Prague
Well, Prague is winning as the most beautiful city on my European trip. It's simply stunning. It probably helps that today was a crisp, clear sunny day, as opposed to the cloudy/rainy days I've been getting during the solo part of the adventure. But wow, everything is just spectacular. I hope my photos can do it justice.
This morning, the last thing I felt like doing was going out sight-seeing, but after partaking of the hostel buffet breakfast, I put on my woollies and ventured outside. I jumped on the tram and headed to Prague Castle. I have a Prague card, so could get into any of the sights and museums up there. Highlights were the basilica of St Vitus with its sparkling stained glass windows - very impressive. I felt a little emotional walking into there, with the sun shining brightly through the massive windows. If I was religious, I imagine I'd say I felt the presence of god as I walked in. :)
I wish I had the brochures in front of me to remind me of all the places I looked at this morning, because I have forgotten the names of them all. How dreadful. Ahh, wikipedia to the rescue!
Another cool part was Old Royal Palace, with this amazing high ceilinged hall. And I also saw Dalibor Tower, once a dungeon, and now featuring all manner of heinous torture instruments. I loved the Golden Lane - a little strip of 16th century houses, now with shops selling trinkets and czech goodies. :) I found the most exquisite little gifts in one of them - will be hard to decide who to give them to!
After emerging from the castle walls I was presented with a magnificent view over Prague. Absolutely gorgeous. The sun was bright and there was some snow on some of the rooftops and I was feeling rather pleased with the way my trip is turning out. What a lucky woman I am. I wandered down to the city, crossed a bridge, and took photos of Charles Bridge. Then found my way to the main square, which was equally as gorgeous.
I spent some time in a gallery exhibiting Dali and Mucha. Lots of nice stuff. I'm not usually a fan of either of their work, but it is still always cool to see some Dali. I especially liked his little scupltures and the photos of him that were in there (perfect for Movember!). Mucha is a czech artist who is famous for his art nouveu decorative designs. My favourites of his were the posters and advertisements for the theatre and moet+chandon. Generally his work is too flowery for me - lots of pretty women and pastels with flowing hair and drapery. Still, it was fun to learn more about him.
For the rest of the day I got myself pleasantly lost around the main area of town, had an overly priced hot choccie, and wandered some more until I was too tired and cold to do any more. Now I am back at the hostel... I think a bunch of people just checked in to my room. This morning I had it to myself, but alas, I think I'll have to share. There is a musician playing guitar and harmonica in the bar, so I think it's about time I have a look... cheap czech beer awaits! :)
This morning, the last thing I felt like doing was going out sight-seeing, but after partaking of the hostel buffet breakfast, I put on my woollies and ventured outside. I jumped on the tram and headed to Prague Castle. I have a Prague card, so could get into any of the sights and museums up there. Highlights were the basilica of St Vitus with its sparkling stained glass windows - very impressive. I felt a little emotional walking into there, with the sun shining brightly through the massive windows. If I was religious, I imagine I'd say I felt the presence of god as I walked in. :)
I wish I had the brochures in front of me to remind me of all the places I looked at this morning, because I have forgotten the names of them all. How dreadful. Ahh, wikipedia to the rescue!
Another cool part was Old Royal Palace, with this amazing high ceilinged hall. And I also saw Dalibor Tower, once a dungeon, and now featuring all manner of heinous torture instruments. I loved the Golden Lane - a little strip of 16th century houses, now with shops selling trinkets and czech goodies. :) I found the most exquisite little gifts in one of them - will be hard to decide who to give them to!
After emerging from the castle walls I was presented with a magnificent view over Prague. Absolutely gorgeous. The sun was bright and there was some snow on some of the rooftops and I was feeling rather pleased with the way my trip is turning out. What a lucky woman I am. I wandered down to the city, crossed a bridge, and took photos of Charles Bridge. Then found my way to the main square, which was equally as gorgeous.
I spent some time in a gallery exhibiting Dali and Mucha. Lots of nice stuff. I'm not usually a fan of either of their work, but it is still always cool to see some Dali. I especially liked his little scupltures and the photos of him that were in there (perfect for Movember!). Mucha is a czech artist who is famous for his art nouveu decorative designs. My favourites of his were the posters and advertisements for the theatre and moet+chandon. Generally his work is too flowery for me - lots of pretty women and pastels with flowing hair and drapery. Still, it was fun to learn more about him.
For the rest of the day I got myself pleasantly lost around the main area of town, had an overly priced hot choccie, and wandered some more until I was too tired and cold to do any more. Now I am back at the hostel... I think a bunch of people just checked in to my room. This morning I had it to myself, but alas, I think I'll have to share. There is a musician playing guitar and harmonica in the bar, so I think it's about time I have a look... cheap czech beer awaits! :)