3 days in prague - not enough really but made the most of it
we arrived at night on the express train from dresden
an easy 3 hour journey mostly following the elba river
passing through small villages and valleys along the way
the usual adjustment to language, etc at prague central
a warning to avoid the rip-off taxis meant some metro riding
coming up at the vitava river and close to our cruise boat digs
we are booked on to the river-boat mv florentian moored in prague
our cabin floor below river level but the large window above water
waking on the first day and a stunning view of river, swans and prague
we're looking out across the river to the imposing sight of prague castle
after breakfast we wander across the bridge and work our way up the hill
map in hand and a list of recommended points of interest to visit
st nicholas church among the first - a huge domed cathedral
beautiful of course - the organ a favourite of w a mozart
carrying on up meduova street towards the prague palace
tourists a-plenty in souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants
some prior reading rating prague as 6th fave city in europe
that from zero at the end of the communist era some 25 years ago
the castle grounds rated number 1 in prague - allow 3 hours
we have a return visit planned so do the wander in 2 hours
huge grounds and timeless views back across to prague
pushing further up hill to the ancient monastery
built in the 11th century and still functioning
the grandeur of it all quite overwhelming really
an easy walk down the hill and across charles bridge
number 2 attraction so lots of tourists enjoying the scene
buskers, artists and jewellery vendors at every few metres
then into the throng of the old town - the place is buzzing
during the day we've spotted a lot of concerts on in town
classical music in particular is part of the culture
and for a largely atheist city a good way to use churches
we have decided to attend a concert by 2 classical guitarists
getting to the venue just on time but sold out so an offer made
half-price if we are happy to sit on the stairs - cushions supplied
done - hmmm - the stairs lead down to and behind the stage
so we sit about 2 metres away as the husband/wife perform
feeling very much part of the exemplary hour's performance
best seats in the house as we watch them and the audience
foot-tapping, photographing, conducting, sleeping, eating
and that from just 1 of them - rude - if she only knew...
dinner taken at a tourist-trap outdoor cafe in the square
not worried - friday night and in a very special place
next day we decide to take part in an old town walking tour
us and 8 romanians with jana our czech guide - should be good
starts well at the astronomical clock - a mind-boggling device
built in the 13th century and still putting on an hourly spectacle
apostles appearing, a gold rooster, various moving figurines
as well as 3 different time, date and sun/moon clocks
for 3 hours jana leads and talks us around the old town
lots of information (too much) and some questionable sights
the rain also sets in so glad to finish and head for lunch
she has pointed out an authentic restaurant for locals
yep - delicious goulash and a duck dish at bargain prices
on with the raincoats and a dash back into the metro
target - another ancient fortress high above the river
great views, another beautiful church, interesting history
we have the place to ourselves but the rain is persistent
so cut it short and tram/walk it back to our home base
nevermind - so far we've been blessed with fine weather
our final day is also on the grey side but we'll take it
a short list of specific sights compiled and targetted
the dancing house - modern architecture amongst the traditional
a river/canal cruise for an hour with an english guide
the john lennon wall - graffiti in the embassy district
then back up to prague castle for ticketed viewing
the st vitus cathedral - literally breathtaking and omg
probably the most beautiful we have seen (since the last)
lots of windows high up make it light and inviting
the stain glass windows all around beyond words
and the sheer scale of it all - unbelievable
built by charles 4 at the peak of his rule
he commanded over most of central europe
so this place the centre of his universe
nearby is the smaller st georges basilica
tonight hosting a concert of classical music
very enjoyable even though it is greatest hits
a familiar walk back to town across the river
find another recommended local restaurant
eat more goulash, drink more local beer
and agree - prague - needs more time...
