On November 3rd, Jen and I departed for our first weekend alone since moving to Europe. Our friends the Lodico's watched the kiddo's and we headed off to Prague. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is endowed with an extensive history http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague.
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| On the Charles Bridge; Prague Castle high in the background |
We had heard great things about Prague from a number of our friends who had visited and we were not disappointed. As was true in Bavaria, Beer in the #1 beverage in Prague, and there are many great Czech brews to sample. We even had an opportunity to have dinner in the original Budweiser beer hall http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budweiser_Budvar_Brewery
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| The Original Budweiser Beer Hall |
Other highlights of our trip included visiting the Old Market Square, home to the astronomical clock http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Astronomical_Clock as well as Tyn Church http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Our_Lady_before_T%C3%BDn where Jan Hus began the Protestant movement 100 years before Martin Luther. The large square is a mix of hotels and historic buildings, but it does not feel commercial. Instead, it portrays old world charm. About 30 vendors sold various trinkets and food, and I enjoyed a warm plate of haluski!
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| The Astronomical Clock in Old Market Square |
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| Treats in Old Market Square |
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| A Bird's Eye view of Old Market Square from the Clock Tower |
We also visited the historic Jewish quarter of Prague. Many European cities contain a Jewish quarter, largely due to the fact that historically, Jews were forced to live together in the worst part of the city. Today, Prague's renovated Jewish quarter(renovated over 100 years ago) is a mix of 700 year old synagoges and high end retail shops.
On Saturday, Jen and I visisted the Charles bridge, built in 1357. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bridge.
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| The Vltava River and the Charles Bridge |
Traveling across the bridge to the Castle quarter, we climbed the hill to visit St. Vitus Cathedral http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Vitus_Cathedral, a beautiful gothic cathedral that dominates the Prague skyline, and is part of the very large Prague castle, the largest castle in the world http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Castle
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| The entrance to the Prague Castle |
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| Inside St. Vitus Cathedral |
Saturday evening, we attended a classical symphony in a convent built in the 10th century. The five piece ensemble played both Mozart and Vivaldi. Very enjoyable (European culture is elevating our taste!)
As usual, we enjoyed great dinners each evening and most importantly spent quality time together. We had fun!
We hope you are doing well, greetings from Holland!
John
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