PRAHA (PRAGUE)

I just arrived in Vienna, Austria this afternoon from Prague (Praha), Czech Republic and will be here until Thursday when I will head further south to Italy.

On the train trip to the Czech Republic from Germany there was an obvious visual difference between the countries. Beside slight differences in the architecture, most of the smaller villages were less kept up and looked a little worn and drab. Nothing a little paint couldn't fix, but it's expected after many years of communism. The Czech countryside was gorgeous as the trees are just turning and the colors were great... I also enjoyed seeing deer and pheasants in the fields.

Praha is incredibly beautiful with ornate architecture and the buildings in the Old Town all have colorful facades. I met up again with Mike (classmate of my mom's from high school) and his girlfriend Lucy and we had a great time visiting the Czech beer halls and seing the Old Town and Jewish Quarter illuminated at night.

We visited U'Flecku, the oldest beer hall and brewery in Praha (established 1200) and had a great time listening to the live Czech music and tasting the dark czech beer and Silvovitz (brandy). The Pilsner style of beer was created in Pilzen, Czech Republic so this syle of beer is popular in Praha and the country, plus other favorites such as Pilsner Urquell and other very good dark beers. Mike introduced me to a beer mixture that is half dark beer, half light and is very good... The Czech food is good as well.

We ended the night by crossing Charles Bridge which was very neat to see at night due to the lights on the bridge and it had a magical feeling to it...

The next day Mike took me on a bike tour of the city and from the pictures it won't lool like we were in the middle of Praha but the city has incredible landscapes and parks within the city limits which was great! After the bike ride I spent the rest of the day wondering around the city and seeing the sights. Some of the popular sights I saw alongside a million other tourists were:


-Old Town
-New Town
-Wenceslas Square
-Praha Castle
-Monasteries and churches
- Franz Kafka's Cafe'
- the Dancing House designed by Frank Gehry
-The views along the Vltava River
-Astronomical Clock

I spent yesterday exploring the city some more. Praha is a very beautiful city with lots of culture and things going on, though it is more of a tourist destination than a spot where locals hangout. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed my visit to the city and would definitely return again in the future. Thanks to Mike and Lucy who were great hosts and tour guides!

Enjoy the pictures and Nastrovi (Cheers)!
NPL