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Published: June 14th 2006
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Astronomical Clock
Dating back to 1410, this is one of the most colorful and intricate of its kind. Deciding to leave the safe confines of a country where I speak the language, I headed off to East Midlands Airport near Nottingham and caught a flight to the Czech Republic. Flying into Prague was thrilling, except for the load of boisterous British men flying with me for some sort of stag party. I had never visited an eastern European city before and I wondered just how different it would be from western Europe. After all, the fall of Communism in places like the Czech Republic is a fairly recent event in the scheme of things and surely it must have left an imprint on this new republic.
Since I seemed to have made such and impression on British passport control, I wondered what sort of questions I would be asked as I entered the Czech Republic. As I made my way through passport control, the officer there asked me no questions whatsoever. He stamped my paperwork and handed it back to me and then said "Good luck." Hmmm. Good luck, eh? Does he know something I don't?
From then on it was smoothe sailing. I grabbed a taxi from the airport and checked into the Hotel Duo. It's
Charles Bridge and Prague Castle
A lovely view of the Charles Bridge and Prague castle to the left. Don't be fooled, the building with the pointy spires is not the castle, it's St. Vitus Cathedral, which is more lovely than the drab buildings seen just below it, which is actually the "castle." Clearly these folks have never seen a real castle. a lovely, clean and friendly accommodation and while it is a few miles from the city center, the metro, bus and tram lines are easily accessible and carry visitors and locals alike to and from. After settling in with a cup of tea and trying to forget the loud Brit boys, I headed into the city on the metro. One of the first things I noticed was how clean their subway system is. Now, I've been on a few underground systems in my time: London, Paris, Rome, New York, Washinton D.C., and Prague certainly wins on cleanliness.
As I emerged into the city center from the metro station below, I was hugely impressed by what I saw. It was clean, bustling with people and boasted some of the most beautiful architecture I've seen. Because Prague suffered no bombings during wartime, much of it's old world charm still remains with its gothic cathedrals and narrow streets that twist and turn. Quaint. Yes, that's the words for Prague.
As I made my way closer to Old Town Square, the crowd of people became thicker. It was nearing six o'clock and in Old Town Square the top of the hour is
Entrance to Charles Bridge
This is a very crowded part of town as you can tell. The bridge connects the old town to Prague castle. At night, there is an entertainer who has a one man band and also plays wine glasses. This is truly a refined city! He was actually really good at it and added to Prague's charm. a very big deal. The Astronomical Clock is located there and every hour on the hour the clock, which is situated on the side of an old church, comes to life. Two small windows at the top of the clock open and the twelve apostles can be seen through them, circling around. I had heard about this particular event and upon seeing it I was actually disappointed because it wasn't as big as I had thought it would be. But, the hourly event attracts hundreds of people at a time and is worth seeing just to say you have.
Next I made my way across the Charles Bridge. It is strictly a pedestrian path and many artists set up on either side to sell their goods. The bridge is quite intricate and is lined with statues of saints. One thing about Prague, the architecture is quite dark. All of the statues on the bridge seemed to be carved from a dark stone. Perhaps it was just age, but the dark churches, opera house, bridge and castle come together to create quite a backdrop for this once Communist city.
Over the next few days, I walked all over Prague.
Colorful Synagogue
I came across this Jewish synangogue by accident and thought it was just beautiful! It's hard to believe that a place like this would have been off limits to the Jewish community during the Nazi occupation of Prague. I met a lovely English couple, Phil and Carol, who had driven all over eastern Europe for their holiday and it was lovely to listen to them talk about what they had seen and learned on their trip. I met Andrew, a 21 year old Prague native who spoke English beautifully and said he had learned mostly from watching American films like Pulp Fiction (Oh I'm sorry, did I break your concentration?) and television programs like Star Trek (I canny do it captain!). He was too young to remember the Velvet Revolution when communism in the Czech Republic came to and end but it was clear that he was aware of the significance. He made a comment about the recent elections that had taken place in the Czech Republic just before I arrived, saying that there was a tie at the moment between the two major parties and that even still after all these years, the Communist party managed 13% of the vote. He seemed concerned with that, and I can't blame him. Still, it is evidence of their republic now, when every party has a chance to speak their mind and stand for election.
Sadly, I became ill
Prague Architecture
Another beautiful Prague church offers up a Kodak moment. during my vist. I woke up with a cough and a fever on my second morning, but I carried on, even to the opera on Tuesday night. I was all dressed up to go see the fat lady sing and I couldn't stop coughing. I had never been to the opera and here I was going to the National Theater and feeling really poorly. My seat was phenomenal: box, second balcony, absolutely gorgeous! When the curtain went up and the orchestra began, I was hooked. My flu had a different plan though. I just couldn't stop coughing, so at intermission, I took one last look at the stage and made my way out much to the happiness of those sitting around me I'm sure. I just couldn't stay and ruin this amazing show for anyone. But, I promised myself that I would definitely be heading to the opera again! (Note to future boyfriends: Yes, I'm an opera fan, and yes you will be coming with me. Sorry.)
In order to drown my sorrows, I made my way into the old town square and had an amazing dinner at the rooftop restaurant at the Hotel U Prince. This is a
The Streets of Prague
This was taken on my way to Prague castle. It's definitely a walking city! MUST stop in Prague. I ate an amazing meal while watching the sun set behind Prague Castle and they have THE best strawberry daquiri in the world! I think it was the most perfect ending to a great holiday within a holiday.
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peggy
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WOW the pictures are amazing. The memories will stay with you forever. My niece just married some one from Czech and they will be traveling there next summer to meet his family. I will have to tell her how beautiful it is. Take care and keep the pictures coming. Enjoy your self!!!!