Praha!

Hello from Prague!

I didn't think I would have any trouble getting around to achieving my once-a-week objective for my blog since it mostly involves talking about myself. But it took a swift kick in the butt (thanks Gregg) to get me going. Goes to show how much there is to do in Prague.

Despite its 1.2 million citizens and its public transportation system that puts Ottawa to shame, Prague feels like a town more than a European tourism hot-spot. All the streets and sidewalks are made of coblestone and the few skyscrapers to speak of dot the skyline many miles from the centre of the Old Town.

The first thing I noticed when we woke up Friday morning was the architecture. Each and every building is gorgeous and so detailed. Even McDonald's, Subway and Starbucks are nestled in beautifully restored structures. It's like this all over the city.

This is right outside our place!

We have spent our days in Prague visiting as many attractions as possible and walking to each of them. Apparently, the city is more popular with tourists than I had imagined. There are people from anywhere everywhere; parents with young children, school groups, backpackers to middle-age couples wearing white pants and pastel cardigans draped over their shoulders. Western Europeans mostly, Asians from all parts and my ear was tickled a few times by the sound of a North-American accent. The major streets are packed with all kinds of people. Which brings us to...

My mom's worst nightmare

 The tour group! There are literally hundreds of these. Groups of 40 or so individuals following like cattle a chipper guide holding up a colourful umbrella. In this particular example, our friends are wearing bright orange scarves in case, you know, they get lost.

One Day 1 (Saturday), as we recovered from jet lag, we crossed the Charles Bridge, visited the Old Town Square, marvelled at cathedrales and then toured Prague's most famous attraction: Prague Castle. There's so much to see here it takes more time than one afternoon allows (St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Bassilica, the Old Palace).

Prague skyline, Prague Castle in the distance

Day 2 (Sunday), when we visited Loreta and also assisted a concert in St. Nicholas Church. Concert is a strong word... it was two trumpets and an organ. Nonetheless, the music was beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that I fell asleep. To my credit, I think this speaks to the peacefulness of this magnificent church.  

View from Prague Castle, scarf slightly askew

Today, Day 3 (Monday), we climed Petrin Hill to Petrin Tower, which was built in 1891, two years after the Eiffel Tower. So it doesn't really score points for originality but it did offer a fantastic view of the city. The park around it was also gorgeous and includes a rose garden, a restaurant (complete with Frank Sanatra music) and a Mirror Labyrinth (less cool than it sounds). 

Were totally onto you

In the afternoon I totally impressed my mom with the knowledge acquired from my Jewish History (told you that would go to good use, Elise) when we visited a few synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Also we ate these:

Czech version of beaver tails.

Tomorrow is our last day is this lovely city. I'm going to miss the fantastic views and friendly waiters. On Wednesday, this whole exchange business actually gets going.

'till Belgium,

Olivia

P.-S. Comment! It's tough throwing yourself out into cyberspace. Leave a little hello.