Prague (part dew)
Draining the last of our drink, we peered from our perch behind the plate glass window. Will this rain never stop? As if by decree, a shaft of light stabbed the mist. (Note to self: use this power for good!)
Mist fought back. But sunlight valiantly battled on until its rays had victoriously swept the streets. The cobbles glistened gold. Vanquished, vapor retreated to the damp corners and shadows.
The city beckoned. Thus continued our adventure: Prague (part dew)
We stepped outside. The air was fresh and invigorating. Doors opened and people flooded onto the street. They all seemed to be heading in one direction. What the heck, we joined in.
Hit the cobbles running
The only other time I had experienced a mass confluence like this was at the Louvre.
We encountered a throng moving in a determined direction. It looked like they knew where they were going, so we joined them. Like a swarm of bees returning to their queen, we rounded a corner and there she was, Mona Lisa.
Winding through the narrow streets, our numbers continued to grow. Those heading in the opposite direction soon discovered it was fruitless. They too succumbed and joined our ranks.
Just as I was beginning to question this herd mentality, we spilled out into Staromestke Namesti (Old Town Square). We had arrived at the very the heart of the old city. Some times you just have to go with the flow!
Old square New transportation
The square was ringed with outdoor cafes with colorful umbrellas. Their tables filled with revelers. The sun had come out! There were shops and museums and the Old Town City Hall with its astronomical clock.
The astronomical clock in Staromestki Namesti
Every hour, a parade of the 12 apostles would appear, circle forth and then return back inside until the striking of the next hour. At the center of the square was a heroic bronze statue that had long ago oxidized into a stunning turquoise green.
A short distance down a dogged-leg lane lay the Vltava River. Across the Karluv Most (Charles Bridge) is Prague Castle and its gardens. Karluv Most is lined with statues and vendors. The statues are of historical and religious importance; the vendors, touristic.
The view from Karluv Most towards Prague Castle
Fixtures on Karluv Most
After crossing the bridge, we left the pack and took a more circuitous route to the castle. Meandering along the river, we turned and took out-of-the-way side streets that climbed steeply to the castle.
On the way to the castle
The castle grounds were thronged with spectators awaiting the changing of the guard. We slipped through the crowd to take a peek around the inner courtyards. After taking in the fabulous view, began our descent back down to the river, furiously snapping photographs along the way.
Prague Castle grounds
Protecting Prague Castle!
The view from Prague Castle towards Old Town
As our time in Prague drew to a close, the clouds closed in. Like soggy book ends, the weather bracketed our experiences in the city. It is a volume filled with architectural discovery, an appreciation for the optimistic resiliency of the Czech spirit, and really, really good beer!
All aboard. Dresden awaits.
Friday, June 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pmand is filed under travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.