On Wednesday the 26th, Chris and I headed back to Paris to catch our flight to Prague. We got in around 7PM, and after the customs fun and getting bags and figuring out how to get where we were going, we found our hotel around 8PM. First thought: WOW!!! We paid the same price there as the hotel in Paris-- cheap, as both were a bit out of the way, but MAN what a difference! Still the same dinky beds thisclosetogether, but a huge entry area, massive bathroom complete with a bathtub (YAY!!!), and a bar and restaurant on the premises. We ate at that restaurant at least once a day, it was so yummy and pretty cheap. That night, we were a bit too tired to venture into town so we found a local dive bar and got huge Pilsner Urquells for 29CZK (about 1 Euro!). Yum.
On Thursday we jumped into tourist mode. We walked around Prague Center and saw all sorts of things:
The old Jewish Cemetary, with 12,000 tombstones for about 100,000 bodies...
The astronomical clock, with a little coo-coo clock action...
The Charles Bridge...
And of course, Absinthe!
We also saw Wencelas Square with all its shops and restaurants, walked along the river, saw the Medieval Torture Museum and saw some churches. We tried to get to the palace but by the time we got there it was closed. Prague is an absolutely gorgeous city!!!
Friday, we set off for a day trip to Kutna Hora. Chris was especially keen to go here as I had heard about a "Bone Church" decorated with about 40,000 human skeletons. So naturally, the first stop was the ossuary, which lived up to its reputation:
Weird sculpture thing. Can you find the bird and the lady?!
Next we worked our way to St. Barbara's cathedral. The outside was under renovation but the inside was still gorgeous.
We headed back to our hotel and went to bed rather early. Back home in California, our sister had just gotten married and Jess was planning to call us around 1:30AM Europe time. We were both exhausted though, so the phone call was brief. Congrats, Mr. & Mrs. Alukic!!!
The next day was our last day in Prague. Our flight wasn't until 5PM so we were able to hit up the palace. It was awesome. We didn't have time to wait in the huge line for the Basilica, but were still satisfied with our visit. The view was incredible...
View from Prague Castle
Chris was especially taken with the collection of medieval weapons, armor and fashion on display. I think I would've fit in well during the medieval Prague days...
Princess Nikki
After a few hours at the palace we were on our way to the airport. To anyone who has never been to Prague: GO. Everyone I know who has been loved it, and now I see why. Although keep in mind that Absinthe BURNS-- won't be trying that stuff again!
We had to stay Saturday night in Paris as we got in too late for the last train. By Sunday we were back in Troyes, and early Tuesday morning I accompanied Chris to CDG to see him off. I hope he enjoyed his first trip to Europe as much as I did. I love living vicariously through Europe newbies, and re-living my own amazement at travelling for the first time. Which is ironic, considering how ready I am to come home!!
No comments:
Post a Comment