Prague, Prague, Czech RepublicTrain Vienna to Prague: How nice, water was given to all the passengers. Best part of taking a train is enjoying the scenery: farmlands, a big gothic two-spired church high on hill coming into Bruhn, then mountainous area. Arrived 25 minutes late. Yesterday, Eva from the hotel in Prague emailed and arranged taxi pickup. The driver met us inside the train station at Burger King, of all places. This was sure easy; followed him to his taxi.
Hotel Bishops House: Perfect location on a quaint little dead-end street only a block away from the Lesser Town Tower. Very surprised that it was so quiet yet so close to all the crowds by the Charles Bridge. Eva was at the reception desk greeting us with lemon water. Since we are here for such a short time, decided a tour would be best. Chose one from several Eva suggested, and she made all the arrangements for tomorrow. Room very clean; large bathroom and shower. Breakfast included; good food as well as a nice selection. Eva as well as the rest of the staff was so friendly and accommodating. Mira, a super friendly, super nice young man made ice for us all the time (no machines, only ice cube tray in the frig freezer). Enjoyed chatting with them all the time and hearing about their lives here. Interesting that Mira watched American football and knew all about Tom Brady. We really enjoyed this family atmosphere and the accommodations.
Hotel Bishops House: Perfect location on a quaint little dead-end street only a block away from the Lesser Town Tower. Very surprised that it was so quiet yet so close to all the crowds by the Charles Bridge. Eva was at the reception desk greeting us with lemon water. Since we are here for such a short time, decided a tour would be best. Chose one from several Eva suggested, and she made all the arrangements for tomorrow. Room very clean; large bathroom and shower. Breakfast included; good food as well as a nice selection. Eva as well as the rest of the staff was so friendly and accommodating. Mira, a super friendly, super nice young man made ice for us all the time (no machines, only ice cube tray in the frig freezer). Enjoyed chatting with them all the time and hearing about their lives here. Interesting that Mira watched American football and knew all about Tom Brady. We really enjoyed this family atmosphere and the accommodations.
Dinner: Pod Vezi restaurant near the hotel. Great friendly waiter. Food delicious--chicken, pork chop
CHARLES BRIDGE (33-ft wide, 1/3 mile long) Every day we were on the bridge, as well as with the tour, so all the info and pictures are in this one spot. Built in 1402 over the Vltava River, the bridge connects Old Town (Staré Mesto,) with Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Pedestrian only it's a tourist "Main Street." Gothic Towers at each end have ancient arched gateways that lead into the towns.
Trudlo (also called trdelnik or trozkol) vendor was next to the tower. First time seeing these. Fascinating watching them being made: rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, then grilled, and filled with ice cream--Yum.
The first evening, we sure weren't prepared for the experience of walking across during high tourist season. In addition to being very hot even in the early evening, it was absolutely jammed with a constant stream of people, no matter the time of day. Adding to the lively chaos are street musicians and "flea market" vendors. What a difference after being in Vienna with its very classical atmosphere. Even with the crowds, it was always fun in this energetic part of Prague.
Baroque Statues, mostly of saints, line both sides of the bridge.
The tour guide provided interesting history and fascinating legends associated with some of the statues. St. John of Nepomuk: Legend is King Wenceslas had him thrown over the bridge because he refused to tell the king about the queen's confession (cheated on her husband).Touching the plaque underneath the statue is supposed to bring luck. A few steps away is a cross with five stars, which is the exact point where the priest was thrown in the water in 1383. Legend has it that stars appeared when he touched the water. If you touch the cross and the stars with your left hand and make a wish, it will come true!
Best time to be here was at night with the lights reflecting in the river and the Castle and Petrin Tower looming above up on the hill. To top it off, fireworks over the river. Spectacular spot!
Baroque Statues, mostly of saints, line both sides of the bridge.
The tour guide provided interesting history and fascinating legends associated with some of the statues. St. John of Nepomuk: Legend is King Wenceslas had him thrown over the bridge because he refused to tell the king about the queen's confession (cheated on her husband).Touching the plaque underneath the statue is supposed to bring luck. A few steps away is a cross with five stars, which is the exact point where the priest was thrown in the water in 1383. Legend has it that stars appeared when he touched the water. If you touch the cross and the stars with your left hand and make a wish, it will come true!
Best time to be here was at night with the lights reflecting in the river and the Castle and Petrin Tower looming above up on the hill. To top it off, fireworks over the river. Spectacular spot!
2025-05-22