Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Tuesday, June 21
We have been to Nuremberg. Got off the bus long enough to get a Christmas ornament (key chain) and a pocket knife for Roy and have lunch. We came came carry on so he couldn't bring his trusty knife. We have missed it. Now he has one. Lunch was in a Bavarian restaurant. We were given a glass of Tasker been when we sat down then a very nice salad, followed by pasta noodles and chicken in gravy. Ice cream for dessert. Then a whirlwind bus tour of the city. A lovely Scottish lady came on as our local guide. Our guide for the day from Prague is Helena and our driver is Vasislov (Wenceslas). They have all been excellent. Thank you tour guide gods.
We were driven around the Old Town which was very scenic. It looked like it deserved a walk about but that was not to be. The bus took us past the old city walls, a dry moat, the court house where the Nuremberg trials were held, and to the Rally Grounds where Hitler held his rallys. It must have been a stirring sight if you were a Nazi. Attendance was mandatory for party members. They were preparing the steps for a car race when we were there. Across a lake from the Rally Ground is an immense coluseum that Hitler built but it was never used for rallys. It is now a protected national site. It was a very sobering visit.
We are to be taken to Degindorf to catch our boat and at this moment are late. Lots of us on the bus so guess they won't sail without us. We have no Internet on the bus social am typing into a word processing program and praying we can remember how to transfer it to the blog.
The sun is shining - so much happier than the rain this morning. You can feel the change of mood on the bus. It has been a very long day of bus riding. We have to remember that we chose this option. When we chose it our thoughts were "autobahn, no speed limits". Am I right. No, no, no. There is lots of construction, stall, lots of big trucks (they can only do 80, lots of busses and they can only do 100km. Going was pretty slow and we were late.
To the boat...
We have been to Nuremberg. Got off the bus long enough to get a Christmas ornament (key chain) and a pocket knife for Roy and have lunch. We came came carry on so he couldn't bring his trusty knife. We have missed it. Now he has one. Lunch was in a Bavarian restaurant. We were given a glass of Tasker been when we sat down then a very nice salad, followed by pasta noodles and chicken in gravy. Ice cream for dessert. Then a whirlwind bus tour of the city. A lovely Scottish lady came on as our local guide. Our guide for the day from Prague is Helena and our driver is Vasislov (Wenceslas). They have all been excellent. Thank you tour guide gods.
We were driven around the Old Town which was very scenic. It looked like it deserved a walk about but that was not to be. The bus took us past the old city walls, a dry moat, the court house where the Nuremberg trials were held, and to the Rally Grounds where Hitler held his rallys. It must have been a stirring sight if you were a Nazi. Attendance was mandatory for party members. They were preparing the steps for a car race when we were there. Across a lake from the Rally Ground is an immense coluseum that Hitler built but it was never used for rallys. It is now a protected national site. It was a very sobering visit.
We are to be taken to Degindorf to catch our boat and at this moment are late. Lots of us on the bus so guess they won't sail without us. We have no Internet on the bus social am typing into a word processing program and praying we can remember how to transfer it to the blog.
The sun is shining - so much happier than the rain this morning. You can feel the change of mood on the bus. It has been a very long day of bus riding. We have to remember that we chose this option. When we chose it our thoughts were "autobahn, no speed limits". Am I right. No, no, no. There is lots of construction, stall, lots of big trucks (they can only do 80, lots of busses and they can only do 100km. Going was pretty slow and we were late.
To the boat...
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Monday, June 20
Last day in Prague
We hadn't done the Mala Strana area so got tram tickets for the funicular at the hotel and off we went. It is such an easy city to walk in. We are told the transportation system is very good too. If you are over 70 you ride for free. Any way we are walking.
First stop was Saint Nicholas church in Lesser Town Square. The original church was built in 1283. Today's church was built in 1775 and took a century to build. Three Generations worked on it. Father, son, and son-in-law . It is one of the most valuable Baroque buildings north of the Alps. It is a very impressive building. It's chapels, altars, ceilings are beautiful.
After we left the church we set out to find Petrin hill and the funicular line. Up the hill, we almost got out at the half way point thinking we were at the top. Fortunately we were able to hop back in. That what happens when you don't speak the language. Made it to the top and walked around the most beautiful and extensive rose gardens. Several photo ops later we wandered off to find the Petrin tower, a replica of the Effiel tower. It is the same height as the Effiel tower because it is situated at the top of a hill. We cheaper out and didn't pay for the privilege of climbing 400 stairs to the top. We did pay 10kz to use the washroom. I got locked in! Eventually I pushed my knee into the door an got out. The attendant was frantically giving directions in Czech from the other side. She found Roy about the same time I freed myself. We couldn't find most of the places we were looking for and though it's a beautiful park we departed in search of lunch. There was a pizza place near the Charles Bridge that looked good so we ordered a beer each and waited for our pizza, and waited, and waited, and waited. I finally got up and a waiter and asked. About 5 minutes later he indicated that it was on its way. 10 minutes later it arrived. We were careful to ask for our bill early on in the meal.
After lunch I wandered into a shop that sold Bohemian crystal and we did a little shopping for folks at home. On our way back to the hotel we got tickets for a concert at the home of the Czech Philharmonic. Then back to the hotel where we had our afternoon rest and shower.
We had dinner in Ungelt Square. Italian this time - Roy had a different tasting lasagna and I had a salad with spinach, tomatoes, pears and Norwegian smoked salmon. The smoked salmon tasted a little off so thankfully I stopped eating it. My tummy felt queasy for awhile after.
The concert was good. Not necessarily what we expected but good. The building was beautiful. You could imagine, white wigs, fancy dress, etc.
We finished packing and headed for bed. The water level hasn't dropped and there are two Viking ships stranded been Passau and Nuremberg. One has taken out a bridge. We chose to go to Nuremberg and leave at 8:00 as we may never get there again. It will be a long day.
