Christine in Prague

The city you imagine when you think of Europe is actually Prague, Czech Republic.  It really is that beautiful.

View of Prague 

There are many facinating attractions in Prague.  Food is not one of them.  Don't visit Prague to eat.  Their national food is Goulash, which I tried (I'll save you from the picture) and make (thanks for the recipe Mom).  And mine is better.  It is not my national food.  In fact, you may want to visit Prague to help you lose weight between the lousy food and all the walking, I'm sure someone could easily.  The Gelato is good.  And was my one saving grace.

I believe that Prague has examples of just about every architectural type in history.  The building have amazing details that you just don't have in the United States.

My first stop was "Old Town Square."  This location host the Astronomical Tower, Tyn Church and St. Nicholas Church.  My favorite was actually the Astronomical Tower.  Probably surprising since I love looking at the architecture of churches.  The tower caught fire during WWII, but the villagers saved it.

Astrological clock (top clock) and tower

The 12 apostles appear every hour (think coo coo clock-like but with the 12 apostles).  People gather around and watch them appear.  Don't blink cause there is a good chance you will miss your opportunity.  After the doors close again, a person plays a tune on the trumpet and waves to the crowd, who cheer excitedly.  The best part of this show is not the apostles appearing, it is watching the people take out their cameras and take pictures of the apostles.   The clock was first built in the mid 16th century.  I believe it's the only working astronomical clock in the world (strangely, the Strasbourg church I visited earlier also has an astronomical clock).

Love the Tourist (yes, I'm making fun of myself as well)

You can ascend 69 meters (or 226 feet) to the top of the Tower.  I did so for my fans, er follower.  Here is a picture, since I couldn't manage at the Ulm Church (which was 143 meters or 469 feet).

Me being very brave.

A view from the top:

Tyn Church

The clock is not the only sit I visited (which seems surprising giving all the pictures I've posted).  See more of my adventure after the jump.
I also enjoyed  the Charles Bridge, founded by Charles IV, is the oldest Prague bridge.  The bridge was finished in 1402.  This is a couple/few blocks from Old Town.

The bridge is famous for it's religious scenes (30 sculptures ands groups of statues) along the sides:

Prague Castle in the background of the Charles Street Bridge Statue

Legend has it if you rub the dog, you will have good luck (I'm not really convinced of this, but I rubbed the dog in case--so far not working for me).

I crossed the bridge and walked up hill (a long ways) to visit the Prague Castle.  It is truly beautiful.

And back to my favorites-churches (this one is right outside the castle, on the grounds):

Front of the Church

Another view (and I think built at a different time)

I also saw and photographed the one modern building in the city.  It is nicked name Fred and Ginger, after the dancers since it kinda looks like 2 people dancing.

I visited the Prague National Museum and the Mucha Museum, which had a Salvador Dali exhibit.

You know that Dahlia song, where he says there are planes and trains and I'd even walk to see you?  That was my transportation to Prague.  I took a 2-hour train to Numburg and then a 3 and 1/2 hour bus to Prague.  I then walked around the city.  On my train ride back to Stuttgart, there was an accident on one of the rail lines.  Everyone who was not going to Stuttgart had to get off the train.  I was the only one left.  It was a great trip-4 stars.


Christine