Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Prague, Czech Republic 22-25 February

Prague, what a beautiful city. When walking around its streets, you can almost imagine what it may have been like in the Middle Ages. It is sometimes called the "city of a hundred spires" and "the golden city". Indeed it is, as you will soon see from my many photos....the Christians, Austro-Hungarian empire, Jews, Nazis, and Communists have left their mark on the city which is quite evident when exploring it.

It is a very special place and I am looking forward to when I go back next (no plans yet but it will be in the not so distant future). My good friend, Ida, from my course in Leiden is now living there with her boyfriend who is also a good friend of mine and Arno's.

Arno and I drove there which took approximately 9 hours on the German highway and is by no means relaxing. The rest of the weekend was spent walking around the amazing, majestic capital city taking in all of the different, ornate architecture styles and colors. We visited many-a old-fashioned pubs and restaurants, which was great.

The pub culture is somewhat similar to what one would experience in the local pubs in Ireland. The locals are locals, going every night or a few nights a week at least, seats are automatically reserved for them, and there is likely to be some jovial singing. Not surprising once you discover that the original 'pilsner' beer is from the Czech Republic town of Plzen, which is nearby Prague.

To get just a hint of its raw splendor ( my photos hardly do it justice), see all of my photos here.

The map is just so you can orient yourself with where the Czech Republic is in relation to other European countries. It's considered to be a central European state ;)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Everyone would agree that Prague is simply magnificent and magical every season. Well, it so happened I visited Prague in the summer, great weather, blue skies, sunshine and panoramic view of Prague is just breathtaking! In the heat of the summer you can relish a frosty glass of Czech beer in some little pubs along the river or cocktails in cafes at the square or taste delicious Czech cuisine in one of the best restaurants of Prague hotels, stop at stone churches to cool off, listen to live jazz band at the famous Charles Bridge, stroll through the winding alleys of the Old Town Square, enjoy the panoramic view of Prague Castle from terraces of hilltops, enjoy, the world is yours!

Kelly said...

Prague is charming city valued by its intact historical monuments and buildings. In order to see all this with your own eyes, you should go to Prague - capital of Czech Republic. Prague is a mixture of modern shops and ancient architecture, Gothic spires and Baroque facades. Absolutely fantastic place for leisure, to explore architecture, go shopping, taste Czech cousin, enjoy chilled Czech beer. There are many hundreds of Prague restaurants catering to many different tastes, styles and financial ability. Prague restaurants are as famous for their magnificent settings as the culinary delights on the menu. Beautiful baroque dining rooms and quirky, atmospheric Bohemian bars and restaurants, with stunning views over the city, offer a sublime choice to suit every mood and every palate.