Slow start - all this travelling gets tiring, and I am not driving. Told we could buy bus tickets at P.O. - not so, "buy on the bus". Not on bus either, "buy at Metro Station," so travelled free again.

Arrived at Metro and took 2 trains to the castle, where we spent the whole day!!

Prague Castle is the biggest fortified castle in Europe, dating in parts from the 900s, and the final church completed in the 1930s . About 600 metres in length, comprising several courtyards, the Royal Garden, two churches and much more. Watched the changing of the guard from a distance, accompanied by military band. Guards wear powder blue uniforms, designed in 1984 by a movie costume designer to replace the previous khaki.

We walked slowly through two courtyards and the Royal Gardens, then the magnificent St Vitus Cathedral. Inspected St Wenceslas Chapel (tomb too, not visible). Wenceslas was a royal duke who became Patron Saint of Czechoslovakia. There are some beautiful stain glass windows, especially two opposite each other by Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha.

The cathedral is mostly Gothic and the largest in Czech Republic. It truly is magnificent. Crypt closed so could not see the remains of previous churches dating back to 929 underneath.
New word for toda - Defenestration. In 1618, Bohemian noblemen threw two catholic councillors out the window and "The Second Defenestration of Prague" sparked the Thirty Years War . There were 3 defenestrations in all.

More courtyards , Old Palace, exhibition of history of the Castle, and more. Finally, Golden Lane, a few narrow streets of tiny 16th century houses, some furnished as they would have been and others small shops selling hand made wares. Had to sample Trdlo - a hollow sweet Czech pastry, cooked on a wooden stick in a type of rotisserie.

Started to rain heavily as we left. Walked down the steps to the river bank to see "the metronome!" Story is that the concrete blocks and terrace on the river bank were supporting a huge 30 metre high statue to Stalin, built in 1955, but when Krushcev tried to take Uncle Joe out of history, it was dynamited in 1962, leaving just the terraced base.

Back to camp, slightly wet but we had a great day.
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