Hotel: Hotel Roma
With our current fascination with Eastern European countries, Clare suggested a trip to Prague for our usual February get away. Having been to Krakow a couple of times, we though we would try somewhere that offered something a little different, yet still had the feel of the city. We were a little underwhelmed by the beauty of the city and how much was crammed into such a small area.
We arrived late evening in Prague, the taxi driver taking us to our hotel was a font of knowledge advising us to only drink the local beers, if not afraid of height to head up the fenicular and see the Lesser Square and Astrological Clock. We arrived and czeched (sorry) into our hotel, and decided to go out into the main point of the city for something to eat. This was when we first discovered Charles Bridge (Karlos Muntz), the main bridge connecting the old town and new town.
The food in Prague is similar to most Easter European countries, meat (pork hocks/chicken) with cabbage, potatoes or beetroot and we love it. Whilst in Prague we tried Wild Boar, Chicken on sword skewers and lots of goulash
On the recommendations of thousands on Trip Advisor and our Taxi Driver we trekked to Lesser square to take in the Astrological Clock. All I can say is...what? we waited around for about ten minutes, choosing the prime location for viewing the spectacular that was about to happen. The crowds built, the tensions mounted and then the hour struck. After the minute of mechanic bravado, I turned to Clare and she was just laughing, what had we just witnessed, and why were people clapping? Had we missed something?
No City break with a river would be complete without a boat trip, I love me a boat trip. Clare and I
were soon aboard our cruise with a free Pivo (beer) and cup of tea and off we sailed. Learning more of the city and it's history, I felt much more knowledgeable of our surroundings.
Charles Bridge is a great place to meander up and down as there is always something happening on there. One of the many bands performing "The Band on the Bridge" are just one of the highlights. A group of 4 aged gentlemen delighting audiences with their music, and flogging CD's
We also took a trip up the fenicular to the tower on the hill for real panoramic views of the spectacular city, I braved the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and took the camera with me. The views from here were just awesome. We then skipped down to the Palace to which we were just in time to see the changing of the guard.
Everything is in walking distance in Prague, however to walk to everything in one day really takes a toll on the little feet.
Prague, for me, will always be the place I heard Clare laugh for the first time in months. We had suffered real heartbreak and Clare had trouble seeing life for what it had to offer. Hearing Clare laugh whilst stood on Charles Bridge early in the holiday will be something I always remember.