Last day in Prague
We hadn't done the Mala Strana area so got tram tickets for the funicular at the hotel and off we went. It is such an easy city to walk in. We are told the transportation system is very good too. If you are over 70 you ride for free. Any way we are walking.
First stop was Saint Nicholas church in Lesser Town Square. The original church was built in 1283. Today's church was built in 1775 and took a century to build. Three Generations worked on it. Father, son, and son-in-law . It is one of the most valuable Baroque buildings north of the Alps. It is a very impressive building. It's chapels, altars, ceilings are beautiful.
After we left the church we set out to find Petrin hill and the funicular line. Up the hill, we almost got out at the half way point thinking we were at the top. Fortunately we were able to hop back in. That what happens when you don't speak the language. Made it to the top and walked around the most beautiful and extensive rose gardens. Several photo ops later we wandered off to find the Petrin tower, a replica of the Effiel tower. It is the same height as the Effiel tower because it is situated at the top of a hill. We cheaper out and didn't pay for the privilege of climbing 400 stairs to the top. We did pay 10kz to use the washroom. I got locked in! Eventually I pushed my knee into the door an got out. The attendant was frantically giving directions in Czech from the other side. She found Roy about the same time I freed myself. We couldn't find most of the places we were looking for and though it's a beautiful park we departed in search of lunch. There was a pizza place near the Charles Bridge that looked good so we ordered a beer each and waited for our pizza, and waited, and waited, and waited. I finally got up and a waiter and asked. About 5 minutes later he indicated that it was on its way. 10 minutes later it arrived. We were careful to ask for our bill early on in the meal.
After lunch I wandered into a shop that sold Bohemian crystal and we did a little shopping for folks at home. On our way back to the hotel we got tickets for a concert at the home of the Czech Philharmonic. Then back to the hotel where we had our afternoon rest and shower.
We had dinner in Ungelt Square. Italian this time - Roy had a different tasting lasagna and I had a salad with spinach, tomatoes, pears and Norwegian smoked salmon. The smoked salmon tasted a little off so thankfully I stopped eating it. My tummy felt queasy for awhile after.
The concert was good. Not necessarily what we expected but good. The building was beautiful. You could imagine, white wigs, fancy dress, etc.
We finished packing and headed for bed. The water level hasn't dropped and there are two Viking ships stranded been Passau and Nuremberg. One has taken out a bridge. We chose to go to Nuremberg and leave at 8:00 as we may never get there again. It will be a long day.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Sunday, June 19
A new day and time to visit the Jewish Quarter. Tony, from Avalon was there at his desk when we went down for breakfast. All the things we had heard about river levels. Yup, they are high between Nuremberg and Passau so we may not be able to board the boat at Nuremberg but at Passau instead. We will have a choice of visiting Nuremberg by bus and then to Passau. It will be a long day and may not even happen but he is warning us so we have time to think about whether we want to take the bus to Passau (4h rs) or Nuremberg and Passau (8hrs). Time will tell what we will be doing if the river drops or not.
Breakfast was nice but the hotel is huge so there are lots of people all wanting to fill their plates at the same time. No eggs for me today! Angela, a retired English teacher from the Southern US sat with us. She uses a scooter and has a tour of the Jewish Quarter as well. The Jewish Quarter was fascinating. So much sad history, how on earth can we find anything to moan about? We visited the Maisel Synagogue first. There we found a very interesting history and exhibit that tells about the life of Jewish people in Czechoslovakia. Hitler planned to turn this building into a museum of the " extinct Jewish race". Despicable man.
Once we had our history lesson we proceeded to Pinkas Synagogue where humankinds disregard for others brings you to dispair. The names of 77,297 Czech Jews sent to gas chambers at Auschwitz and other camps are handwritten on the walls. More than 155,000 Jews passed through Terezin camp. Most died. Their names are written here. The writing is tight, no spaces and covers every square inch of wall. Up a flight of stairs is an exhibit of the Terezin's children's art. Of the 8000 children sent to Terezin, only 240 survived. The art and photos of the children is incredibly moving. I didn't want to go to Terezin because I knew I couldn't handle it having read about the camp, but I was wrong. We should have gone in memory and in tribute to those souls.
The old Jewish cemetery is outside the synagogue. It is huge. Graves are 500 years and more old.
The Klaus Synagogue was next and is now a museum dedicated to displays depicting Jewish life, holidays and rituals. Again, we'll worth the visit.
Wedged in between visits to synagogues was a trip to the market. Your mind gets saturated after a bit in museums so we had a complete change of pace. The beauty of Prague is that everything is so close. A five minute walk puts you in a different zone.
Haveiska Market is a block long with stalls set up down the middle of the street. They sell crafts, crap, fruit, vegetables you name it. There has been a market here since the 13th century. We had Chezh ham (me) for lunch and Roy had kobesha. Unfortunately the sold they ham by the gram and I wound up with enough for a meal for 4. It seemed you took what they gave you. It was very tasty as was Roy's sausage. Then we had to try the ice cream cones. They make a pastry, roll it on a cylindar, cook it over heat on a spit until it is a light brown. Then they cut it in about 4 inch segments, dip it in sugar and cinnamon and fill it with ice cream, drizzle chocolate on top. Yum!
We were back to our room for a rest and shower and then out to the Czech cultural and folk dinner with the cruise people. It was interesting! We met some of the people. Most seem to be from the deep south, at least most at our table were. There are some from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and a few from Canada. First we were given Becherovka, an old Czech liquor made of 27 herbs and reminds slightly of Akquavit. They had long pipes they squirted the wine into your glass with and seemed to refill it after every sip. The food was delicious and the entertainment fun.
The drive back into Prague took about 15 minutes. Prague Castle looks beautiful lit up at night so Roy and I strolled back to the bridge to enjoy the view and take some photos. Then off to bed...
