spent exploring this enchanting city. Every street we turned down was like a new fairytale waiting to be discovered. For centuries Prague has been nicknamed as the “city of a hundred spires” and "Zlatá Praha" or Golden Prague - it truly is a glittering jewel of art and architecture nestled at the center of Europe.

Held captive by communism for 40 years, Prague has emerged as one of Europe's most beautiful cities and most popular tourist destinations. In our opinion this city not only rivals Paris and Rome, but tops them as the most beautiful in the world! Prague's stunning beauty and popularity is owed to the fact that it emerged largely undamaged from WWII. Prague's cityscape retains its original architecture including; the soaring verticals of Gothic spires, the Prague Castle (Praský hrad) perched on top of a hill overlooking the entire city, and the Charles Bridge. Due to its untaming beauty, in 1992 the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Part of Prague's allure is also the nightlife, which we experienced first hand on our second night. We quickly became friends with the 2 Irish and 4 British girls sharing our room and joined them on the infamous Pub Crawl. The night began with the Pub Crawl leader warning that not all 120 of us would make it to the last club! We were in for a good night indeed! At the first pub we had 90 minutes of all you can drink beer, Absinthe and Vodka! We spent our time making new friends and playing crazy British drinking games. Lets just say Dan got our money's worth in the first 90 minutes and as previously predicted, some didn't make it past the first club. We left several wounded (aka passed out) soldiers outside the club, while the rest of us marched on. As we were leaving the second club, again a few fell behind. By 1am we found ourselves at an Irish pub who happened to have a live band. Within minutes everyone in the pub was dancing and belting out classics by Oasis, Green Day and U2. Only the strong survived until the last and final club where we danced until the early morning! The Pub Crawl was true to its slogan "Its the best night you will NEVER remember!"

After a 5 short days it was time for us to leave for Bratislava and then to Budapest for the Sziget Music Festival. As with many visitors before, this enchanting city has put a spell on us and we have vowed to return someday.

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Photos

Prague
As seen from the Petrin Tower

Watch out for the pigs!!!
Prague Police riding whatever that is!!!

St. Vitus Cathedral
Considered to be the finest example of Gothic Architecture in Europe.

Dancing Building
A Frank Gehry design, unlike anything else in Prague.

Jan Hus Momument
In front of Tyn Church

Powder Gate
One of the medevil entrances to the Old Town.