Prague

Rachel and I traveled to Prague with my parents this past weekend. We decided to take the train which was a great experience. Thankfully I had reserved seats because every space on the train was full, people were sitting on suitcases in the corridors.

Granny & Grandpa Teddy

Missy & Rachel

Out hotel in Prague was lovely and about a five minute walk from the center of Old Town. Rachel's favorite part was that on request the hotel brought a goldfish to the room to be your pet while you were away from home!

Rachel & Jam

After we arrived we met our guide Maria that we had arranged to spend the afternoon with. She was recommended by friends here and was absolutely terrific. She walked us all around Prague, telling us fun stories and showing us all of the sites. Prague is a beautiful city and wonderful to explore.

One of our favorite things that Maria taught had to do with the St Charles Bridge. The numbers 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1 make a bridge as they go up and down. They also represent the beginning of the building of the bridge in 1357 on the 9th of July at 5:31. St John of Nepomunk's statue is the highlight of the bridge.

I saw a little bit more the next day than everyone else when I went out for a run. I saw quite a bit more than I even planned because I got lost. So an extra two miles later, I had really explored Prague. But I got some great morning photos - like the one at the top of the post!

Our second day in Prague was spent exploring the Stradivari Monastery, Prague Castle and St. Vitas Cathedral. We had seen a picture of the Stradivari Library so we climbed the stairs to view it. We were thrilled when it did indeed look like the pictures we had seen. Rachel also really enjoyed the petrified animals including a baby dodo! Turns out the monastery also has a little brewery so we stopped there next and had a little snack.

We then walked down the hill to Prague Castle. The views are amazing as you walk down then there is lots to explore at the Castle. St Vitus Cathedral has amazing stained glass and wooden reliefs. St John of Nepomunk's tomb is also here. It is literally made of a ton of silver. We also saw the Old Royal Place, St George Basilica and walked through the Golden Lane.

St Vitus Cathedral

After lunch Rachel and I also visited the toy museum while Grandpa Teddy & Granny had a cup of coffee. Lots of Barbies! And we learned that the Czechs claim they had the first Christmas tree. They used to hang little decorated trees from the ceiling.

Our last day in Prague was a little more laid back. We did take the cool glass enclosed elevator to the top of the Astronomonical Tower. The views from the top were amazing, we were incredibly lucky to have beautiful, blue sky, clear days.  Then we spent a bit of time shopping and had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe before it was time to head back to the station and catch our bus.

Astronomical Tower

Tyn Church

St Nicholas in Old Town