A new day and time to visit the Jewish Quarter. Tony, from Avalon was there at his desk when we went down for breakfast. All the things we had heard about river levels. Yup, they are high between Nuremberg and Passau so we may not be able to board the boat at Nuremberg but at Passau instead. We will have a choice of visiting Nuremberg by bus and then to Passau. It will be a long day and may not even happen but he is warning us so we have time to think about whether we want to take the bus to Passau (4h rs) or Nuremberg and Passau (8hrs). Time will tell what we will be doing if the river drops or not.
Breakfast was nice but the hotel is huge so there are lots of people all wanting to fill their plates at the same time. No eggs for me today! Angela, a retired English teacher from the Southern US sat with us. She uses a scooter and has a tour of the Jewish Quarter as well. The Jewish Quarter was fascinating. So much sad history, how on earth can we find anything to moan about? We visited the Maisel Synagogue first. There we found a very interesting history and exhibit that tells about the life of Jewish people in Czechoslovakia. Hitler planned to turn this building into a museum of the " extinct Jewish race". Despicable man.
Once we had our history lesson we proceeded to Pinkas Synagogue where humankinds disregard for others brings you to dispair. The names of 77,297 Czech Jews sent to gas chambers at Auschwitz and other camps are handwritten on the walls. More than 155,000 Jews passed through Terezin camp. Most died. Their names are written here. The writing is tight, no spaces and covers every square inch of wall. Up a flight of stairs is an exhibit of the Terezin's children's art. Of the 8000 children sent to Terezin, only 240 survived. The art and photos of the children is incredibly moving. I didn't want to go to Terezin because I knew I couldn't handle it having read about the camp, but I was wrong. We should have gone in memory and in tribute to those souls.
The old Jewish cemetery is outside the synagogue. It is huge. Graves are 500 years and more old.
The Klaus Synagogue was next and is now a museum dedicated to displays depicting Jewish life, holidays and rituals. Again, we'll worth the visit.
Wedged in between visits to synagogues was a trip to the market. Your mind gets saturated after a bit in museums so we had a complete change of pace. The beauty of Prague is that everything is so close. A five minute walk puts you in a different zone.
Haveiska Market is a block long with stalls set up down the middle of the street. They sell crafts, crap, fruit, vegetables you name it. There has been a market here since the 13th century. We had Chezh ham (me) for lunch and Roy had kobesha. Unfortunately the sold they ham by the gram and I wound up with enough for a meal for 4. It seemed you took what they gave you. It was very tasty as was Roy's sausage. Then we had to try the ice cream cones. They make a pastry, roll it on a cylindar, cook it over heat on a spit until it is a light brown. Then they cut it in about 4 inch segments, dip it in sugar and cinnamon and fill it with ice cream, drizzle chocolate on top. Yum!
We were back to our room for a rest and shower and then out to the Czech cultural and folk dinner with the cruise people. It was interesting! We met some of the people. Most seem to be from the deep south, at least most at our table were. There are some from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and a few from Canada. First we were given Becherovka, an old Czech liquor made of 27 herbs and reminds slightly of Akquavit. They had long pipes they squirted the wine into your glass with and seemed to refill it after every sip. The food was delicious and the entertainment fun.
The drive back into Prague took about 15 minutes. Prague Castle looks beautiful lit up at night so Roy and I strolled back to the bridge to enjoy the view and take some photos. Then off to bed...
Saturday, June 18
The night was long for me as I seemed to be unable to get my internal clock set. I finally got up and went down to the lounge (I had to ask them to unlock it for me) and read. Breakfast was being cooked and the aroma was tantalizing. I read for a bit then went back to our room. Roy was showered and dressed so we repacked our belongings. Not much was unpacked so it didn't take long. Breakfast was tasty, they cooked soft boiled eggs for us. There was everything under the sun to choose from but somehow olives, smoked salmon or cheese don't appeal at th
at time of day. The breakfast servers were very anxious to make sure we enjoyed our meal and had everything we needed. As a matter of fact everyone in the hotel went our of their way to be helpful. It was a great place to stay as the staff always greeted us and they may not have known our names but they remembered our faces. Damir got us organized for a tour to Kutna Hora when the outfit we had planned to go with wasn't working out.
After breakfast we checked out and took our bags for a walk to the Intercontinental Hotel. It was maybe a ten minute walk. Both hotels are in excellent locations but areally quite different. The Intercontinental is swankier but not as friendly. Swanky is nice but I really like the Maximillian.
The Avalon fellow, Tony was at his table and already had a line up of people - it was barely 8:30 in the morning! They would meet with everyone at 6:00 pm. so we got ourselves checked in (they had a room ready at 8:30!) and headed out for Prague Castle.
Getting to Prague Castle was an adventure and education. First we walked to the Charles street Bridge to find out about the tram. The TI Office had been closed but the lady working at the museum told us where to go to get tickets and catch the tram.
We went to the tobacanist for tickets as she told us to do but he wouldn't sell us return tickets. "Walk back down the hill he said." "It isn't worth buying tickets." He didn't, however, give us very much information on how to find our way back on foot. We walked across the bridge and figured out where to stand for the 22 tram, we hoped, but still didn't know how to validate our tickets. Three young women came along; an Indian, a New Zealanders and a Scot with Indian ancestry. Sounds like the beginning of a joke doesn't it? The girl from India and the gal from New Zealand work for Green Peace and had been here for a conference. The bubbly little gal from Scotland had been working at the hotel where they had stayed. She was returning home to Glasgow in the evening and the other two were also returning home in the evening. An unlikely trio but we had interesting conversation with them all the way to their tram stop at the castle. Roy knew all about the Scottish gals family in that short time. It's so nice to meet people when traveling. You never know what you will learn. We even found out how to validate the tickets so now we are authorities.
We went two stops further than the girls just like Rick Steve book told us to do. Then we had difficulty getting our landmarks. Eventually we figured out that we needed to head down the hill so off we went. It was like a small town on the way to the castle so we decided to have our lunch in one of the restaurants. We had a breakfast as we couldn't find anything appealing on the menu. Just simple, right. It cost $30.00 in the end and was worth about half that. Part of the price was the table tax. Who knew? It was sure not Chez Marcel.
