Prague is such a beautiful city – it’s no wonder that it has become a major European tourist destination.
We’re staying in the old town, in an apartment that overlooks Tyn Church (with the 2 spires). This church was built in the 14th century, and the buildings in front are actually the entry and facade. The church faces the Old Town Square which currently is filled with (more) Christmas markets. The markets also have a number of stalls that sell ‘Trdelnik’ – a traditional Czech cake that is cooked on a cylindrical spit that we’ve become particularly partial to!
The Old Town Square is also the home to Prague’s astronomical clock. It’s a complex mix of Roman numerals, the zodiac and the old Czech time scale. The four figures on either side of the clock represent things that were despised at the time the clock was made – vanity, greed, lust… and the result of such vices – death.
Apparently it’s useless for telling the time, but impressive all the same!
We joined a free walking tour of the Old Town, including the Jewish Quarter. It was a lovely way to explore the city and enjoy the range of architecture. Again, just a beautiful city.
One of the most famous writer in Prague’s history is Franz Kafka. According to our guide, his writing is ‘weird’, and often transitions between reality and fantasy. Regardless, he features strongly throughout Prague. Apparently touching his feet brings luck… well I’ll take that!
We finished the day with a look around Wenceslas Square, and up to the National Museum. This is also the city’s main shopping street, and clearly Prague has become a shopping destination for Europeans. While the Czech Republic is part of the EU and uses the Euro, it’s own currency (the Czech Koruna or ‘crown’) is more prevalent. Very strange to see many things offered in 2 currencies, although the Czech’s obviously do very nicely out of the tourists that choose to use the Euro!
Rain set in for the evening – the first time the weather gods have been truly against us, although we hear that they turned on Brisbane as well so we can’t complain. Regardless, we headed out for some good local fare – ghoulash, pork and Pilsner by the truckload around here!!!
Love M & theBunch xx
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