Postcard from Prague

 

After visiting Poland, we drove to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic (which together with Slovakia comprised former Czecho-slovakia). Bob had visited Prague on our visit to Europe three years ago, but it was Anne’s first visit. After a fairly hectic travel schedule over the previous weeks, we used our six days in Prague to relax and slow down a little – something we find essential on a major expedition such as ours.

Prague is a renowned tourist destination, which the tourist brochures refer to as 'the city of 100 spires', or 'the romantic city'. Best known sites are the famous Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the astronomical clock and countless other buildings, monuments and events that are linked to European history over the centuries. Prague was one of few cities that was not bombed in World War 2 (it was one of Hitler’s favourite destinations!). The well maintained and restored buildings give the visitor a glimpse into an original city of the 19^th century. The photographs that follow illustrate our experience of this stately and romantic city.

The people 

Prague is a VERY popular tourist destination. In the peak summer season it has wall to wall people!

 

 


Horse-drawn tourist carriages are common in all major cities

 

The trick is to get in front if you can!

 

The astronomical clock in the Old Town Square is a major attraction. The clock dates back to the fifteenth century and is still going perfectly. At the hour, one of the figures rings a bell and from windows above, four figures symbolizing vanity, usury, death and pleasure are set in motion

 

 

 

We are always impressed with the monuments and statues in the cities we visit. To our eyes they show a pride in the history of the city.

 

King Wenceslas Square

Statue of martyred church reformer Jan Huss

 

The Old Town square is always a major tourist attraction and Prague is no exception, the square being lined with grand buildings, eating places, musical performers, and those with a political view. In several countries the people we spoke with did express disquiet over what might happen between Ukraine and Russia in the long run.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Bridge was built in the 14th century, and walking over the bridge is on the 'must do' list of every tourist. From the middle of the bridge one gets views to both sides of the city, as well as to the other bridges that traverse the river.

 

 

Charles Bridge, lined with statues

 

 

 

 

The most famous cathedral is St Vitus, a huge and impressive building. This, together with the palace, sit on the higher side of the city, from where they can be seen and from where one gets splendid views of the town. In past years, royal processions would come through the city gate, cross Charles Bridge and proceed to the palace. What a marvellous sight this would have made. Now its the crowds of tourists who follow this route! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Views of the city from Prague Castle

 

 

 

 From these heights one can see why Prague is called the city of a hundred spires

 





If you are a vegetarian, best to avoid these next photos!  The Czech diet is heavy in meat and after a day's walking we decided to try out some of the traditional food. Bob couldn't go past the pork knee, while Anne went with half a duck, thinking that it couldn't possible be a full half a duck, just a portion of such. Wrong!  It was all delicious and luckily we could take away what we couldn't eat at the time.



 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 Bob chose grilled pork knee, Anne the duck with red cabbage

 

 

Begging is very common - professionals with their fat dogs - preying on gullible tourists. Where there are tourists there is begging. Guides and locals are adamant that this is sort of activity is not practised because of any real need. Rather, it is form of tourist business, run by gangs. If you can't help yourself, give food, not cash

 

 While summer is the peak season for visitors, we loved being here in Autumn.