We arrived at the main palace gate in time to see that last bit of the full changing of the guard ceremony. Us and several thousand others. We lined up for tickets, Roy in one line and me in the other because we didn't know which lane would be faster. At first it looked like his line was moving fastest so I joined him, then his line bogged down so we went back to my line and had tickets quickly. Their system is not the most efficient. We skipped St Vitus Cathedral as there was a long line of people waiting to get inside. The Old Royal Palace was next so that's where we went. Vladislav Hall (when you enter) is said to be big enough for horse jousting and markets. Coronations were held there. Next door, the adjoining rooms are called the "Czech Office". In 1618 angry citizens stormed the rooms and threw two governors out the window. The governors weren't badly injured for some reason for it sure looked a long way down.
Next was the Bascilica and Convent of St. George. It is small and you feel that you have stepped way way back in time. It was founded by Wenceslas' dad and dates from 920. Perhaps that why it feels old. Actually the present building dates from the 12th century. Somehow Wenceslas' dad got hold of a piece of St Vitus arm and built the church to house it.
The Golden Lane was next and it is named for the goldsmiths who worked there. Before we got into the lane there was a window with a man on the other side etching glass with a stone wheel. Both of us were fascinated so had to go inside. My gosh he has to concentrate! His designs are original and the pattern is in his head. The price for each item is astronomical and well deserved. We purchased two small vases that we both like but they weren't originals and didn't merit papers saying they are authentic.
The journey down Golden Lane was next. It was very busy and we skipped the shops where you could buy trinkets but saw Kafka's home and went in some houses that had been set up as they had been used. People had been living in them as recently as the second world war. One was the home of a historian and cinematographer. He managed to save a good lot of film from being destroyed by the Nazis.
The prison tower was next stop. Barbaric! I'll say no more.
A quilt store what else
We finished up with St. Vitus Cathedral. It is a very impressive Cathedral. The stained glass windows are beautiful. The window done by Mucha is lovely. The colours are vivid and so different from the other windows. The centre panels show Wenceslas' grandmother teaching him how to pray and the surrounding panels tell the story of the saints who brought Christianity to the region, brothers Cyrillic and Methodius. Cyrillic designed an alphabet for the Czechs who had no alphabet (Cyrillric), and Methodius meditates.
The carved relief of the city of Prague is also very impressive. There are many altars that are large and ornate. Wenceslas chapel is in the church and also very beautiful. His tomb is here.
After the cathedral we are tuckered out and not sure how to get home. The map can be interpreted in two ways - which way to go? A couple about our age are heading the way Roy feels is correct. It turns out both ways will work but one is easier. I asked the woman if they were going back to the city. She hoped so but they weren't sure they were going the right way. They had walked up and there were many, many steep stairs and .she didn't want to go down them! Roy and her husband did some map consulting and we all set out together, the men in front and their loyal wives behind them. The women talked the whole way down and so did the men. We really didn't see much of Little Quarter but I'm pretty sure it is old. They were nice people, from Philadelphia and we enjoyed their company for a while. Interestingly later that evening as we crossed a street two young men struck up a conversation with us and they were from Philadelphia as well. Nice kids. Philly must be a good place. Met lots of nice people! We parted company and we headed to one bridge and them to another. Roy said, "I could sure use a beer" (it was hot) so we stopped and he had beer, I had iced tea and it was half the price of our lunch beverages. We were so dehydrated that we stopped for a second drink before we got back to the hotel.
Time to shower and clean up after a busy day. Then it was time to meet with Tony the cruise director. There are about 164 on the cruise and the boat isn't quite full. There is a problem with high water between Nuremberg and Passau. The boat may be unable to come from Passau to Nuremberg so we may get bussed. We have the option of going to Nuremberg and then to Passau or skipping Nuremberg and having 2 days in Passau. We will go for the Passau option if we need to.
Dinner. It seemed like a long time since our early and less than wonderful lunch. The Old Town seemed like a good place to shop for dinner. Found a restaurant that looked good but its kitchen was closed. We wound up in one that I don't even remember it's name but I had grilled chicken breast and lots of veggies. Nice. We wandered a bit after dinner and Pappas found the replica of the tee shirt we got Hudson in Amsterdam. He likes that shirt and has asked us to go back to Amsterdam so we could replace his that is too small now. Hope he likes the Prague version. Iwhat to get the other four kids?
Home to bed...
The night was long for me as I seemed to be unable to get my internal clock set. I finally got up and went down to the lounge (I had to ask them to unlock it for me) and read. Breakfast was being cooked and the aroma was tantalizing. I read for a bit then went back to our room. Roy was showered and dressed so we repacked our belongings. Not much was unpacked so it didn't take long. Breakfast was tasty, they cooked soft boiled eggs for us. There was everything under the sun to choose from but somehow olives, smoked salmon or cheese don't appeal at th
at time of day. The breakfast servers were very anxious to make sure we enjoyed our meal and had everything we needed. As a matter of fact everyone in the hotel went our of their way to be helpful. It was a great place to stay as the staff always greeted us and they may not have known our names but they remembered our faces. Damir got us organized for a tour to Kutna Hora when the outfit we had planned to go with wasn't working out.
After breakfast we checked out and took our bags for a walk to the Intercontinental Hotel. It was maybe a ten minute walk. Both hotels are in excellent locations but areally quite different. The Intercontinental is swankier but not as friendly. Swanky is nice but I really like the Maximillian.
The Avalon fellow, Tony was at his table and already had a line up of people - it was barely 8:30 in the morning! They would meet with everyone at 6:00 pm. so we got ourselves checked in (they had a room ready at 8:30!) and headed out for Prague Castle.
