A city having more than a million people keeping the streets busy. In 1992 the city became part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. It receives over 4 million international visitors in a year and is the sixth most visited city in Europe. Its existence started in the year 800 A.D. On 15 March 1939 Hitler ordered the German Army to enter the city to proclaim the castle. On 5 May 1945 the majority of the German population either fled or was expelled from the city after the third Shock Army entered the city.
Prague.
On Sunday morning, 20 May 2012, I got the chance to visit this city for 3 days (and the honor to spend my B-Day in this city). And to make it more special, I had a family member (Mother) who traveled over 10 000 km to visit me in Dresden, Germany. She had a conference in Prague, so nice company in the evenings... and a lot of exploring during the day while she was at work. Sounds like a pretty good plan!
We stayed at a very nice place (The Holiday Inn - Vyšerad) for the couple of days. I heard a lot of stories of this city... now it was time to experience it!
The main trem stop I used in Prague was Muzeum. It is the stop at the Wenceslas Square street.... a street full of life! It is a street with quite a slope... so my favourite part was walking down... It is street full of souvenir shops, and ladies... a LOT of clothe shops too! The first thing I had to buy was... yes... Absinthe! For Prague is known for the city which invented this potent drink, but... unfortunately they stopped producing the real Absinthe in the 18th century...
Now... to explain the routes I followed while touring Prague is close to impossible... so I will start with this list of photos to give you an idea what the city looks like:
Old Town Square
National Theater at night.
The Rudolfinum
Night view over Prague city centre.
St. Vitus Church
Trem system in Prague.
Czech Senate Garden
Old City Square at night with famous Prague Astronomical Clock.
Famous Prague Dancing Building.
Prague National Museum.
Artificial Rock Wall.
As one can see from the photos above... there is a lot of tourist attraction sites in Prague. What I have put up on this blog so far is just a rain drop compare to the thunderstorm. My suggestion when visiting Prague: At least one week to walk around and visit every museum. The atmosphere that is generated by the tourists in this city is quite unique. even when the elder are walking down the street, you still get this 'Next Generation Social life' feeling.
Franz Kafka couldn't have been more right when he said: "Prague never lets you go... this dear little mother has sharp claws". I would like to go back one day and finish exploring this marvelous city.
One of the most interesting things I saw in Prague was a pathway which is referred to as The Smallest Street in Prague. It is actually a pathway connecting an upper art of the city to the lower part of the city.... and it has a robot! Beware, for in the photo it doesn't look like steep climb... but as you know, looks can sometimes be deceiving. For the down part it is quite nice, it leads to a cafe bar... and good news... those taste buds will also be awarded with a nice cold beer if climbing the stairs to the top. I do not know of any accidents, but traffic jams are quite regular, so please equip yourself with something to keep you busy with while waiting...
On Monday morning, 21 May 2012, I left the Hotel without a map, without any plans for the day... Just exploring! I started walking in one direction... one pathway leading to the other... and after about 2 hours of walking, I found myself at the foot-end of the Prague Eiffel tower (Petrin Observation Tower). the tower is a mere 60m tall, but when climbing it, with winds from all side testing your balancing skills you learnt in primary school... for some people that 60m could be quite challenging. the steps which lead to the top of the tower is quite narrow and steep. After enjoying this wonderful adventure the 60m climb has to offer, one is awarded with the best panoramic view like no other!
It was my 25th birthday on 22 May 2012... and I couldn't have experienced this day any better. And yes... I was really lazy that day... and for the people who know me... I really appreciated that piece of Steak and a nice cold beer on that day... I left Prague that night after I had said goodbye to my mother.
Like I mentioned before, the vibe of Prague is nice... but cannot be explained to somebody.... You must experience it yourself! "The ancient splendor and beauty of Prague, a city beyond compare, left an impression on my imagination that will never fade..." - Richard Wagner.
Even though the time was short and we couldn't visit all of the places... it was a great honor for me to have spent this time and sharing it with my mother... and hopefully in the near future... the rest of my family! I missed you all (Liewe Jesus het my geseën om n familie soos julle te he!).
Two months left in Europe.... time is running out, so let's start planning the next tour.....
Until we meet again...
; )
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