We immediately headed into the downtown area.. We stopped short to take the metro into the city as parking is tough to find in downtown Prague.. Good thing, there was zero parking there and very crowded. Lots of tourists. We first went to the Prague Castle. This set of buildings sits on a hill looking over Prague. It consisted of many shops, museums, art collections, churches and the home where the President of the country lives. There was a ton to take in. We walked around this place for over two hours. As we were getting ready to leave, Denise told me that she had already filled up her 4gb SD card in her camera and she forgot to bring back ups. I couldn't believe it. We eventually found a store and bought another one at a premium price. We toned down the image sizes on her camera.
After touring the many buildings on the castle site, we headed down towards the river. But dark clouds were looming around. So rather than get wet, we stepped into a liittle eatery to get some lunch. It was interesting because we were taken to a room that looked like a waiting room. Denise and Michal sat on a couch and Pavel and I on sofa chairs. These were around a coffee table. I tell you this because that was actually our serving table. It was different. The food was quite good. And while we ate, it rained outside. So that was good. I have to say that the whole day was cool and nice. We only had to wait for rain to stop once (other than at lunch).
We next went over to St. Charles bridge. I think all of Prague was there. Very crowded. This bridge is the most famous bridge that spans the river. It is for walking only. But boy, you could get some nice views of the castle and old Prague. We then walked through old Prague looking at the old buildings mixed with the new shopping stores that have come in. We eventually ended up at St. Wincelas Square. This is where protests, parades and such take place. After taking a few pictures there, we headed back to our car via the metro. Once we arrived at the car, we got in and Pavel took us towards the 'oldest' part of Prague. In doing so, he made a wrong turn and ended up on a square where only Trams and people could go. People just stared and laughed at us. He was worried that the Police were going to ticket him. We just quickly followed the trams out as fast as we could.
The 'oldest' part of Prague was beautiful, sitting above the river. An old church was in the center with a cemetery where only the famous people were buried. You had to be invited to be buried there. The headstones were amazing. After walking through this area, we came back to our hotel to rest before going to dinner. And rest we did. Denise and I both could not keep our eyes open and crashed quickly for a quick cat nap. We were at the hotel for only 1.5 hours. Michal and Pavel came and retrieved us again at 7:30 PM.. We went to the apartment that Pavel owns and Michal lives in. It is really nice. It is in a new building on the 4th floor and you can see the Prague castle in the distance. We then headed to Michal's favorite place to eat...The Golden Piglet. It was real close to where he lives. It was a small, very clean, pub. The food was excellent. Denise and I both had different cream based pastas. They also made us a lemonade with ginger leaves in it. That was very good too.
Well, we are both really tired but thrilled with the great tour that Michal and Pavel gave us. We will be forever grateful.. Prague is a beautiful city.
Oh, Happy Birthday Mom! We did think about you a few times today. We will try to FaceTime with you later.
Prague Castle and views.....
Heading to St. Charles Bridge...
Old, old Prague.....the cemetery.
Honey Cake....
Our 'hotel'....which was quite a distance from downtown. When we arrived back here, after our city tour, a wedding reception was going on. Lots of music, people laughing and the host of the hotel was catering the event using his backyard BBQ.
Great day.....
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