We went to the tobacanist for tickets as she told us to do but he wouldn't sell us return tickets. "Walk back down the hill he said." "It isn't worth buying tickets." He didn't, however, give us very much information on how to find our way back on foot. We walked across the bridge and figured out where to stand for the 22 tram, we hoped, but still didn't know how to validate our tickets. Three young women came along; an Indian, a New Zealanders and a Scot with Indian ancestry. Sounds like the beginning of a joke doesn't it? The girl from India and the gal from New Zealand work for Green Peace and had been here for a conference. The bubbly little gal from Scotland had been working at the hotel where they had stayed. She was returning home to Glasgow in the evening and the other two were also returning home in the evening. An unlikely trio but we had interesting conversation with them all the way to their tram stop at the castle. Roy knew all about the Scottish gals family in that short time. It's so nice to meet people when traveling. You never know what you will learn. We even found out how to validate the tickets so now we are authorities.
We went two stops further than the girls just like Rick Steve book told us to do. Then we had difficulty getting our landmarks. Eventually we figured out that we needed to head down the hill so off we went. It was like a small town on the way to the castle so we decided to have our lunch in one of the restaurants. We had a breakfast as we couldn't find anything appealing on the menu. Just simple, right. It cost $30.00 in the end and was worth about half that. Part of the price was the table tax. Who knew? It was sure not Chez Marcel.
We arrived at the main palace gate in time to see that last bit of the full changing of the guard ceremony. Us and several thousand others. We lined up for tickets, Roy in one line and me in the other because we didn't know which lane would be faster. At first it looked like his line was moving fastest so I joined him, then his line bogged down so we went back to my line and had tickets quickly. Their system is not the most efficient. We skipped St Vitus Cathedral as there was a long line of people waiting to get inside. The Old Royal Palace was next so that's where we went. Vladislav Hall (when you enter) is said to be big enough for horse jousting and markets. Coronations were held there. Next door, the adjoining rooms are called the "Czech Office". In 1618 angry citizens stormed the rooms and threw two governors out the window. The governors weren't badly injured for some reason for it sure looked a long way down.
Next was the Bascilica and Convent of St. George. It is small and you feel that you have stepped way way back in time. It was founded by Wenceslas' dad and dates from 920. Perhaps that why it feels old. Actually the present building dates from the 12th century. Somehow Wenceslas' dad got hold of a piece of St Vitus arm and built the church to house it.
The Golden Lane was next and it is named for the goldsmiths who worked there. Before we got into the lane there was a window with a man on the other side etching glass with a stone wheel. Both of us were fascinated so had to go inside. My gosh he has to concentrate! His designs are original and the pattern is in his head. The price for each item is astronomical and well deserved. We purchased two small vases that we both like but they weren't originals and didn't merit papers saying they are authentic.
The journey down Golden Lane was next. It was very busy and we skipped the shops where you could buy trinkets but saw Kafka's home and went in some houses that had been set up as they had been used. People had been living in them as recently as the second world war. One was the home of a historian and cinematographer. He managed to save a good lot of film from being destroyed by the Nazis.
The prison tower was next stop. Barbaric! I'll say no more.
We finished up with St. Vitus Cathedral. It is a very impressive Cathedral. The stained glass windows are beautiful. The window done by Mucha is lovely. The colours are vivid and so different from the other windows. The centre panels show Wenceslas' grandmother teaching him how to pray and the surrounding panels tell the story of the saints who brought Christianity to the region, brothers Cyrillic and Methodius. Cyrillic designed an alphabet for the Czechs who had no alphabet (Cyrillric), and Methodius meditates.
The carved relief of the city of Prague is also very impressive. There are many altars that are large and ornate. Wenceslas chapel is in the church and also very beautiful. His tomb is here.
After the cathedral we are tuckered out and not sure how to get home. The map can be interpreted in two ways - which way to go? A couple about our age are heading the way Roy feels is correct. It turns out both ways will work but one is easier. I asked the woman if they were going back to the city. She hoped so but they weren't sure they were going the right way. They had walked up and there were many, many steep stairs and .she didn't want to go down them! Roy and her husband did some map consulting and we all set out together, the men in front and their loyal wives behind them. The women talked the whole way down and so did the men. We really didn't see much of Little Quarter but I'm pretty sure it is old. They were nice people, from Philadelphia and we enjoyed their company for a while. Interestingly later that evening as we crossed a street two young men struck up a conversation with us and they were from Philadelphia as well. Nice kids. Philly must be a good place. Met lots of nice people! We parted company and we headed to one bridge and them to another. Roy said, "I could sure use a beer" (it was hot) so we stopped and he had beer, I had iced tea and it was half the price of our lunch beverages. We were so dehydrated that we stopped for a second drink before we got back to the hotel.
Time to shower and clean up after a busy day. Then it was time to meet with Tony the cruise director. There are about 164 on the cruise and the boat isn't quite full. There is a problem with high water between Nuremberg and Passau. The boat may be unable to come from Passau to Nuremberg so we may get bussed. We have the option of going to Nuremberg and then to Passau or skipping Nuremberg and having 2 days in Passau. We will go for the Passau option if we need to.
Dinner. It seemed like a long time since our early and less than wonderful lunch. The Old Town seemed like a good place to shop for dinner. Found a restaurant that looked good but its kitchen was closed. We wound up in one that I don't even remember it's name but I had grilled chicken breast and lots of veggies. Nice. We wandered a bit after dinner and Pappas found the replica of the tee shirt we got Hudson in Amsterdam. He likes that shirt and has asked us to go back to Amsterdam so we could replace his that is too small now. Hope he likes the Prague version. Iwhat to get the other four kids?
Home to bed...
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016
June 17
I left you after breakfast, it was pouring rain outside. By the time we got outside it had pretty well stopped raining. Hooray!
We visited Wenceslas Square. Be proud of us, we didn't sing Good King Wenceslas once. I'm not sure why except that it was dreary outside so we didn't feel exuberant enough to burst into song. Wenceslas actually was a benevolent duke and not a king. he was literate, and we'll educated and he Christianized and lifted the culture. He was murdered in 929 and was canonized. Wenceslas became a symbol of Czech nationalism.
