WAKE UP! There is nothing like a warm cuppa Joe to get you moving in the morning, or if you're anything like Tina, a POT of Joe! And by the way, the Joe, try it all! The hotel breakfasts were not only a great way to fuel your day, but delicious!
Day 2 started with the group hopping on a local tram to Prague Castle. Another great reason to consider a Rick Steves tour is the convenience of taking local transportation, without the worry of buying the right kind of pass or ticket. Once we got up to the massive complex it only took a moment before the view and the architecture took our breaths away!
We started by walking through the gates and before long were met by the ever-impressive St. Vitus Cathedral. Etelka and Honza (our local guide-another "celebrity" from Rick Steves episodes) shared the historical information of the area, along with personal notes and experiences. They made sure we had ample time outside to "soak it all in" before we went inside and were blown away by the sheer beauty and enormity of the cathedral.
Day 2 started with the group hopping on a local tram to Prague Castle. Another great reason to consider a Rick Steves tour is the convenience of taking local transportation, without the worry of buying the right kind of pass or ticket. Once we got up to the massive complex it only took a moment before the view and the architecture took our breaths away!
We started by walking through the gates and before long were met by the ever-impressive St. Vitus Cathedral. Etelka and Honza (our local guide-another "celebrity" from Rick Steves episodes) shared the historical information of the area, along with personal notes and experiences. They made sure we had ample time outside to "soak it all in" before we went inside and were blown away by the sheer beauty and enormity of the cathedral.
The sheer magnitude of St. Vitus' Cathedral was tremendous, yet inviting. We had bursts of sunlight and spurts of rain, which provided an amazing contrast in the lighting and feeling inside different areas. Once outside, we had a brief break to walk around the courtyard and see the cathedral from another viewpoint before heading into St. George's Basilica, which could only be described as the true obverse of the cathedral.
St. George's Basilica was a quiet and cozy place. Once inside, a reverence was felt by us all, as it was apparent that this place had held many momentous moments in Czech history. Honza shared the history of the basilica, and as we walked in and out of the different areas the gravity it's history weighed us all into silence. Afterwards, we visited The Old Royal Palace. The structure was unlike any we had seen before, The beautiful and functional boning in the ceiling was truly unique. A fun fact, The Old Royal Palace is still used today during elections & inaugurations.
After The Old Royal Palace, we mosied through Golden Lane, and were instantly transferred back-in-time as we intently listened to the Czech Republic's history from Honza. We took some time to wander on our own and we were ready for a refreshment, which to our luck was just a short walk down the path. We came across a lovely little cafe with a small shaded courtyard, peppered with old cannons-and a free toilet! As we sipped our drinks we meandered in the small doorways that held fixtures and props to represent the once-functioning shops that surrounded the castle, and we found that some of these quaint spaces still had local wares and goodies for sale. Be on the lookout for space once held by Franz Kafka. Our ever-thoughtful Etelka shared a delicious treat with the group, and off we went again!
Just around the corner from Golden Lane was an interesting look into the past practices of punishment. Although hard to imagine such grizzly practices, we were easily distracted by the backdrop of the stunning view of the bustling city below and beautiful gardens on the property. We continued our walk together through the gardens and then arrived at the front of Prague Castle just in time for the changing of the guards. It was a proud display of pageantry and poise.
Just around the corner from Golden Lane was an interesting look into the past practices of punishment. Although hard to imagine such grizzly practices, we were easily distracted by the backdrop of the stunning view of the bustling city below and beautiful gardens on the property. We continued our walk together through the gardens and then arrived at the front of Prague Castle just in time for the changing of the guards. It was a proud display of pageantry and poise.
This was where we parted ways for the remainder of the day. However, although it was only day 2, we were already making friends and wanting to spend time with many in the group. Through the recommendations of Honza and Etelka, we decided to walk to Strahov Monastery Brewery (Sv. Norbert) for some thirst quenching pivo. Like any good brewery, this provided a perfect place for group-members to start making friendships. We shared stories of who we were, our travels, our "whys", and thoughts on Prague and it's amazing story.
Afterwards, we hopped back onto the tram (which was so easy to navigate) and made our way back towards Old Town. Once back, we checked out some local shops and consulted the ever-wise TripAdvisor for our next meal. Sad Man's Tongue is one of those places that we continue to think about months and months later. The atmosphere was casual and a version of 1950s Americana. The staff were friendly and helpful, the pivo frosty, and the burgers...the burgers make me salivate still today!
Although we had a FULL day of adventure and walking, after a rest and hydration, we were back out to enjoy the beautiful Old Town in the evening...and more gelato (you only live once!)
Afterwards, we hopped back onto the tram (which was so easy to navigate) and made our way back towards Old Town. Once back, we checked out some local shops and consulted the ever-wise TripAdvisor for our next meal. Sad Man's Tongue is one of those places that we continue to think about months and months later. The atmosphere was casual and a version of 1950s Americana. The staff were friendly and helpful, the pivo frosty, and the burgers...the burgers make me salivate still today!
Although we had a FULL day of adventure and walking, after a rest and hydration, we were back out to enjoy the beautiful Old Town in the evening...and more gelato (you only live once!)