Dobryden, Prague

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Visiting Prague may not be the ideal trip for the first visit to Europe. Most of the signage is in Czech and English is not as common as in many other European cities which makes getting about a little difficult at first. The public transport system is marvelous, however, and we always managed to find someone who spoke English to help us find our way.

My friend and I visited Prague for nie days in March 2008. We were forwarned that the weather could be gruesome, but we were very lucky and had eight out of nine days turn out to be perfect.

Prague is a very intimate and secretive city. Like a beautiful, guarded woman, she reveals herself slowly as you navigate and circulate the narrow streets and alleys to get to know her a little. The first view most travelers get is from the Charles Bridge which links Old Town and Mala Strana across the river. The views of both towns are spectacular but must be shared by every other tourist in Prague! After a few days wandering you begin to feel a level of vague familiarity....which means it's time to travel up Petrin Hill for a gauzy peek at all of Prague in the diatance.

On one day we traveled to Terezin, about an hour outside the city. Terezin was used as a "model" detention camp during World War 2. The rather pleasant face of the camp belies the real identity of the place. It was used as a clearing house for (mostly) Askenazi (Eastern European) Jews before sending them to the death camps of Auschwitz, Berkenau, Treblinka and the like.

We toured Terezin with a small group on a bus from Prague which picked us up at our hotel. while I cannot say we enjoyed the day, it was a day that held great meaning for both my companion and myself.

Ah, hotels! We went the easy route and stayed at The Diplomat, slightly out of Old Town but right on the metro, bus and tram lines. The stations are right outside the door of the hotel as is a bank and exchange
and a few blocks further shops and restaurants. The hotel was great and very helpful with helping us locate tours, lost luggage and transportation!

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Photos

Old Town Square
All decked out for Easter, St Ann before Tyn Church in background

On Petrin Hill
Beautiful building atop Petrin Hill funicular

Terezin
Officer's Barracks

Statuary
Haunting sculpture.... Terezin

View from Petrin Hill
More beautiful in the winter!!

The Astronomical Clock
Of course...............

Petrin Tower
High above Prague........