The Square which is really a Boulevard is topped by the National Museum. It's facade is under tarps while they restore it. Apparently the facade is the part to see and the inside is rather uninteresting. That saved some time. Further down the Square is a memorial to two lads who decided the best way to stand up for the independenc and .freedom of Czechs was to set themselves on fire. That was in 1969. Twenty years later in 1989 their independence from Communism was finally achieved.
The architecture covers everything from Neo Gothic to Art Nouveau and is spectacular to see.
We left the Square and headed for the Old Town Square and the Astrological Clock. We were there for 10:00 and had good viewing spots. I was to video with the new camera and Roy would take stills. I held that camera valiantly aloft in the rain for the entire ringing of the chimes which is all if thirty seconds. Did I get a good video of the event? Did I get any video of the event. Nope, nothing. Roy had tested it out at home and it worked but not in Prague.
We had to have an early lunch because we were taking a tour to Kuna Hora so we went to the French restaurant next to our hotel. About a month before the trip I met Susan Taylor from my Fraserview days and she told me about a French restaurant that she thought was near our hotel in Prague. She had eaten there and thought it very good. We'll it was next door and is very good! Thanks for the tip.
Kutna Hora
Kutna Hora once boasted Europe'so largest silver min and was Bohemia'so second largest city after Prague. Most of Europe's coins were minted there and the king got 12 % of every penny. The siver mines were depleted by the late 1700's and the city gradually died. We visited an ossuary. Not tops on my list any day but it was part of the tour. It is certainly the most unusual ossuary we have ever visited. The Select Bone Church is filled with bones. Bones from 40,000 people. The bones are stacked into 20 foot pyramids. Skulls every few rows with tibias and femur in between with just the ends sticking out. There are also skull pyramids with each skull holding a femur in it's lower jaw. It did seem rather grisly. Now, the graveyard got over full and there was no one to pay the rent on their burial place so the monks had to get creative . They wanted to remind people that in order to live well one had to constantly remember death and that the church is a community of the living and the dead. Been there...
After that we visited St. Barbara's Church. A Gothic structure was funded by silver mining and is named for the patron saint of miners.
We had a walk about the town and saw the stone well which was built to give the miner's families clean drinking water.
The scenery between Prague and Kuna Hora reminded us of Saskatchewan, right down to the wind, which seemed to be blowing constantly.
We were first to be picked up, the second couple to get on the bus were also from Canada, the Windsor area this time.
By the time we got to the church the sky had cleared and when we came out it was a pleasant temperature. We returned to a sunny Prague. As we were close to the Astronomical clock when they dropped us off we went back for another try. On the way we stopped to listen to two street violinists (can you say violinist ?). They were amazing. We tried making a video on the new camera but no luck. Again we got a good position at the clock and Roy video taped it on the old camera. Someone jostled his arm at the end but otherwise it was good. After that we checked out some garnet earrings and I got a pair. Probably paid too much but they are an excellent souvenir for me and they don't take up room in the suitcase! Then, though we had planned to go back to the Chef Marcel where we had lunch, we decided we liked the action on the streets near the Square. After much menu reading we were back at Ungat Square and the Dubbliner. It definitely wasn't Czech tradional but it was a lot of fun. In order to use the WC you had to go inside, down a flight of stairs, down a few more stairs and in the bar, through a mob of young men with a skin full beer of watching the football (they parted for me as though I was the queen), then up a flight of stairs past more happy, noisy young men watching football on an even bigger TV screen and into a beautifully clean washroom. I was in the third stall. Young girl in stall number 2 asks if girl in stall #1 has seen someone's new apartment. This is in the broadest Irish accents I have ever heard, even in Ireland. The conversation continues and girls #1 says"sure and isn't the flat right old fashioned? " I loved it. Back through the sea of cheering young men. Thank goodness no one cheered as I passed through or I might have been injured. Meanwhile our meal has arrived (I know, I don't want to know what everyone ate but just this time). Roy had the best looking fish and chips and my salad with Norwegian smoked salmon was on good, especially the mango dressing. Back to our home away from hom. We walked over 12 km today. Too tired to figure out how to post pictures. Maybe tomorrow, it's late now.
I left you after breakfast, it was pouring rain outside. By the time we got outside it had pretty well stopped raining. Hooray!
We visited Wenceslas Square. Be proud of us, we didn't sing Good King Wenceslas once. I'm not sure why except that it was dreary outside so we didn't feel exuberant enough to burst into song. Wenceslas actually was a benevolent duke and not a king. he was literate, and we'll educated and he Christianized and lifted the culture. He was murdered in 929 and was canonized. Wenceslas became a symbol of Czech nationalism.
The Square which is really a Boulevard is topped by the National Museum. It's facade is under tarps while they restore it. Apparently the facade is the part to see and the inside is rather uninteresting. That saved some time. Further down the Square is a memorial to two lads who decided the best way to stand up for the independenc and .freedom of Czechs was to set themselves on fire. That was in 1969. Twenty years later in 1989 their independence from Communism was finally achieved.
The architecture covers everything from Neo Gothic to Art Nouveau and is spectacular to see.
We left the Square and headed for the Old Town Square and the Astrological Clock. We were there for 10:00 and had good viewing spots. I was to video with the new camera and Roy would take stills. I held that camera valiantly aloft in the rain for the entire ringing of the chimes which is all if thirty seconds. Did I get a good video of the event? Did I get any video of the event. Nope, nothing. Roy had tested it out at home and it worked but not in Prague.
We had to have an early lunch because we were taking a tour to Kuna Hora so we went to the French restaurant next to our hotel. About a month before the trip I met Susan Taylor from my Fraserview days and she told me about a French restaurant that she thought was near our hotel in Prague. She had eaten there and thought it very good. We'll it was next door and is very good! Thanks for the tip.
