With the train from Vienna to Prague not having any switchovers, we got
there without any problems and even in a nicely air-conditioned railroad car! After
getting to Prague, we converted some Euros to Crowns and then went to go and
get a temporary rail ticket so that we could get to the hostel. That was an
experience to say the least. We realized that we had not gotten enough money
through exchanging Euros, had to get more from the ATM, and then once we got
money, had to put it into the machine to get our ticket. The machine would
frustratingly not take any of my change, and we ended up getting a ticket from
a very sketchy looking guy. I will never know if that ticket was valid, but it
got us to the right hostel nonetheless so that it all that matters.
Immediately upon seeing Prague and
entering the hostel I could tell that I was going to like it. The city itself gives
off an old feeling of importance and history with its cobblestone streets and
worn brick building. The hostel was extremely welcoming, with the man at the
front being extremely easy going and informative, making us feel comfortable.
Upon hearing my last name of Parizek, he responded with “Hey that’s Czech!” and
said he new a guy in a good band with the last name Parizek. There aren’t many
Parizeks in the world, so I sincerely hope that I am related to that one.
After
getting some sleep on Friday night, I woke up early on Saturday and walked
around Old Town with Susannah and Chris, which was on the other side of Charles
Bridge from where our hostel was located. The bridge, which is absolutely jam
packed with people and vendors during the day, is very long going over the
Vtalva River, and has many nicely carved statues on it. Once across the Bridge,
you definitely know why it is called Old Town: the buildings have a genuine
antique look about them and you get the feeling that they have been there a
very long time. We went to a few shops and saw most of the major tourist
landmarks along the way, including the Astronomy Tower, the Prague National
Theatre (where Mozart performed), and many beautiful churches. Chris and I ate
a delicious lunch that included some sort of potato salad, a huge sausage, and
bread…it was legitimately the first meal since being here that I have not been
able to finish. Upon coming back and meeting up with the others, we trekked our
way to the Prague Castle. I purposely say trek because it was definitely not an
easy journey. Being on a steep incline on the same cobblestone roads and
sidewalks as the rest of the city, it made for a good workout (it also didn’t
help that the sun was shining with all of its might and the temperatures were
in the 90’s). We made it though, and were able to walk around the exceptionally
big castle. I would normally associate this type of expansive structure with
the word “palace,” but it was fit for royalty nonetheless. Following the castle
and cathedral, we walked uphill some more to the Strahov Monastery, which is
known for brewing beer since the 1100’s. The beer was very delicious and much
needed! That night before going to bed, I walked across the bridge and along
the Vtalva River until I got to the “Dancing House,” which was one of the most
unique buildings that I have ever seen. Its architecture is very curvy and
abnormal, drawing attention from anyone who passes by. Walking along the river
and viewing at the Prague Castle at night was definitely worth the walk as well.
Although
Prague was a short trip, I am very glad that I chose to go there for the free
weekend. Not only did I get to go to the country where a lot of my family comes
from, but I got see some of the most beautiful sites that I have experienced so
far.
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