Day 97 - Wet Prague

Woke up to an overcast day but temperature was still mild. I had a quick breakfast then jumped on the train to go explore Prague Castle.  Along the way it started raining so instead of going to the place Maria recommended for a scenic view first, I got off at the castle.  It is Saturday, raining, so I figured I needed to get into the castle before the hoards.

Thank goodness for Lonely Planet’s description of specific areas of the castle because the audio tours weren’t available.  According to the Guinness Book of World Records (now know it is related to the beer!), the castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, covering an area bigger than 7 football fields.  It was started in the 9^th century as a fortified settlement.  I bought a short tour ticket that allowed me entry to:

·         St Vitus’ Cathedral – foundation stone was laid in 1344

·         Old Royal Palace – dating from 1135

·         Basilica of St George – Romanesque church established in the 10^th century

·         Golden Lane – cobbled alley with tiny cottages and a round tower filled with weapons of destruction, armour, and a torture chamber.

By this stage, there was light misty rain, it was getting colder, and was packed with tourists.  Made my way out through the front of the Castle in time to see (just), the changing of the guards ceremony.  I tried to “soldier” on despite the cold and rain by following the Lonely Planet walking tour – through Hradcany Square, Church of St John Nepomuk, Novy Svet (quaint laneway), to Loreta (shrine to the Virgin Mary), and the lookout.  All lovely but time to move on and get into warmer clothes.  I grabbed a coffee and jumped on the tram to the hotel.

The rest of the afternoon was spent downloading photos, reading about Cesky Krumlov (go there tomorrow), visiting the supermarket to get breakfast and lunch supplies for the next day (leave for Cesky at 7am and won’t return til 9pm), and going to investigate the loud music coming from the local park – turned out to be a Christian festival so I didn’t hang around (was being invited to church the next day!)

I followed Lonely Planet’s recommendation for a cheap Czech restaurant for dinner.  It was a cosy place with good beer but the meal wasn’t brilliant.  I asked for something fairly traditional of Czech and ended up having beef sirloin with sour cream, cranberries, dumplings, and a mixed salad.  The dumplings were more like thick slices of round bread, and the sauce was quite sweet (would’ve tasted better if it was hot).  The beer was good though!  They serve it in half litre glasses.

Early night, have to be up at the crack of dawn!  I have to pack my wet weather gear as the forecast is for loads of rain.