Intentional traveler: Weekend in Prague

We arrived in Decin in the Czech Republic on Friday evening not long after sailing from Bad Schandau. After dinner a few people went ashore to check it out. Most interesting was the castle on the hill which wasn't a castle at all but a new restaurant with an edge for marketing.

In the morning we were up and off the ship early so that they could prepare for the next group of wonder-seekers. Our bus was quite comfortable and since we were still group A we left earliest at 7:45 a.m. the crew lugged our luggage up the hill, we identified it, and boarded for a long day of travel.

The countryside was quite beautiful with rolling hills and farms once we were away from the small town. Our first stop was at the 'American Embassy' - McDonald's! Free toilets were the main attraction but some got a second cup of coffee to go. The second stop was in a small village with quaint restaurants. Elva and I found a sunny bench and ate the picnic we brought from the boat...good ole boat! We were now traveling with lady guide who gave us much information about the velvet revolution, the creation and then division of Czechoslovakia, and current economic conditions. Hyundai is a major employer here. I will have to see if mine was made in the Czech Republic or South Korea!

A short bathroom stop before arriving in Prague reaching the Hilton Hotel. It is the same one I stayed at with my friend Madeline the first time I was in Prague with Viking. We dropped our bags to be brought up to our rooms but it was too early for check in so we headed out for a walking tour.

The coach took us the short distance to the Powder Tower which marks the entrance of the Old Town. The so called Powder Tower was originally an ammunition storage

at the wall of the entrance to the Staré Město.

These not very original but beautiful old cars of many kinds would be a fun way to tour the

Old Town except that it is shoulder to shoulder pedestrians.

Our first stop was at the Astronomical Clock that is famous world over. I posted my video to Facebook and some how cannot retrieve it from my phone.

is very interesting if you would like to follow this link.

The Praha Astronomical Clock, Czech Republic.

A first view of the entrance to the famed Charles Bridge. It is enhanced by the ever present in European tourist district Mime Statues.

An Easter Market is in Progress in the Market Square of every town we visit.

In Prague do not ask who the statue is, or what the building is named, or who was king...

the answer is always Charles the Fourth!

After crossing the bridge half way we went down the stairs to a meeting point and all split up for lunch. I suggested we walk up toward the Church of St Nicholas and find a sunny bench. But my ever roaming eye spotted a McDonald's. We got a Coke Light and went downstairs and found a table in a corner. After eating our sandwiches we went to use the bathroom and were surprised that even in the McDonald's there were pay toilets. The attendant seemed annoyed to try to make change from the Euro that I had but succeeded in gaining me entrance. In the Czech Republic you can use Euro or Krono.

On the way back to meet the group we crossed a small canal. It seems that young lovers here are trying to start the tradition of the Lock Bridge behind Notre Dame in Paris!

We all met up for a stroll through the lovely park built on Prague Kampa. this area of the city is almost a whole other town. Parks, castles, and quiet away from the bustling center city. Our driver met us and we would up the hills to the Prague Castle and the Church of St. Vitus. The only part of these ceremonial sentries that moved were there eyes. and those eyes seemed to be able to see everything as they were ever watchful.

We visited the courtyard but in all honesty this is Elva's third or fourth time in Prague and my second and so the exterior of buildings is just not that interesting. Although Prague has remarkable architecture and as a whole it is all quite beautiful a brick courtyard is just that..

The facade of St. Vitus Cathedral sits within the castle walls

and reigns supreme over the Prague skyline.

The Rose Window is one of the oldest and largest in Europe.

Taking time to look at the details is worthwhile.

Genuine stained glass is pieced together like this.

The Nave is immense and the high Gothic arches make it outstanding.

Detail of the Ascension window.

The long center aisle is flanked on either side by chapels dedicated to the saints

including the newest Polish one Saint John Paul.

I love all the windows but could not see much of the church.

Like everything in Europe it is under renovation.

We ducked down a short flight of steps in a narrow passageway

to discover a beautiful garden and city view.

After the tour we took a short break to check in to our rooms. This is the view of the atrium from our first floor room. The hotel has a Lower Lobby, a Lobby level, and a Mezzanine before we arrive on 1! Elva and I set out again for the evening and to find dinner in the Market Square. We had a delicious pizza and two Coke Lights at a sweet outdoor cafe. But the outdoor seating allows the customers to smoke. We are not used to that at home. We have noticed that so many people smoke in the countries we are visiting. Even in the crowds at the various places we gather you have to watch for lighted cigarettes and even cigars. And sometimes we step away to try to avoid the smoke.