First Full dayFull day of Prague

Good thing I had the old paper and pen eh?  Today was my first full day in Prague and it was a success.  I started this morning at 0900 and picked up lunch and breakfast from a local grocery for about 180 Kc ($9).  I bought 1.5L of water, two breakfast bars, a sandwich, and a stuffed croissant.  I realize the grocery food is TONS cheaper than eating out.  For example, 1.5 L of water cost 10 Kc as opposed to 0.3L of water costing 75 Kc in a restaurant!  I set out on foot to Stare Mesto (Old Town).

I reached Namesti Republiky (republic square) and saw the Obceni dum (Municipal House) which holds many concerts and shows.  They were about 400 Kc for students ($20) but I wasnt too interested.  Then there was the Prasna Brana (Powder Tower) which was an impressive black tower in old-style architecture.  It was merely attached to the municipal house....I didnt go into either.  They didnt seem all that great.

I continued my journey past many tourist shops and upscale restaurants, like walking through Ala Moana Shopping Center.  I stepped into the Museum of Communism to learn about the communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia.  I also learned abou ttheir alliance with the Soviet Union and oppression under Hitler.  It was a good museum and I learned (though dont remember) much about Czechs way to becoming one of the new members of the EU.

Almost immediately afterwards I ran across the Universitas Carolina and saw a small exhibit about Belorusa, a former Soviet satellite just west of POland and east of Russia.  It is still having problems with its politics.  Apparently there is still much civil unrest in the area and voting is highly rigged.  It makes me very thankful to live in a 1st world country.

I walked on to see, but not explore, the Stavoske Divadlo (Estates theater) and the St. Gall Cathedral.  I finally made my way to Old Town Square and saw the Astronomical Clock tower complete with moon and sun dial-set clock.  I mean a moon and a sun decorated the dial of the clock.  Nevermind, I just looked back at my picture and I think it is a measurement tool telling the phase of the moon.  I also saw and walked into Tyn Church.  Sent Geeps and Geems a postcard showing the interior.  The place was soooo beautiful.  Stained glass mosaics, sculptures, huge organ, and highly elaborate and detailed decorations were scattered every where.  I was completely blown away.  They didnt allow photography so I just bought the postcard.  I moved on to Golz-Kinsky Palace where I didnt pay to see the landscape gallery.  No clue what that is.  I then went to the Cathedral of St. Nicholaus where they had yet another amazing interior.  It wasnt nearly as cool as the Tyn Church, but it did have an impressive chandelier.

I bought chocolate covered grapes in Old town Square and sat down to eat some lunch at the Jan Hus statue.  He was a 15th century theologian who is a famous martyr but I dont know why.

I tried to see St. Clement Crhuch because it takes up an entire block on the map but it didnt seem like anything more than just buildings when I got the area.  I headed more north to the Jewish community.  I paid 190 Kc ($9.50) to see the Spanish synagogue, where they had tons of names on the walls of all Jews who were deported from the area to the Nazi camp in Terezin.  It is supposedly modeled after the Alhambra.  Then I saw the Pinkasova synagogue, which displayed Jewish artifacts and children-of-Terezin artwork.  Interned children were given a chance to draw something.  Many drew Nazi domination cartoons, walking to the camps, riding in trains to the camps, or general themes of sadness.  It was more touching than a painting because it obviously represented true frustrations, sadness, and discontent.  This sorrow segued to the cemetary.  20,000 graves in 12 layers from 14th - 18th century.  Oh, apparently, the 'tons of names on the walls' was in the Pinkasova and not in the Spanish synagogue.  The latter had some old artifacts.  I also went to the town hall, High synagogue, and Klaus synagogue to see many old Jewish artifacts like torah shields, torah pointers, torah flinials, skull caps, etc.  I also read a bit about Jews in the Czech Republic and their history with anti-semitism.

I walked past the Decorate Art Museum and on to climb the eastern Charles Bridge Tower.  It gave amazing views of the city from up above.  I stopped, before, along the Vitava river to eat more lunch.  I saw the St. Francis church and then crossed the bridge.  Finally, I made my way across and headed to the Prague Castle called Prazsky Hrad.

It was set atop the hillside and offered more amaying views of the city.  I watched a guard change and then walked into St. Vitus Cathedral.  This place was top-dog!  By far the most amazing cathedral I have seen.  Even better than the Berliner Dom!  Okay, maybe theyre equally impressive.  It had stained glass mosaics, sculptures, tall pillars, gold everywhere, ivory, black marble, and tons of paintings.  Even the exterior was decorated with many spires, tile mosaics, and bronze caps.  I also saw the Royal Palace, but nothing more than just walk by.  It didnt look too amazing compared to the cathedral.

I had a satisfying cone of coffee ice cream.  Then, I headed towards the grassy hills of Mala Strana.  It, too, overlooked the amazing city of Prague.  I hung there for 30 minutes planning what to do next.  I really wanted something more cultural than a bar.  I went to a tourist information booth and decided to see 'The Best of World Musicals' and 'Ave Maria'.  I couldnt decide whether I wanted to listen to classical songs from musicals or if I wanted to listen to classical music.  So I chose both.  I had to run to catch the 1730 show in time.  A pianist, alto saxophone player, and soprano singer performed songs from My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Hello Dolly, Hair, I Got Rhythm, Rhapsody in Blue, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Cabaret.  It was soooo good for 400 Kc ($20).  It was held in the Baroque Library Hall.  The saxophonist made me want to start up again and I think I will.  Immediately afterwards was the Ave Maria performance with an opera singer, violinist, pianist, and harpist.  They played pieces from Mozart, Bach, Dvorak, Handel, Vivaldi, Webber, Smetana, Tchaikovski, Kuchar, Albinoni, Schubert, Saint Saens, and Mascagni.  The harp and violin were mesmerizing.  They were so good I had to remember to breath.  They captured my heartbeat and their fingers literally danced amongst the strings.  I didnt like the pianos parts mostly because he played a toy-looking organ.  The opera singer had funny facial expressions but a great and powerful voice to go along with it.  They were much better than the first act and for the same price.  It was held in the same exact theater.  What a great night!

Dinner was out near the Florenc station for 290 Kc ($14): garlic soup w potatoes and croutons, baked salmon on butter, rice, and 0.3L of another CVzech beer.  I was stuffed.

Came back to the hostel and did internet for 1 Kc-minute just to let yall know I was in good shape and arrived safely.

I realize that I am a good blend of mom and Aunty Cherrie.  I plan my trip tohe day before with walking route, time, agenda, etc.  But I also deviate a bit to relax here, get lost there, and watch a street performer or two.

Tomorrow is hiking in Cesky Raj National Preserve.