Kutna Hora
Kutna Hora once boasted Europe'so largest silver min and was Bohemia'so second largest city after Prague. Most of Europe's coins were minted there and the king got 12 % of every penny. The siver mines were depleted by the late 1700's and the city gradually died. We visited an ossuary. Not tops on my list any day but it was part of the tour. It is certainly the most unusual ossuary we have ever visited. The Select Bone Church is filled with bones. Bones from 40,000 people. The bones are stacked into 20 foot pyramids. Skulls every few rows with tibias and femur in between with just the ends sticking out. There are also skull pyramids with each skull holding a femur in it's lower jaw. It did seem rather grisly. Now, the graveyard got over full and there was no one to pay the rent on their burial place so the monks had to get creative . They wanted to remind people that in order to live well one had to constantly remember death and that the church is a community of the living and the dead. Been there...
After that we visited St. Barbara's Church. A Gothic structure was funded by silver mining and is named for the patron saint of miners.
We had a walk about the town and saw the stone well which was built to give the miner's families clean drinking water.
The scenery between Prague and Kuna Hora reminded us of Saskatchewan, right down to the wind, which seemed to be blowing constantly.
We were first to be picked up, the second couple to get on the bus were also from Canada, the Windsor area this time.
By the time we got to the church the sky had cleared and when we came out it was a pleasant temperature. We returned to a sunny Prague. As we were close to the Astronomical clock when they dropped us off we went back for another try. On the way we stopped to listen to two street violinists (can you say violinist ?). They were amazing. We tried making a video on the new camera but no luck. Again we got a good position at the clock and Roy video taped it on the old camera. Someone jostled his arm at the end but otherwise it was good. After that we checked out some garnet earrings and I got a pair. Probably paid too much but they are an excellent souvenir for me and they don't take up room in the suitcase! Then, though we had planned to go back to the Chef Marcel where we had lunch, we decided we liked the action on the streets near the Square. After much menu reading we were back at Ungat Square and the Dubbliner. It definitely wasn't Czech tradional but it was a lot of fun. In order to use the WC you had to go inside, down a flight of stairs, down a few more stairs and in the bar, through a mob of young men with a skin full beer of watching the football (they parted for me as though I was the queen), then up a flight of stairs past more happy, noisy young men watching football on an even bigger TV screen and into a beautifully clean washroom. I was in the third stall. Young girl in stall number 2 asks if girl in stall #1 has seen someone's new apartment. This is in the broadest Irish accents I have ever heard, even in Ireland. The conversation continues and girls #1 says"sure and isn't the flat right old fashioned? " I loved it. Back through the sea of cheering young men. Thank goodness no one cheered as I passed through or I might have been injured. Meanwhile our meal has arrived (I know, I don't want to know what everyone ate but just this time). Roy had the best looking fish and chips and my salad with Norwegian smoked salmon was on good, especially the mango dressing. Back to our home away from hom. We walked over 12 km today. Too tired to figure out how to post pictures. Maybe tomorrow, it's late now.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Prague
We are in Prague! I started to compose this last night and kept drifting off to sleep. I'd wake up and see the last word I had typed as walkeďddďd. Time to go bed. Of course I could have conquered the world at one am.
We arrived in Prague at 8:00 and the driver was there waiting for us with a placard with our name on it. I always thought the people who had some one waiting for them with a sign with their name were VIPs. Now I know they are. We always had drivers waiting for us in Greece thanks to Mickey getting us on the self guided tour. We liked it!
There was a room ready for us at Hotel Maximilian that early in the morning. What a blessing for we were exhausted. Not only had we been traveling for what seemed like days (5 hour flight Vancouver to Toronto, and 8 hours Toronto to Prague plus waiting time) but a our flight was changed and the seats we paid extra for should have been issued at a discount. We were in the same row as the bathrooms with a wall (for a bathroom in front of us). Charming? Not! The whole flight it was flush, and slam as they closed the door to exit. Think of all the passengers in economy taking multiple turns using the toilet over 8 hours. They line up by our seats and chat witheach other . Then a constant flush and slam. Then there was the yoga class. A mom brought her kids to the space by the toilet doors and taught them stretches. Then the darn kids kept coming back and teaching each other more stretches in a volume only kids can achieve. I appreciate the need to stretch but had to shush them. There was a gorgeous sunrise and that did compensate somewhat for the noise but not for the fact that we had no blind on our window.
Roy and I got settled in our room and set out for a short exploration of Prague. What an amazing city! It truly is fairy tale. I could for some jet lagged reason imagine Shrek and Fiona in the castle. The buildings are amazing. Some look like fancy cakes with their balconies, turrets and pastel colours. Some make you think of all they have been through over the years. Two world wars and 2 occupations just in very recent history.
We walked along the river to the Charles Bridge and over the bridge. The scenery was beautiful as was the day. Fishermen on the river, even a boat the was a car made into a boat. There were lots of vendors selling things on the bridge and adding to the scenery. We rubbed the statue of St. John to ensure our return to Prague. Once across the bridge we turned left and visited some of the shops beside the bridge. There was a marionette shop that was more like an art gallery . The marionettes were works of art and so interesting to look at. Of course you want to take them home but they'd be lonesome without all their friends so resisted the urge and saved a bundle of dollars. They were interesting to a wood carver and someone who likes to sew though. We wandered up the street from the bridge before decided we were done for now. Saw some beautiful Christmas ornaments and crystal in shops. We shared a very different but tasty pizza and back to the hotel for a couple of hours sleep. Then we hit the cobbles again. Visited the Old town square and saw the Astonomical clock but twice missed being there on the hour. Stopped for a drink at a pub with an unlikely name for Prague. The Dubliner! Now for the eerie bit. We sat outside at a table between tables occupied on one side by a couple and two men on the other. What are the odds we'd all be Canadian? Well we were. The couple were from Newfoundland and the men from Ontario. So we sat and had a beer together. The wives of the two men came along and one of their names was Linda. Spooky.
