Prague - 2 of 2

Welcome to America! Oh wait, it's not America, it's just Americanized!




We did a city tour at night with our tour group. We went to a local pub as part of our night tour and this guy came in and played his accordian for us.

Here is the city and Prague Castle by night. Sorry for the clarity of these photos, but I didn't have a tripod.

This is Prague's version of the Eiffel Tower. We were told by our tour guide that Mr. Eiffel was from the Czech Republic (ok, obviously it wasn't just the Czech Republic at that time) and they recreated it in Prague. And the Czech people like to say that their Eiffel Tower is taller than the original - due to the huge hill it is on!

While walking the Charles Bridge, we walked by these street performers.

One night we decided we didn't want to go out to eat and went to the local market across the street from our hotel. The market was completely Czech - nothing, absolutely nothing, was in English. It was a great experience - especially trying to find some cheese! So this is what we got - the local beer (Pilsner Urquell) as well as Budweiser, some cheese (I have no clue what one was and the other was some brie), fruit (apple and grapes), some sausage, and bread. Then we had a little picnic in our room. It was great!

There is a huge metronome (yes it really moves) up on the hill here. See the red pole-like thing? That's it.

Some more of Prague's beautiful bridges and the Vltava River.

The towers on Charles Bridge, Prague's most defining landmark. Until the 19th Century, Charles Bridge was the only bridge to cross the river. There is a statute on the bridge depciting John of Nepomuk - a saint. He was a 14th Century priest to whom the queen told her secrets. When he refused to tell the queen's secrets to the king, Father John was killed and thrown off Charles Bridge. Devout pilgrams touch an engraved plaque to make a wish come true (yes, I touched it!!!!!) There are now other statues on the bridge as well, dating from the late 1600's to early 1700's. However, most are replicas and the originals are in museums.

There were a lot of street vendors on the bridge as well - it reminded me of the French Quarter! The bridge is currently under reconstruction and it gets really crowded during the day because they have one portion of the bridge closed down. So we didn't cross the bridge during the day, but went back at night.

St. Mary the Victorious holds Prague's most precious treasure: The Baby Jesus (aka, the Infant of Prague). The Infant has become famous for worship and miracle tales in Prague and Spanish-speaking countries. South Americans come on pilgrimage to Prague just to see the Baby Jesus.

(yes that's the Baby Jesus in the case)

Church of St. Nicholas (built 1703-1760).

Someone having a little fun with the pedestrian walking sign. There was so much graffiti in Prague, but this was actually funny and unique.

Walking to Prague Castle (up on the hill).

The Na Valech Gardens within Prague Castle. It was so beautiful - a maze of greenery. And there were peacocks roaming around inside!

The Grotto - also in the gardens.

On our last night in Prague we went to Klub Architektu, which was recommended to us by Erin's (Jeremy's sister-in-law) parents (who used to live in Prague). It was also recommended by Rick Steves' guide book. It was in a medieval cellar - we almost couldn't find it because it was off the street in a courtyard-like place and then you had to walk down . . . a lot. Oh and it didn't help that the maps in Prague SUCK! None of them were right - some streets just weren't listed. It was weird. But it was well worth it! We had some original Czech food and it was delicious - the best goulash Jeremy had the whole trip . . . and he ate a lot of goulash!

That's all folks. Next up . . . Vienna!