For the last time this year I find myself in a new country, exploring the wonders of the fantastic city of Prague. I actually arrived yesterday morning, but I was incredibly tired and the prospect of a hard days tourism was too daunting to face, so instead Yvonne and I spent the day lazing about and planning the following day. Thankfully the room was comfortable (if Spartan) and the restaurant was cheap and served it’s purpose.
Today was a big adventure, and like every adventure it started with a good breakfast that set us up for the day ahead. We left the hotel later then planned because we first forgot money, then keys, then the guidebook, then gloves, then a coat. Evidently we were still feeling quite tired from the day before! But finally we were on our way to the city centre, passing many beautiful houses and bridges that make up most of Prague. Neither me or Yvonne had ever been to Prague before and we were not quite sure what to expect when we arrived at the square beside the astrological clock.
In short, it was simply beautiful. In long, it was incredibly beautiful. More sensibly, the Christmas market was a lovely scene that had it’s own unique features to a very German concept. There was a selection of warm wine, cider and cava as well as what was called “old Prague ham,” which I’m sure is lovely but did not quite appeal.
This was nothing compared to the wonder that was the astrological clock. This magnificent piece of late medieval engineering (built in 1490!) accurately dates not only the time and the lunar calendar, but when sunrise and sunset happened. And like every good clock should. On the hour there was a procession of the twelve apostles, death turned his hourglass and the rooster crowed. Is it kitsch? Well yes, but it was charming and good fun to see.
Next stop was the Charles bridge, probably the most recognisable part of Prague after the countless spires and the equally endless numbers of English stag parties. I cannot possibly do this marvel justice in a few words, but needless to say it was a fantastic experience walking across it. It was however a complete zoo with tourists walking about, but that is unavoidable no matter what time of year and is bearable if you move fast enough. The last touristy part of today was a quick walk up Petrin Hill (unsure of the proper spelling), which is a lovely park full of people with children and dogs.
In the afternoon (after a quick bratwurst) we went to a famous little absinthe bar, and we were treated to the delight of Czech Absinthe. The name green fairy is a misnomer, and I propose that it should be changed to Green Dragon because at some points it felt like liquid flame was going to pour from my nostrils! Thankfully the cocktail was kinder on my insides but I was still under no illusion that I was drinking one of the worlds strongest liquor. After that we had a quick beer in a Cuban (I think) mojito bar which was fun, although I felt like the barstaff would have preferred that I was a native and not an English tourist.
So that was the first day of my New Years trip. Tomorrow we are going to see the castle, where I will spend hours slobbering over historical details and fantasising of days long gone. Expect my next entry to be extremely nerdy, so until tomorrow (hopefully).