I woke up about 7 and went back to sleep for a while. Got dressed and went to breakfast about 8. The breakfast is included with the room here at the K&K Fenix. Nice buffet.
Came back to the room and sorted clothes - where are my socks? Headed out about 9 to see the primary sights and then I may do a tour tomorrow to Karlstejn Castle. We'll see. I may be toured out so I'll play it by ear.
What an action packed day. I left the hotel a little after 9 am and the streets were PACKED with tourist groups - a lot of Germans and Italians. Since my hotel is so close to the Museum, I decided to start there. Mobs of people, so I took a few pictures and headed to the Opera, just up the street. Wove my way back through the city to the old Munical House and Powder Tower. When Tim and I stayed in Prague before, we stayed near here. It started out a bit cool, but the day was gorgeous and warmed up as the day went on.
I started strolling down Celetna and did some window shopping. I found a gorgeous Czech glass art object - multi-colored chunks twisted together symmetrically. Blue, pink, and white. They wouldn't do much bargaining on the price. I told her I would think about it and strolled a bit further and found a piece at half the price that I actually liked better. So after some negotiations, I bought it, they wrapped it up, gave me the customs papers so I can get the 19% tax back, and I was on my way. Didn't know I would be touring today with a shopping bag.
Got to the Old Town Hall - a beautiful cobble-stone square - and there was a market set up. Food, wine, beer, knic-knacs, etc. It was fun walking around. But at times the crowds were too much - I'd rather be places where it is quieter. I stuck around the square until the astrological clock chimed noon - the crowds were packed in the square. While I was in the square I got a couple of handouts for concerts tonight - may consider that.
Continued on along the old streets to the Charles Bridge - beautiful architecture, quaint streets, blue skies along the way. The bridge is under serious construction and at places it was difficult to move. But I finally reached the other side and continued on through the west side to St. Nicholas Church. There I discovered a treat that is unique to the Czech Republic - Trdelnik - it is like a donut that is made in a large sheet, then put in hot oil and it swells, but it is in a long roll, then they roll it in sugar, cinnamon, nuts, etc. IT WAS SO GOOD!
I headed for the long walk up the hill to the Prague Castle. Beautiful buildings but it was closed - not sure why. There was to be a concert at the cathedral at 1:30 but obviously this was changed. I noticed there were a lot of police and military around and they started "herding" the tourists to specific spots. I watched as they cleared the square - then a military guard came through with a band. They opened the gates to the Presidential Palace. One of the guards told me that the Pope was arriving this afternoon - but not until 4:15. It was only 1:30 - so I decided not to wait for that.
I headed back down a long stairway. Stopped by St. Nicholas Church and they are having a concert tonight too. Choices - choices - choices. A lot going on in this city this weekend.
Headed down a different street on the west side, instead of hitting the crowds on the Charles Bridge, and went to the Most Legii Bridge and walked across. This took me by the National Theatre. I walked down Narodni for a while and then headed in to find the monastery where the concert I want to go is - near the astrological clock. Couldn't find it so I'll come back early.
I stopped at a restaurant at Old Town Square and had a small salad and 2 beers. It was fun watching the people all around. You couldn't sit at this restaurant and just drink - you had to eat. Then went to the Thai Massage Center and inquired about a massage - my shoulders and feet need it. It was late afternoon by then, so I headed back to the hotel to refresh for the 5:30 concert. It had warmed up considerably so I put on short sleeves so I wouldn't get hot at the concert. Wove my way through the streets by the Estates Theatre near Wencelas Square and found a man selling tickets to the concert. Bought one and went in since it was about 5:15. The room was very small in this monastery but the ceiling was painted and gorgeous. The concert was excellent - an organ, violin, harp, and soprano. About an hour of performance and it was over. Totally enjoyed that.
I then went to the Thai Massage Center but they were booked until 8:30, so I went back to the Old Town Square. I couldn't resist having a baquette with chicken skewer (only 100 CZK or less than $6). I put mustard on it - and it was SO GOOD. Then I bought a draught beer for 35 CZK or about $2. Then I had to have another sweet treat - so I got another trdelnik. This one cost less and was better than the first!!!! May have to get another one of those tomorrow. (Only 1?)
I sat on a wall and watched people for a long while. Interesting. There were a lot of Italian girls - one named Flavia - made me think of Gelso. Then I strolled back to the Municipal House and then back to the main street and finally to the Thai Massage Center. I was early so they gave me some tea and had me rest my feet. It was finally my turn and I went in and changed and she started working on me - she stood on my legs, pulled me, kneeded me, stretched me, etc. It hurt so good. She kept saying "No pain, no gain!" and she would laugh.
I was pooped after that session so headed back to the hotel for the night. I should sleep good tonight. Updated email, FaceBook, Blog, etc., watched a little CNN, and then went to sleep.
I reviewed the city map and see that I missed a few sites today, so I'll do those tomorrow. Still things left to do. But this was a GREAT day.
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