Czeching out the Old Town of Prague

We spent the weekend on November 14-16 with our friends Ami & Danny in the city of Prague. Actually, we only saw the 'old city' of Prague, and are sure that more of Prague exists, we just didn't see it! Rumour has it that Walt Disney visited Prague years and years ago, and was so inspired by the buildings (such as the church below) that he created the 'disney castle' and disney world based on the city. I don't know if that's true or not, but it was certainly easy to get lost in the magic of the place.
There was a massive square called the 'Old Town Square' (I know, really original), which was basically tourist central. The main attraction (among all of the cafes, restaurants and hot dog vendors of course) was the astronomical clock. I guess it's famous for showing the locations of the sun, the moon, and the phases of the moon. To look at its nothing special really as it doesn't do anything fun, but apparently apostle statues appear in the doors above the clock on the hour. However, what is most interesting about it is that its based on pre-Copernican geocentric belief that the earth was the centre of the universe, and the earth is in the exact middle of the clock! During WWII the clock was nearly destroyed by Nazi fire. The townspeople are credited with heroic efforts in saving most of the parts. It was gradually renovated throughout the years. According to local legend the city will suffer if the clock is neglected and its good operation is placed in jeopardy.

What we liked best about Prague (and there's lots to like!) were the fantastic views and music on Charles Bridge. With Prague being such a musical city there were jazz bands and clubs everywhere. The band below was called the 'Bridge Band', and every once and a while the band would stop playing and the one guy 3rd from the right would just make funny faces and sing 'Boo di bee boo boo di doo' or something to that effect. I found it highly amusing and wish I had a video camera.

On Saturday night we hit the town, tried some authentic Czech food (sausages, and ghoulash, and I had the most massive ribs ever that I felt like Wilma Flintstone!), and tried a shot of authentic czech spirit - Absinthe. It is basically a bright turquoise colour, and they light some sugar on a spoon that drips into it. When you taste it you 'cough' it down as it it literally tastes toxic - like what you would expect anti-freeze or the like to taste. We only did the one, but that was enough! After dins we went to a couple jazz clubs that were based in the cellars of a number of buildings - it was cool to watch people on big instruments like cellos and pianos inside a cave of stone walls! Afterwards, Syd and I hit a bar that was too American for my taste, but was a chance to talk to a few different people. It was a nice time, and a long night, but we felt that we made the best of Prague nightlife.

The next day we walked around Prague again and in the grounds of the Castle. We saw great views of the city from above from here - lots of red rooftops. As most of us were nursing hangovers we just took it easy and went out for a nice dinner where Danny got a massive hanging brochette (aka shish kabob) before heading to the airport.

Prague Observations:

The Czech Republic are a smart nation when it comes to tourism. They have it all figured out. They kept the old city contained in one area of Praha, and they added modern elements to it (bars, restos, museums - including a sex machine one! - and even a 200 store shopping mall). That way the tourists have everything they need to stay in one part always, and the rest of the czechs in Prague work and live in the surrounding commercial area! Its like they built an invisible wall and said come tourists, this way to be blissfully amused in our fairytale disney-like city...and we happily oblige. ;o)

And what's with the puppet obsession? There were shops and vendors everywhere! And what's more - why did I buy into it? They are actually really cute and beautifully made though and will be good mementos... so I turned around and bought two! Doh.