Prague - August 27, 2010

We took a long walk over the Charles Bridge through Prague after visiting a castle and Cathedral high on a hill. The bus dropped us off and all 24 of us listened to history of both places and then walked back.

Although we skipped the part of walking up the 160 steps in the castle, we still had a spectacular view of the many red tiled roofs and buildings topped with onion domes we still had to walk down a mere 213 cobble stone and brick steps. The people on the bus have segregated into type of like interests. Frank, Ted, Dolores and I are concerned with too many steps for our knees, but we all made it reluctantly.

There are women with similar names. Two are named Jean, a Jane and of course a Joyce - the 4 J's. One of the Jean's mentioned that the red roofs are called thigh tiles as the men that make them lay the flat tiles on their thighs for the shape. Not sure if that is really true.

The walk down the steps had delightful shops on every landing. By the time we reached the Charles Bridge I was ready for the watercolors and jewelery sellers. It is so fun to find inexpensive items that supposedly are hand made and different.

Street Musicians in Prague by the Castle



Street Musicians in front of the Castle - Prague


Calliope on the Charles Bridge - Prague Czech Republic




Back to the square with the clock tower. I was right there when the wooden disciples opened the door above the clock and paraded by for all the tourists enjoyment. This time camera was on.

Right after the strike of one o'clock the clouds burst open and rains poured down. Stan and I slipped into an covered outdoor cafe for a bowl of soup, delicious dark European bread and beer.

The rains subsided and out came the people to fill the square. There is an international folk festival going on here. I took snippets of the music as we walked with some of the dancers and muscians. We saw them carrying flags from Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Belgium and Serbia.

I have about 30 snippets of videos from the dancers and musicians playing that I upladed to YouTube.com. Check it out - JoyceKropewnicki or listed under Prague.

Here is one sample of music. It was a frenzy of happy people.













FRI , AUGUST 27 - PRAGUE
After breakfast we will will start our tour of “The Towers of Prague”. Where we will go on top of the Prague Castle Tower, 160 steps, and enjoy the fantastic view of the whole city and then visit the famous St. Vitus Church and walk down through Nerudova Street to Mala Strana (Lesser Town); we will cross the famous Charles Bridge and through The King’s Way where we will reach the Old Town Square.
Lunch on your own and some time at leisure, Dinner with folklore and music. Overnight in Prague. ( B , D)