Saturday, June 28, 2008

Prague (Praha)

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and over the last few years its popularity in Europe has grown exponentially. Many travelers I have met along the way raved about Prague ever since I was in Dublin. It is geographically in the center of the Europe now, since recently a few more countries joined the European Union. The currency of the Czech Republic is the Koruna and it is approximately 1/15th of the U.S. dollar. I read and heard that Prague was very inexpensive so I didn't try to calculate how much I was spending, I just paid without any worry. Although, it was a bit strange getting 4000 or so out of the ATM and spending half of it very quickly.

Prague is well-known for its architecture spanning medieval times and baroque. There are many baroque churches that hold classical concerts in them daily. Since I passed on paying for a concert in Vienna and Prague is known for inexpensive concerts, I treated myself to two. :)

I stayed in a hostel right near the old town square. The old town square was very lively and there were so many people from all over. Prague is filled with cobblestone roads leading all over the city, many bridges, and many historical buildings. This makes the city a very pleasant host to people from all over the world.

The Tyn Church is right by the hostel I stayed in. Someone I met on the train recommended the hostel and gave me their card that had a small drawing of the Tyn Church on it. When I got off the train, I walked outside and looked at the skyline of Prague. I was on the west side of the Vltava river and saw to my right, across the river, a church with two towers that resembled the drawing on the card. After walking to this church and finding no hostel in sight, I decided to look at my map. After much walking and looking at signs found out I was way off of the map. It was this long walk when I decided I would make a bad tour-guide. Now you have the whole story. :)

Vltava River and not Tyn Church in the background:


Tyn Church, not visible, but behind there on the left... I think. :P Although, I had no idea at the time.


Not Tyn Church


Tyn Church!


St. Nicolas Cathedral - Where I went to church that Sunday


Ominous clouds with statue


Tyn Church again with big screen televisions at the bottom for the futball game that night.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Some pictures

I am a little behind on updating, but I have a few pictures to share with you.



A meal in Germany
A meal in Austria

A meal in Poland