Prague

J and N's trip to Germany culminated with an excursion to Prague (Praha), which we've repeatedly been told was the most beautiful city in Europe (the kids still vote for Barcelona). Aunt N was quite a sport as she spent seven hours in the van with kiddos (on her BIRTHDAY) as we traveled to the city.

Many of the sculptures on Charles Bridge are copies of copies and poorly done at that with many of them formed of roughly hewn concrete or worse; however, some, as the one below, were given their due and carved from marble and leafed.

View of St Wencelas statue looking back toward the National Museum. The National Museum marks the end of Wencelas Square, which isn't a square at all as it's truly a long boulevard. The area surrounding the statue of St Wencelas has witnessed much political activity: the proclamation declaring Czech statehood and independence from Austria was read here; demonstrations protesting Nazi and later Soviet occupation were held here; and the Velvet Revolution that led to the collapse of communist rule began in this square.

The Pope visited the Czech Republic during our stay, and I stood in the same spot sandwiched between two families for two hours to see him. Despite the Soviet's attempt to quash religion, many of those who lined the streets in front of the cathedral were aged and feeble-looking. Because our apartment was near to the monastery, we often saw priests and nuns walking about at night; you can imagine Log's reaction!

Facade of the cathedral inside of Prague Castle, the world's largest fortified castle.

Detail of the Cathedral's iron gates. The gates were adorned with 12 different scenes each depicting a sign of the zodiac which I thought was an interesting coupling of the religious and mystic but somehow suits my idea of Bohemia. Can you guess which sign is signified below?

During this trip, I was reminded why I never participate in organized tours: they're wholly vile. Thinking that we'd benefit from a city guide's perspective, we signed up for the 'Ultimate' city tour which consisted of little insight and lots of slights. Part of the tour included a boat ride and beer, which the Czechs claim is the best in the world. Incidentally, one of the take aways from the tour was that Budweiser is actually a Czech beer.

Memorial to two students who set themselves ablaze (and began a series of suicides by immolation) as a protest against the Warsaw Pact occupation of Czech lands. Palach is venerated. Today, the building that once housed the Communism Musuem is home to a McDonalds.

Statue gracing a square in the old town. Rose colored buildings reminded me of Austria.

View of Charles Bridge from the river. Unfortunately half of the bridge was under construction during our visit which marred the overall view. A friend advised me that the bridge was magical at sunrise, but I thought the evening views were spectacular despite the bridge traffic. All of the kids were sure to rub the statue of St John of Nepomuk in the tradition that it brings good luck.

Allegorical statue representing the river. This was as much as Nina, our guide, cared to say about the fountain.

One day, we picnicked in a park just below the Charles Bridge on the eastern bank.

View of St Nicholas Church, a baroque church known for its Brahms heavy musical programs, from the old town square.

This astronomical clock doesn't relay the hour so much as it does the passing of the seasons and phases of the moon. Rumor has it that the one of the clock's designers was blinded after repairing the clock so that he could not produce another clock as magnificent as this one.

Colorful facades of houses leading off of the square. Johannes Kepler, the man who determined the paths of the planets and solidly established our solar system as heliocentric, lived near here.

View of Prague Castle from the Vitava River.

Another view of Saint Nicholas' Church.

Old Tyn Church. The church is obscured by the facade of residences who were built prior to the church's erection. One tower is slightly larger than the other for inexplicable reasons.

J and J near the Charles Bridge. Note that J is standing on tiptoe in order to appear taller than his little brother!

View of Prague from the Charles Bridge; Prague is truly a city of a thousand spires.

Bop with Prague Castle in background

Franz Kafka was born in Prague, and a smallish museum has been established near to one of his homes. Mom, you'd be startled to know that I did NOT visit his grave! Perhaps it's due to the fact that I found "Metamorphosis" with its roaches and religious symbolism to be somewhat difficult.

*Aunt N, if you would, please send along pictures of our psychadelic pizza experience as a picture speaks volumes!