Prague Castle

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So I have been terrible about writing in this simply because they have kept us SO busy here! And when I do have free time, im either sleeping or out exploring Prague. The first morning I woke up in Prague, Suzana, the dorm mother took us on a tour of the dorm and the dorm neighborhood which happens to be right next to Prague Castle. We saw the castle and some government buildings where the President and other government officials work. We also saw the villa where the President lives. Suzana expressed her dislike for the president, and actually knew the last one who she admired. Suzana's husband is a famous Czech soldier. During WWII, he was captured and put into a concentration camp, but he escaped and helped others escape. He fled to Italy where he regained strength. He then went to the UK and joined the Airforce. He moved to the United States where he received a medal for his bravery. He is one of the last holocaust survivors.. Anyway, this is how Suzana knows the former president.. He invited them to stay in one of the posh apartments in one of the government buildings for three days. The castle was beautiful, and I dont have pictures yet, but I will get them up as soon as I do! We were there for the changing of the guards which was pretty intense.. It was quite an ordeal. Suzana told us to come back to the castle where there is also a cathedral on a sunday when it is closed to tourists for mass. She said even if you are not religious, you should experience it.
After the castle, we kind of broke off and did our own thing.. A few of us needed some things at the store, so we went to the Czech version of Walmart in the mall.. We looked everywhere for the blow dryers which we expected to be in the cosmetic isle, but NOO, they were located next to the toasters and vacuums. We just thought that this was hilarious.
We went to dinner at a place called St. Nicholas.. They have CHEAP pizza and beer and it is really cool inside because it is underground and it looks like it was carved out of stone on the inside. We learned that it is VERY rude not to put your coaster down for the server because he slammed EACH and EVERY (6 oth them) beer on the table.. but I remembered reading something about the coasters and told everyone. SO we put them down, and he returned with a smile. We went to bed kind of early because we had to get up veeerrrryy early the next day.

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Photos

Zuzana's Tour
See.. she even knew the random violinist on the street.

Zuzana's tour
This is my dorm mother Zuzana.. she took us on a tour of the area around our dorm which included the Prague Castle, some political buildings, her secret garden, and a cute coffee shop where I had a cappucino.

Zuzana's tour
She was very patient with us.. even when she left us in the dust! She walks very fast! She walks every morning and does Tai Chi in the apple orchard near our dorm (amazing view of Prague).

Zuzana's tour
she knew sooo much about the city.. we later found out that she has a PHD in history.. probably helps! We are convinced that she is a celebrity because wherever we go, people know her and are so glad to see her.

Tour
I know these pictures aren't great, but its hard in a big group. I will add another album of pictures that I take off on my own without people's heads in the way!

Tour
The cathedral near the Prague castle.

Tour
Zuzana's secret garden.. (its not really hers, but she is a regular visitor). Zuzana said that this is a great place to study a drink wine and coffee.

Comments

[Barbi]

Prague Castle
Sounds great Tori...What an experience, and wealth of knowledge..I luv castles..Can't wait to see your pix..Thanks for keeping us informed.. Praying for your safety.. Luv and Blessings G-ma

[Mom]

OMG!!! She looks SO much like Grammy! I just can't believe it! LOVE these photos! Keep them coming! Love, Mom

[Nancy]

Guess What/
Guess what? I accessed your blog. It looks like your having fun. When will I get your address?

[Kasia]

daaaa
"they were located next to the toasters and vacuums" of course hahaha!!!!!!!:D