Tram 22 was predictably jam-packed by tourists but we didn't mind. Public transportation has always been part of our Euro adventures, a must-do in every city. The dread of getting completely lost, the anxiety of going around in circles, the pressure of time and the satisfaction of finding our way yet again always roll up in one big ball of unforgettable memories. And by the time of our Prague visit, we were masters of navigating the thousand rails and bus routes, and the art of squirming through lines and crowds. So when Ralph and I found ourselves hanging on tram poles and handlebars sandwiched between unfamiliar, sweaty faces, we knew Prague was going to be a walk in the park.
That early April morning day started a bit fickle, the undecided sky trotted back and forth whether to concede to the threatening heavy clouds or succumb to the sun's mighty light. Though scattered light showers came over the city, it miserably failed to deter us or the throngs of aviator-wearing, camera-ready peeps from taking Prague Castle by storm. Like the Buckingham Palace, nutcracker-esque guards in carefully ironed uniforms stood outside their rectangular-shaped shed, stiff and annoyed, perhaps, by the thought of their faces plastered all over Facebook or blogs. The towering spires of St. Vitus Cathedral, one of the three chapels of the castle, commanded attention and hovered over us as we obligingly craned our necks to appreciate its beauty. Mixture of grays, creams, greens, yellows and blacks color its facade, making it look like an aging yet stylish castle of its own. Its various gargoyles adorning the walls patiently wait to spill water away from its variegated marble. We opted out of the tour and enjoyed the stained glass nouveau and the neo-gothic interior from the designated space barricaded by steel stanchions serving as the chapel's lobby. By lunch time, we had toured and taken pictures of the castle grounds, and had reached Wenceslas Square, where a four-man orchestra serenaded the crowd while we waited for the castle's so-so changing of the guards.
That early April morning day started a bit fickle, the undecided sky trotted back and forth whether to concede to the threatening heavy clouds or succumb to the sun's mighty light. Though scattered light showers came over the city, it miserably failed to deter us or the throngs of aviator-wearing, camera-ready peeps from taking Prague Castle by storm. Like the Buckingham Palace, nutcracker-esque guards in carefully ironed uniforms stood outside their rectangular-shaped shed, stiff and annoyed, perhaps, by the thought of their faces plastered all over Facebook or blogs. The towering spires of St. Vitus Cathedral, one of the three chapels of the castle, commanded attention and hovered over us as we obligingly craned our necks to appreciate its beauty. Mixture of grays, creams, greens, yellows and blacks color its facade, making it look like an aging yet stylish castle of its own. Its various gargoyles adorning the walls patiently wait to spill water away from its variegated marble. We opted out of the tour and enjoyed the stained glass nouveau and the neo-gothic interior from the designated space barricaded by steel stanchions serving as the chapel's lobby. By lunch time, we had toured and taken pictures of the castle grounds, and had reached Wenceslas Square, where a four-man orchestra serenaded the crowd while we waited for the castle's so-so changing of the guards.
After the castle, we crossed the buzzing Charles Bridge running across Vlatva River. Connecting Prague Castle and the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge is unsurprisingly overcrowded with tourists and locals alike. Not only do vendors, mostly painters selling their Prague portraits at a slightly higher price, populate the place but interesting statues backed by legends, myths and twisted facts spanned throughout. The most famous statue, St. John Nepomuk's, is said to bring good luck if its bronze tripartite base is rubbed.
Having seen enough for our first day, we briskly visited Old Town Square in search of the Black Light Image Theater. Off of the main square, we spotted its simple, lemon sign hanging above in black poles. Ticket's reserved for tomorrow's show, we headed back to our modern and clean hostel/hotel to unwind, in anticipation for another backpacker's day - Nove Mesto, Mucha's, Jewish quarters, Dancing House, Municipal House, Stare Mesto and of course, the light show.
RSS Feed
