Excursions included traversing the iconic Charles Bridge several times, wandering the Old Quarter and the Jewish Quarter, and visiting Wenceslas Square and the open market on the edge of the New Town. We also explored the Castle District and stunning St. Vitus Cathedral. Near the hotel, twisty uphill Nerudova street provided all the shopping and culinary delights one could require. We also signed up for a guided night walk in some of the older neighbourhoods.
Of course, there was much food and drink, as the logical breaks in three days of walking. Beer is cheap and food is also quite affordable, with large portions. Many good local dishes and great local beers were enjoyed.....though Jane eventually declared herself "done" with pork and cabbage.
Unbeknownst to us, the World Hockey Championships were also taking place in Czech Republic during our visit, in the cities of Prague and Ostrava. It was great to see that the Czechs are equally rabid hockey fans as we are, with games being broadcast in many public venues, flags waving everywhere, and great respect and sportsmanship.....even when Canada beat the Czech squad soundly.
For a specific excursion, we found a little music store in the Old Town run by Radek Bubrle, a one-man show with a shop full of cool used instruments. As my special souvenir of the trip, I picked up a Czech mandolin from the sixties, bubble-wrapped with expert precision to ensure a safe trip home as my carry-on item. It still plays great!
On our last night, we got a "deal" on a dinner cruise of the Vltava River. The "deal" meant that the ship was booked with two Russian tour groups, and we got the only two remaining seats for the price of one. So....while we understood nothing, the food was good and the scenery was great! We even passed a small lock to head up the river several more bridges at sunset before drifting back in darkness. Our friendly bartender also introduced us to Medovina, aka Czech honey mead. Yum.
Sore feet, and many sights for sore eyes. That was Prague in three daze, er, days.
River Vltava
Karluv most - aka The Charles Bridge
Pedestrians on the bridge
West bank of the Charles Bridge
Praha street scene - Mostecka Street
Swans in the Vltava
The birthplace of pilsner!
Nerudova Street near our hotel
St. Vitus Cathedral in the Castle District
High Mass in session!
View from the rear
Prague from the Castle Wall
Prague Castle and Cathedral from the Charles Bridge
Old Town charm
Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square
Directions....in Czech!
Wenceslas Square - the border between Old Town and New Town
Prague Outdoor Market
Crowds in the Old Town Square
Old Town Square
Old Jewish Cemetery
Dinner Cruise on the River
Vltava by Night
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1 comment:
I can never, ever tire of looking at nostalgic photos of old architecture in those historic cities and towns. Awesome, Mike. Where's a pic of the mandolin???
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