We finished the evening with Czech goulash. Not that memorable. But the violins were nice. Then back to our room just before a huge thunder storm hit. What good timing.
We awoke to pouring rain this morning. Not so nice but we have been blessed with great weather on all our vacations so guess we have been fortunate. Just hope and pray the rain knows enough to stop as my shoes are mesh on top and will be wet in a heart beat. Today we have booked a tour of Kunta Hora.
We arrived in Prague at 8:00 and the driver was there waiting for us with a placard with our name on it. I always thought the people who had some one waiting for them with a sign with their name were VIPs. Now I know they are. We always had drivers waiting for us in Greece thanks to Mickey getting us on the self guided tour. We liked it!
There was a room ready for us at Hotel Maximilian that early in the morning. What a blessing for we were exhausted. Not only had we been traveling for what seemed like days (5 hour flight Vancouver to Toronto, and 8 hours Toronto to Prague plus waiting time) but a our flight was changed and the seats we paid extra for should have been issued at a discount. We were in the same row as the bathrooms with a wall (for a bathroom in front of us). Charming? Not! The whole flight it was flush, and slam as they closed the door to exit. Think of all the passengers in economy taking multiple turns using the toilet over 8 hours. They line up by our seats and chat witheach other . Then a constant flush and slam. Then there was the yoga class. A mom brought her kids to the space by the toilet doors and taught them stretches. Then the darn kids kept coming back and teaching each other more stretches in a volume only kids can achieve. I appreciate the need to stretch but had to shush them. There was a gorgeous sunrise and that did compensate somewhat for the noise but not for the fact that we had no blind on our window.
Roy and I got settled in our room and set out for a short exploration of Prague. What an amazing city! It truly is fairy tale. I could for some jet lagged reason imagine Shrek and Fiona in the castle. The buildings are amazing. Some look like fancy cakes with their balconies, turrets and pastel colours. Some make you think of all they have been through over the years. Two world wars and 2 occupations just in very recent history.
We walked along the river to the Charles Bridge and over the bridge. The scenery was beautiful as was the day. Fishermen on the river, even a boat the was a car made into a boat. There were lots of vendors selling things on the bridge and adding to the scenery. We rubbed the statue of St. John to ensure our return to Prague. Once across the bridge we turned left and visited some of the shops beside the bridge. There was a marionette shop that was more like an art gallery . The marionettes were works of art and so interesting to look at. Of course you want to take them home but they'd be lonesome without all their friends so resisted the urge and saved a bundle of dollars. They were interesting to a wood carver and someone who likes to sew though. We wandered up the street from the bridge before decided we were done for now. Saw some beautiful Christmas ornaments and crystal in shops. We shared a very different but tasty pizza and back to the hotel for a couple of hours sleep. Then we hit the cobbles again. Visited the Old town square and saw the Astonomical clock but twice missed being there on the hour. Stopped for a drink at a pub with an unlikely name for Prague. The Dubliner! Now for the eerie bit. We sat outside at a table between tables occupied on one side by a couple and two men on the other. What are the odds we'd all be Canadian? Well we were. The couple were from Newfoundland and the men from Ontario. So we sat and had a beer together. The wives of the two men came along and one of their names was Linda. Spooky.
We finished the evening with Czech goulash. Not that memorable. But the violins were nice. Then back to our room just before a huge thunder storm hit. What good timing.
We awoke to pouring rain this morning. Not so nice but we have been blessed with great weather on all our vacations so guess we have been fortunate. Just hope and pray the rain knows enough to stop as my shoes are mesh on top and will be wet in a heart beat. Today we have booked a tour of Kunta Hora.
June 15 and 16
Here we are in Prague! ! Yes, it is rather exciting. All these old world buildings, the fairy tale castle. It's hard to take it all in. That's called jet laagggg and we have it.
To go back to the beginning.
Roy and I stayed at the Accent Inn in Richmond rather than get up a 2:00 am to drive to the airport. The alarm went off at 3:54 and we were dressed and ready for the shuttle at 4:40. That's a.m. When Roy went on line to confirm our flights he discovered that our flights had been changed and we were no longer flying Luthansa. No be deal. Oh hoh....
We had breakfast and found some fed that would sustain us for the f
Here we are in Prague! ! Yes, it is rather exciting. All these old world buildings, the fairy tale castle. It's hard to take it all in. That's called jet laagggg and we have it.
To go back to the beginning.
Roy and I stayed at the Accent Inn in Richmond rather than get up a 2:00 am to drive to the airport. The alarm went off at 3:54 and we were dressed and ready for the shuttle at 4:40. That's a.m. When Roy went on line to confirm our flights he discovered that our flights had been changed and we were no longer flying Luthansa. No be deal. Oh hoh....
We had breakfast and found some fed that would sustain us for the f
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
June 14, 2006
Well here I am playing around making sure the blog is functioning and of course there are glitches (as usual). I already did a little entry and it seems to have gone either to the garbage or a place I can't.
Tomorrow we are off on a Danube River cruise. Yep, we are excited. It has been a while since we traveled. We came home from Peru and Equator tired and travel weary. Our travel friends all went on a Danube cruise is the autumn and we have regretted not going along ever since. The travel bug struck in March and after a few cups off coffee and tossing ideas around we called Mickey. She was able to get us a good deal and what we were looking for with Avalon Waterways. So away we go...
Well here I am playing around making sure the blog is functioning and of course there are glitches (as usual). I already did a little entry and it seems to have gone either to the garbage or a place I can't.
Tomorrow we are off on a Danube River cruise. Yep, we are excited. It has been a while since we traveled. We came home from Peru and Equator tired and travel weary. Our travel friends all went on a Danube cruise is the autumn and we have regretted not going along ever since. The travel bug struck in March and after a few cups off coffee and tossing ideas around we called Mickey. She was able to get us a good deal and what we were looking for with Avalon Waterways. So away we go...
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