Romanced by Prague



Prague. Oh how I love thee. The ride from Berlin to Prague went from a flat terrain to a beautiful, hilly, rocky landscape. People have constructed their villages where they could. On top of cliffs, and in deep valleys. It made for an amazing train ride.

Train Ride from Berlin to Prague

Prague itself is beautiful. Like most cities, there are areas to be avoided. Mainly near the train station, but the city is the perfect combination on what God has created and what man has made of those things. The landscape, buildings, everything was great. Not to mention it was a bit cheaper than my previous locations. The city is well preserved since the wars did not wreak havok on the original design. The streets and sidewalks throughout are hand-laid cobble stones. The amount of labor it must have taken (and still does) is incredible to me. I love when the grass peaks up between them. Many of the streets are intimately narrow.



Near the Palace overlooking Prague



The hostel location was more than ideal, it was perfect. It was literally right in the heart of the Old Town. One of the best people watching places. Between all the tourists, Ghost tours, pub crawl groups, 6 person table bike flying downhill, smelling the ham on the spicket, and the locals, there is never a dull moment. It was good to grab a beer with the people I met at the hostel, and watch the sights in the square. Even when it rained the first night, we just pulled up shop under an overhang and watched. I had a great time meeting Dylan and Brittany from California and Armand from Dallas within the days.



Jesus, the Savior of Humanity. Kutna Hora

After Brittany and Dylan took off after the four of us had breakfast, Armand and I thought we would check out the bone church an hour from Prague in Kutna Hora. The interiors of this building is decorated with columns, pyramids, crests, and a chandellier made entirely of human bones. I thought it would be chilling, but the narrative on it was quite nice. IHS is constructed of bones, meaning (Jesus, the Savior of Humanity). After reading that and knowing that this was the result of over 40,000 who died from the plague, there were no chills to be had. It was mostly amazing, interesting, and kind of nice to know that these bodies were cared for enough that something was done with them after they had all died.

 

Strahov Monastary, Theological Hall. Look at those frescos!

Varying types of religious materialization. From the bones of Kutna Hora to the Theological Hall of the Strahov Monastery, this 17th century library housed many copies of the bible translated into different languages. The monastery also included curiousities and interests of the time. The library is very well preserved and the frescos were gorgeous.

Within the Palace confines, there were well preserved 17th century houses. The people lived so simply and in such small quarters.



Preserved  17th Century Houses on the Golden Road, Palace property





Old Town Square (Hostel in the alley on the left of church)



 

After spending a few days with great company, I tackled the last day (Sunday) alone. It was nice to go at my own pace depending on my mood. I made it back up to the palace, cathedral, monastery, through the park to the giant metronome and skater park, down through the beer garden and to the hostel in time to go to dinner with three new lasses from Scotland.  We enjoyed some local food and beer at Pivovarsky Dum. If you ever find yourself in Prague, do not miss this place. It was the best food I have had so far and was extremely reasonable in price. 



Next I am off to Vienna. I am excited to see more.