Our final stop, Prague, Czech Republic!

At about 10pm, we reached Prague by train. Unlike in Vienna and Buadpest, we had some initial currency and metro difficulties. In Buadpest, we simply took money out of the ATMs without difficulty (Vienna uses the Euro, which Germany also uses, so money wasn't a problem there). When I attempted to take the equivalent of $50 out in Prague, I got one bill back worth $50. Unfortuantely, the machines to get metro passes only accepted coins. So there was a bit of an issue. We made it to our hotel by about 11pm.

We had been told that we needed to see the Charles Bridge but that it was extremely crowded during the day. So we took a nice midnight metro ride and walk to the bridge. Sadly, our pictures didn't turn out too well.

Too early the next morning, we headed off to Prague Castle.

We saw the changing of the guard (Are they allowed to be smiling?!)




We saw the main Castle church, the St Vitus Cathedral




which, like most cathedrals, was very ornate inside.




We also visited the more quaint Basilica of St George. This is the best preserved church from the Romaneque period and was built in the 10th century.




We took a trip down the Golden Lane which preportedly looks like a set for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.



These buildings apparently housed the castle guards. Franz Kafka (think back to the story, Metamorphasis, in high school) also lived in one of the houses in 1916-1917.

Before exiting the Castle area, we climbed the Dalibor Tower. This was used to house prisoners in the 1600-1700s. Needless to say, I would not have wanted to be a prisoner here!




After fighting the crowds at Prague Castle for a few hours, we were very happy to find a Starbucks and get some caffeine! Jennie, I curse you for introducing me to mocha 10 years ago!




Bedrich Smetana, our great great great great uncle was a composer in the 1800s and is a very well known figure in the Czech Republic. There is a museum dedicated to him filled with letters and relics from his life.




The museum definitely helped put a face to the name.




The Bethlehem Chapel, pictured below, was built in the 14th century. Here, religious reformer Jan Hus, brought the mass to the common people as he began preaching in 'vulgar' Czech instead of Latin as demaned by the Catholic Church.




The apparent center of Prague's social life is Old Town Square. This area houses the Astronomical Clock.




It was built in the 13th century and was a technological wonder of the time. It tracks the time, phases of the Moon and path of the Sun.




As we were in Prague just two days before Easter, we were able to see their wonderful Easter Market and celebrations.

They had many stands selling food and




Easter Eggs (yes, there were small painted eggs for sale also),




as well as stage performers (with the backdrop of a beautiful church!)




We capped off our night in Prague and our final day of our trip with a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe.




Yes, I am really drinking an alcoholic beverage (but it doesn't taste like alcohol!)


Jennie and Jackie, thanks for a great trip! Come back soon!