Hello Prague!!!

Prague – the city of spires, quaint buildings, and beer.  A walking city in the old town, many walking tour groups  - as  in other cities we visited – challenging, at times to negotiate around the narrow streets and footpaths, and at all times of the day and evening too!  We spent the first day exploring the Castle Complex including The Vitius Cathedral on the hill.  And the quaint golden street of tiny cottages converted into shops!!  Yes, I bought….. Thank you Tourist Guides for telling us to get the the tram to the top of the village, as everything sloped downhill,  eventually ending at the river level – hubby does not do hills….. A quick trot around the township in that quaint area revealed a bookshop of English only books – and very well stocked too, it was, and a visit to the John Lennon Peace wall to battle with all the young folks taking ‘selfies’ – and yes, I took one - then a stroll over 13^th Century Charles Bridge with it’s 31 statues – mingling with the crowds and portrait sketchers. The old city was alive – with many tourists – walking groups and others – the large square was full of them – and it was a squeeze to walk past them to peek in the many shops in the narrow cobbled streets –but we did find the ‘local pub’ we were recommended – but too crowded at that time. After a delightful boat trip on the Vltava River, our last visit on our first day in this quaint old town centre was up the town hall tower to view the city – but look – where have all the crowds gone?  The World’s Oldest Astronomical Clock around the corner – and there was everybody with their cellphones…….

Saturday – what shall we do – ah yes – the synagogue at the Jewish quarter – oops – it was their Sabbath!! We had heard a lot about St Agnes so went to visit her convent.  Founded in 1231 by Agnes of Bohemia the monastery of the  ‘Poor Clares of the Order of Saint Clare and Franciscans’  became a huge complex over time.  Today it is filled with a most impressive collection of medieval art works and a modern sculpture garden. The day became busier and busier…. After declining a trip on a mobile bar on which everyone had to pedal to get around, we repaired to a local stationary pub to sample the local beer and fare, then checked out the Charles Bridge and Town Hall Museums. In the Town Hall we noticed 12 little brightly coloured people all lined up to go on some sort of parade. Of course!  These were the 12 apostles who peeked out the windows when the Astronomical Clock chimed!  We got a much better view of them than the outsiders in the square did…. Now where was that local pub – ‘The Golden Tiger’ we were told about!  Ah yes – there – and there was room at a table!  The Pub had a ‘one’ rule – 1 type of beer  - Pilsner Urquell – 1 size mug - 500 litre, and  you are there for 1 half hour only – unless you were eating.  The place was like a busy train station!  Each beer took 4 seconds to pour, the service was Very Fast, and the mugs, once used were rinsed and filled again. Battling back to the old Square and oh look – a triple bill Art Exhibition!  Andy Warhol, Edvard Munch and Salvador Dalí!  What a feast!  And music to match……

Prague – we enjoyed you so much!  The old city, the market, and the people we met!  We might be back to explore more of you….