Blogs from Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic, Europe - page 8

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Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town December 24th 2013

This morning we set out walking along the Vltava River to explore Nové Mēsto, the New Town neighbourhood of Prague. It was quite a mild morning and the sun was almost shining so it was perfect for a walk along the river. We walked along Charles Street to the bridge and then turned left. There were seagulls filling the sky above the weir on the river. There were so many Bernie had to Photoshop a few out of our pictures so that the view could be seen and not just the tip ducks!! We passed the National Theatre which is currently wrapped up undergoing an extensive rebuilding program. We continued walking along the river until we reached the Dancing Building a controversial modern building that consists of a square tower together with a more sinuous twisted ... read more
Charles Bridge
Dancing Building
Basilica of St Peter and St Paul Door

Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town December 23rd 2013

This morning we took a guided tour of the Jewish Museum which is divided between several buildings around the area of Prague's old Jewish ghetto. The walls that used to separate the Jewish ghetto from the rest of the city were taken down at the end of the 19th century as enlightened attitudes permeated the Czech lands. When we arrived at the Maisel Synagogue, in what we thought was good time for the 11.00am tour, we were told that the guide didn't have any takers for the tour - at 10.00am - and had left the building. There was another English-speaking volunteer at the Maisel Synagogue who very generously agreed to take us on the guided tour of the buildings that make up the Jewish Museum. Jerry (he told us the English version of his name ... read more
Spanish Synagogue
Great tree
Floating in mid air

Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town December 21st 2013

This morning after breakfast we finished our introductory walking tour with Pasquale. A couple had just arrived from Washington via New York and Amsterdam so Pasquale took us back to the Old Town Square with them which was handy for us because everything looked a bit different by daylight! Then we headed over to Wenceslas Square with Pasquale pointing out the supermarket along the way. Pasquale had recommended the 'free' walking tours that depart from the Cartier corner of the Old Town Square for a more in-depth introduction to Prague's Old Town. Although the walks are touted as 'free' you are expected to tip the guides for their services. Hmmn, why not just charge a set fee and be done with it?? Anyway, we headed over to Cartier corner and took a walking tour with Jana ... read more
Looking down on the Old Square
Prague Castle
Trumpeting the hour

Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town December 20th 2013

We had to wake up early this morning for a big day of travelling. Up at 6.00am and down to breakfast by 6.45am. Back in our room by 7.15am to clean our teeth and finish our packing and then down to the front desk by 7.45am to settle our bill before being picked up by the Yellow Cab service at 8.00am sharp. Our driver walked in the front door as we arrived at the front desk so we paid our account and then dragged our bags out into a dark and rainy morning to be loaded into the maxi-cab. Our driver was originally from London, but has lived in Finland for the last seven years with his Finnish wife. As we drove out to the airport the rain became sleet and, as we arrived at the ... read more
HBF Christmas Tree
Berlin Cathedral
Choir practice

Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town November 17th 2013

I. LOVE. PRAGUE. I can't wait to go back to Prague. Prague is like a little clean Budapest. Apparently it's because instead of trying to fight in any wars, they just gave into anyone who has ever tried to take them over. Go Prague. Things Darcy and I did in Prague: 1. WE MADE IT WITH NO MAJOR DISASTERS. FIRST TIME. YES. 2. 7 hour train rides suck, but trains are definitely my favorite way to travel. No bumps, you're able to stand up and stretch, and it's logical unlike planes which are way to heavy to be in the sky (I know blah blah science. I just still don't get it). 3. Our train stopped a bunch, but they never announced any of the stops and Darcy and I were wondering the whole time how ... read more
Prague
John Lennon wall
View from breakfast

Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town October 30th 2013

We have 2 nights in Prague in a pretty ordinary hotel called the Barcelo Praha. We were a bit spoilt by our previous hotel, the NH Muenchen which had a good buffet dinner and an excellent breakfast. We’ve re-discovered that all hotels in Europe are over-heated and these 2 places are no exception…at least the bus temp is set at a reasonable level! We decided to take this bus tour as a rest from driving ourselves prior to returning home but the early starts are preventing this. In spite of this minor problem, we are seeing lots (albeit at a cracking pace!) and learning a lot about Central European countries and cities. It was very cold for our full day in Prague but after some early cloud, the sun emerged and by the afternoon it was ... read more
Prague
Prague
Prague

Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town September 24th 2013

From Seiffen, 5 minutes down the road and the signage changes, the road condition changes, oh dear, we have entered the Czech Republic..from now on everything has changed, the scenery, the cars, the signs, everything. We twisted and turned for an hour through back roads to find our way back to the motorway. Once in Prague, it was amazing. This place has some history, the buildings are incredible, we got to our accomodation, we were greeted by the owner who had a car park out the front ready for us. It was a B&B but had about 6 rooms, stunning place & great hosts. There was a street market (once a year thing) in the street over so once settled we wandered down to check it out. Food, beer, wine, food, beer, it had it all. ... read more

Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town August 24th 2013

My first impression of Prague was definitely a good one. I arrived at my hotel to be greeted by the receptionist in Spanish which was quite a pleasant surprise and from that moment on, I knew I was going to like the city. It was a nice change to be in a city where English didn't seem to be the Lingua Franca and I just got a feeling that because of that Prague maybe wasn't going to conform to international standards like most of the other cities I've visited. The thing I noticed about Prague though was that there just seemed to be tourists (mostly Spanish speaking) everywhere and I didn't see too may locals around although that may just be because I didn't really venture much off the beaten track and pretty much stuck to ... read more
Prague 087
Prague 184
Prague 195

Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town July 25th 2013

Road Trip! This morning I met Jon and Lori Anderson at their hotel. We rented a car and ventured out into the wilds of the Czech Republic. The day was not without mishaps, but we had a fine time. Beautiful country, interesting sites and great company. As I mentioned, Lori is in Prague at the invitation of an International Nurses Association, making a presentation on topics I could never hope to understand. The Nurses put the Anderson's up at the Prague Hilton. Can I just say, that like international airports, every convention hotel in the world looks exactly the same. Big, clean, efficient and dare I say a bit "sterile." Give me a small European hotel on a back alley anytime (as long as it serves a proper English Breakfast). The day began with a discussion ... read more
Rural Czech Building
Another Rural Scene
Human Skulls In Bone Church

Europe » Czech Republic » Prague » Old Town July 24th 2013

First a big congratulations to everyone. We won a Travelblog.org Photo Contest for the blog entitled "Prague." I have no idea what the criteria was, but we won something, so congrats. I spent the day reading, writing the blog, getting a hair cut and continuing to explore the city. The big item on the agenda was, however, the famous Ghost Tour of Prague Castle (those of faint heart should probably stop reading now, lest the horrors disturb your sleep). We gathered in Old Town Square after dark and met our guide David. We then wandered the streets of Prague, crossed the bridge and climbed up to Prague Castle. David regaled us with true stories and legends about the city and the castle. Prague Castle is beautiful but it is quite creepy at night, and this creepiness ... read more
Clock Tower At Night
Approaching Castle From River
Roofs Of Prague From Castle Staircase




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