If you think us Aussies know how to drink beer – we have since discovered that the Czech Republic leaves us for dead. Apparently beer has been brewed here since 993 AD and the people here consume more beer per capita than any other country in the world. In Prague – beer is cheaper than bottled water (and I have the receipts to prove it)!
Last Friday we left classy Vienna and meandered our way northward, crossing the Czech Republic border without incident and heading towards Prague. We immediately noticed a change in scenery with much more greenery growing closer to the train line, smaller houses and a general feeling of less attention to detail as found in Austria. Having been subject to Communist rule from 1948 until the Velvet Revolution of 1989 – this feeling of neglect is not surprising.
After disembarking the first fully crowed train we have encountered on our journey so far we stepped into the cobblestone streets of magical medieval Prague, nicknamed “city of a thousand spires”. Home to the largest still functional castle in the world (Prague Castle built in 970 it is currently the official residence of the Czech Republic President), the beautiful Astronomical Clock (still working well after 600 years), St Vitus Cathedral (that amazing Gothic structure that dominates the city skyline and Wenceslas Square named after that good king we all sing about at Christmas time.
Arriving at our “Old Town” located hotel we were very happy to receive our first upgrade on this European journey. Our room was enormous, the decor old European classical and it managed beautifully as our Chinese laundry for the next three nights.
Prague was always a must as I have a cousin who lives here. The plan was to meet up early Saturday morning and let him guide us. Unfortunately this plan fell through when he accidentally got locked in his friends apartment and not having a key to unlock the deadbolt – had to spend the entire day inside (a true story). He wasn’t released until 830 that night by which time we were too exhausted to meet up having navigated our own way around the city.
Our navigation took us over the famous Charles Bridge (one of the most visited sites in Prague and standing here since 1357) , up and into Prague Castle, past the Communism memorial (Prague suffered greatly under this oppressive rule) and through the rabbit warren that is Prague Old Town. At one point we found an old monastery where we were able to enjoy some beers overlooking Prague City itself.
Whilst wondering I discovered something that is forever going to be what I think of when I think of Prague – Trdelniks. A chimney shaped toasted pastry. This large sugar-coated pastry is lined with nutella, filled with ice-cream or cream and topped with more nutella and strawberries. Incredible. I had one each day instead of lunch or dinner.
Whilst crossing Charles Bridge we happened to notice two men fishing using large magnets instead of hooks. Inquiring as to what they were doing – they advised us that fishing for coins here is their hobby. In two short hours that morning – one of the men had collected enough coins to fill two 500 ml containers – tossed into the Vltava river by luck seeking tourists. Shame we cant do this on Bruns Bridge!
Darryl described Prague as Dreamworld on steroids and it is. It really is a theme park full of tourists. And the sheer number of tourists explains the steroid statement. It’s not yet high summer (peak tourist season) and already the town is extremely crowded with large, difficult to push out-of-the-way tour groups.
Sunday saw my cousin released from his confinement and thus able to take us out of the city. He drove us through the countryside passing large fields of wheat, past kids swimming in rivers and to the magnificent 14th century Karlstejn Castle. Still in immaculate condition its interesting history includes attackers throwing dung up and over the defenses where this bacteria carrying crap did what man had failed – killed many through the spread of infection. After a magnificent lunch of traditional Czech cuisine it was back into the city.
Our final evening saw us standing with the hordes of other tourists in Old Town Square in front of the Astronomical Clock. This clock chimes on twenty-four hour time and each hour the chiming is accompanied by 12 parading Apostles and death striking the hour. Its been doing this since the 15th century and is a must when visiting here.
We are now sitting in the train heading northward to Berlin Germany. It’s the first time I have attempted blogging on the train as generally I don’t like to miss any of the passing countryside (currently tree covered mountains cascading down to a wide clear river). I am enjoying doing both simultaneously while Darryl appears to be happy communicating in sign language with the elderly Czech couple sharing the compartment with us.
Next blog Berlin.
If you have enjoyed this blog please like and share
for further information and photos visit –