To start with, the city wasn't bombed during WWII so all the 'historical' buildings throughout the city are original and have not been altered, with the exception of paint color. And even the outside colors of the buildings have been returned to their original.
I learned that the majority of Czech citizens are atheist, likely due to the past communist government that oppressed freedom of religion. So the large, historic churches are used to host concerts rather than church services. On almost any night of the week a person can pay a few dollars to listen to an amazing concert inside one of these beautiful, old buildings.
But while Prague may not be a religious city they sure do love Christmas. There are Christmas shops with hand painted bulbs and other hand made Christmas decorations on every other block. I couldn't resist buying a few to bring home as souvenirs and give as gifts.
The city is hugely popular for weddings and I lost count on the number of brides & grooms we saw throughout the city. Apparently the couples are usually Russian because it's cheaper for them to get married in the Czech Republic than it is to marry in their home country.
While Czechoslovakia was communist after WWII, they were largely left to govern themselves with oversight from the USSR. However, in the 1960's the Soviet's felt the Czech government was not following the communist practices as strictly as they should, so they invaded. Life in Prague became more oppressive. Families could no longer trust one another. The buildings were all painted a neutral gray color (now they are back to their original colors). Protests were held and people were killed, many of them college students. There is a grave marked in front of one government building where two young men burned themselves in protest of the regime.
Site where protester set himself on fire
Soviet tower
Because Prague is exceptionally cold during the winter months, shopping centers have been built within large city blocks to protect from the cold. What makes these shopping centers different from others I've seen is that one would not even know you are walking into a shopping complex from the outside. The rows of buildings touch one another but look separate. There is a main corridor inside the block with restaurants that have 'outdoor' seating.
Statue inside the 'mall'
Speaking of restaurants....the food in Prague is hearty and delicious. It's similar to Hungarian or Bavarian food I am guessing. Goulash soups, potatoes cooked in a cast iron skillet with sausage and spices, ham roasted over an open flame and best of all....dough wrapped around a thick wooden stick that rotates around coals. Once the dough is cooked it is slid off the stick and rolled in cinnamon, sugar and almonds. Delish!
My friend Amy and I spent a long weekend in Prague. On our first morning I mapped out my way to a Bikram yoga studio. I had not been to a Bikram studio since leaving MN 10 months prior. I was excited about 2 things. Practicing Bikram again and hearing the class taught in a different language. I was not disappointed. The entire experience felt like I was back home.
I went for a run on the 2nd morning of our trip and I was out and about around 8am. And what I discovered is that Prague has a very lively night life. There were plenty of people walking back from the bars and I would also bet that they were pretty intoxicated. I had one man run up and try to kiss me. Another just tried to get in my way while I was running. I won't lie and say that I wasn't a little scared during these episodes. Going for a run by myself in a strange city may not have been my smartest move but I sure did see a different side of the city!
Our hotel was located in Lesser Town which is on the same side of the river as the Castle. It was an easy walk through a small park to the famous Charles Bridge. This little park happened to be having a small festival this weekend and were selling fresh local foods, wines and other specialties. This is where we had our yummy lunch on the first day. The mulled wine was pretty good too. :)
Walking up into the New Town, as it's called, we found heaven....in the form of Starbucks. Could this weekend get any better? I hadn't had a flavored latte in 10 months either! Don't get me wrong, the cafe in Italy is very good but sometimes a person would like to have something other than an espresso.
From Lesser Town we took a stroll across the Charles Bridge, which is lined with statues of the Apostles. The bridge is modeled after the Ponte Sant'Angelo in Rome, the bridge that is lined with statues of angels. On this other side of the bridge we were now in Old Town. In the town center is the astronomical clock, town hall and the Gothic Tyn Church. Here we found a shop selling Czech-made crystal and I made another souvenir purchase, a wine decanter.
Castle hill
During the Communist era this wall became a silent protest to the government. City officials would paint over the graffiti but over night he wall would be painted again and again.
Monument symbolizing how Communism took pieces of a person away bit by bit.
Prague train station
Many movies are filmed in Prague because of the architecture. Like Casino Royale, Tristan and Isolde, Van Helsing, Mission Impossible and the Bourne Identity.
The Jewish Cemetery and synagogue
It seems like Prague has embraced all things Western, to some degree. We came across 3 Starbucks, numerous fast food joints and plenty of recognizable shops. So in the midst of this old, foreign city we had moments where we felt closer to home. And this is one place that will require a 2nd visit.
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