The weekend before last saw me head to the delightful Czech Republic for the very first time with Shaz and Trev and the kidlets.
Our destination being the famous city of Prague of which everyone raves about, and now I will too.
We arrived just after midnight after a bit of a delay with our flight due to snow…
It was a quick feed before calling it a night.
With a bit of a slow start to the day the next morning (ie we missed the included breakfast!), we headed out to explore the wonders of Prague.
One should never leave me in control of the map, because I lose things! I managed to lose the map in about 30mins.
Shaz picked an awesome hotel that was right near the Old town, with all the main sights in walking distance.
Took in the new town, with all it’s chain stores, and up and coming boutiques, before stumbling upon the Old town (Stare Mesto) . My favourite place of all.
With it’s narrow and crowded lanes, that work it’s way towards the old town square.
The square itself is dominated by the twin gothic steeples of Tyn Church.
I could have stayed in the square for hours people watching.
It was like stepping into the pages of a fairytale.
Watched the astronomical clock chime, with it’s parade of apostles, and a bell ringing skeleton (how can you go wrong!?!)
Before climbing the Clock tower, which offered some amazing views over the city.
From there we headed over the Charles Bridge, which was built in 1357. Today it was covered in scaffolding and jackhammer holding workmen. So the effect was ruined, and we came away slightly disappointed.
It was also crammed with tourists, jewellery stalls, & portrait artists much like the bridges in Paris.
These days the bridge is now adorned with about 30 18th century statues.
Right in the middle of the bridge is a statue of St john of Nepomuk, a priest thrown to his death from the bridge in 1393 for refusing the queens confessions to King Wenceslas IV.
Every good city has some statue that needs to be rubbed; the Hog’s nose in Venice, to say that one day you will return, Juliet’s left breast in Verona, for good luck in love.
Here it seemed to be the dog on one of the statues… no idea why or what it means, but one had to oblige.
Had to laugh though at one little lady who pushed everyone out of the way to get to the front ahead of everyone, then couldn’t reach! And stood jumping to try reach! It was classic!
Made the uphill hike to get to the castle, and arrived at the main entrance in time to witness the changing of the guard.
With their stylish uniforms they looked more like actors in a play than actual guards, though they were wielding scary looking weapons, and I wouldn‘t want to mess with them.
Spent a little while wandering our way through the castle grounds. It’s known to be the biggest castle complex in the world, which makes it feel like a small town unto itself.
We went from courtyard to courtyard, each larger than the last, until we reached the third which is dominated by St Vitus Cathedral.
An amazing sight to be seen. With it’s huge colourful stain glass windows, and impressive spires, it’s definitely a spectacle.
Headed back to town via the old castle steps.
After an expensive drink in the Old town square (it had to be done) and a quick bite to eat, we headed back for a wee rest. But not before watching the clock chime again.
Headed out to pick up some supplies at Tesco, so unlike the one in the UK, before finding Café Louve.
If anyone goes to Prague, this café is a must!
With some delicious looking mains, we didn’t get past the mouth-watering selection of desserts, and hot chocolates.
Wandered around the old town square, admiring it all at night before calling it a night.
Sunday
Up in time for breakfast, spent the day wandering around revisiting the Old town, and the castle district.
Made our way to the Jewish section, and had the most delicious lunch in the Brewery.
Sampled some of the Czech cuisine by having goulash with dumplings.
Before stumbling on the oldest still functioning synagogue in Europe. But after realising it was going to cost us more than our combined lunches each, to go in, we decided to give it a miss.
Headed back to the café Louve for one last delicious dessert, before heading back to the square to catch the clock in action one last time (Each time more impressive than the last!) ;o)
before piling into a cab and heading back to the airport.
Arrived into London with the snow still falling!
1 comment:
AWESOME! I can't wait to go :).
I'm joining WW again tonight. Yep first time since 2004!
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