Everything i had heard about Prague previously was grossly understating what this city is like. It is simply incredible.
I dont know what exactly it is that makes it so cool. It could be the fact that beers start at 60c when you are out, or you can sit in the finest hotel in town and listen to jazz and drink cocktails for a few euros. There is a certain feeling about it. You feel so comfortable in this city. There is always something to see and a corner you havent yet discovered. Its like a never ending tour that goes wherever your feet direct you. Its incredible.
But before we got there we had an interesting experience. We crossed the border near Vienna, and between the two national borders there is a tax free zone. It has lost some of its significance now that the Czech Republic is part of the EU, but all the same, there was some cheap shopping to be done.Cue Mum.
We saw a huge building in the middle of nowhere, there were all sorts of designer shops and all at about half the normal cost. Mum was in heaven. But somewhat strangely, she didnt go wild. I know, i dont understand it either. Me and dad took a wise break, and went for a coffee, we found a nice coffee shop and sat down. We saw a special and ordered that. Long story short, it was a huge piece of apple strudel, ice cream, cream, chocolate, and a coffee for 1.5 euros. Seeing as i have been paying 3 euros for a coffee and a few more for cake, we knew we were not in Austria!
After passing all the casinos, tax free shops, and even a theme park! We crossed the other border and headed to Prague. And now, where to start? We were staying in the centre of town, and so legged it, bought a tourist guide book, as we did everywhere and headed for the Charles' Bridge, the most famous site in Prague. We got there in late afternoon, and it blew me away. There is not that special about the things in Prague, but at the same time, you cant help but drop your jaw at how beautiful everything is. The Charles' Bridge is an example. It is simply incredible.
Prague was one of the only cities that was completely untouched during the war, and for that, any of the wars, which makes it a very ancient city. The things there date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. But it also has its own style. The gargoyles everywhere are fantastic. You get the feeling being here that everything in the town has a story to it.
That night we all went out to meet some friends of dads who he works with and one was celebrating her birthday in Prague, couldnt think of a cooler place to do it. We went to the favourite bar of Charlton Heston. We had a great time. We watched the Czechs demolish Denmark in the soccer, which made it a great place to party! We went to the main square, and then of course, once more to the Charles' Bridge. We watched the astronomical clock chime and then went back to the hotel after a really enjoyable night.
Paz