VÍTEJTE V PRAZE! Our camera broke right before our trip. So, we're still figuring out how it works. This is a fun failed attempt at a selfie.
Interior of Cathedral
The cathedral has amazing stained glass windows. I wish the light was right to get better pics of them. The colors were so vibrant. Almost neon.
Alphonse Mucha's window portraying the spread of Christianity to the Slavic people.
Above the alter
South side of the cathedral
Rose Window
Stained glass on the south side of the cathedral
Alterpiece
This is just a small portion of (Jan Nepomucký) St John of Nepomuk's tomb, which contains more than 2 tons of silver.
St. Vitus Mosaic was restored from 1992-2008 with help from the Getty Conservation Institute. Each tile was removed, cleaned, regilded, given a protective coat, and reinstalled.
View of southeastern portion of St. Vitus Cathedral.
Interior of St. George's Basilica, which looks pretty good for being over 1,000 years old.
This is a row of tiny houses. A new northern wall was constructed for the castle and these houses were squeezed between the two and called "Golden Lane." It's called "golden lane" because of the goldsmiths that lived there. But, we were told something a bit different. That lots of servant and soldiers lived here and it was called "Golden Lane" ironically because it's occupied by the poor. Either way, they are very tiny houses.
View of Prague over the Vltava River from Prague Castle.
Megan and I as secret service agents.
Another beautiful shot of Prague
Karlův most (Charles Bridge) was constructed in 1357 and the only way to cross the Vltava (Moldau) River until 1841. This made Prague a very important city for trade. It was inspired by the Old Stone Bridge in Regensburg. This tower is on the Old Town side.
Charles Bridge looking toward Prague Castle.
Megan with a stein of Kozel Dark Beer at VKolkovně. This 1 liter was 103 Krona (about $4). Long story short, I'm moving to Prague...
Great way to end a night.
Every year, thousands of guys with awesome facial hair and motorcycles throw a party to raise money to prevent prostate cancer and suicide. These are The Distinguished Gentlemen.
Charles Bridge Old Town side tower during the day.
Side of the Charles Bridge
Just a few swans
Back side of the tower of the Charles Bridge
Megan and I on the Charles Bridge
View of Prague Castle
Alexander Graham Bell says "I invent telephones. Bitches love telephones." This is street art graffiti that educates.
View of Mostecká Street looking toward St. Nicholas Church
Guess what? It's another plague column looking toward Prague Castle. One plague outbreak killed about 13,000 of 70,000 citizens. So, you can understand why people were so grateful to be alive.
Mmmm... Czech cookies!
Looking up at Schwarzenberský palác (palace) from a street with no name.
Looking down the street with no name
At some point we'll know when the camera will go off. That time is not now...
We figured it out!
Megan and I have a bit of a disagreement. I want this over the front door of our house and she wants it to stay in Prague. Who's right?
Filming a movie from a Josefov (Jewish Quarter) roundabout looking down V Kolkovně Street. A man told me all about it very passionately for a while. Unfortunately, I don't know Czech.
Megan enjoying a trdlo or trdelnik in front of týn Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem (Church of our Lady before týn). It's a cake grilled on a stick and covered with sugar and a walnut mix. Some places fill it with ice cream, gelato, and tons of other things.
Stop playing with your food in front of the Old Town Hall
It's the third oldest astronomical clock in the world. But, it's the only one still functioning. And it attracts a crowd.
Throngs of people in Old Town Square around Pomník mistra Jana Husa (Memorial to Jan Hus). He was a Czech hero that fought for religious reforms and Czech independence. He was eventually burned at the stake for his beliefs.
týn Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem (Church of our Lady before týn) replaced a previous church on the site starting construction in the 14th century and nearing completion in the 15th century. The tower to the right was finished in 1511. The entrance of the church is only accessible by walking a narrow passage in the building in front of it.
All the spires are so interesting.
Štupartská Street
Prašná brána (The Powder Tower) is one of the original 13 towers to the city gate. Constructed in 1475, it was designed to be an attractive entrance to the city instead of defensive purposes. Although, in the 1600s it was used to store gunpowder.
Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square) is the center of New Town. And "New Town" was founded in the 14th Century. The square started as a horse market and today is sells lots of fancy clothes.
Sex Machines Museum - Dedicated to erotic tools dating back to the 16th century, not James Brown...
More Kozel beer at NOSTRESS. Fun little cafe with drinks, snacks, and a full menu. Tried a shot of Slivovice (Slivovitz), which is a local plum brandy.
The Last Supper at Zlatá Praha Restaurace with an amazing view of Old Town. I recommend the duck.
Marianne playing the role of Vanna White to the city of Prague.
Looking over the square and down Pařížská Street toward Old Town
With our final moments in Europe, Megan and I raced over to the Letenská pláň (park) for one last view of Prague and the Vltava before boarding our plane back home.
Metronome kinetic sculpture at Letenská pláň (park).
It's mesmerizing watching it swing back and forth
Panorama of Prague
We're sad we have to go.
Look what we discovered at the Munich Airport: NAPCABS! They are little sleeping chambers with beds, privacy, and quiet.
Looking out our Lufthansa flight there was another passenger jet flying very close. Closer than any other plane I've seen in the air. And they passed us pretty quickly.
Iceland down below
Looking at a volcanic crater (?) in Iceland
THANKS DICK AND MARIANNE for inviting us on the grand tour of the Danube River. We had a great time and made lots of wonderful memories. It was a special journey we'll always cherish.
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