Day 10 - Prague to Berlin

Early rise today as we were catching the 8.30 train to Berlin.

As it turned out, it was already a bleak day in Prague when our taxi came, so maybe a few hours on a train wasn't going to be such a bad thing after all.

We must have looked and sounded like two excited kid when it started snowing as the taxi pulled up at the train station! While everyone else was rushing to get under cover, here we are out in the open taking photos. The locals probably, and rightfully thought we were both mad!!

I know it may be hard to see, but trust me when I say it was snowing. Why else would we be standing in it and taking photos?

Speaking of the taxi, our driver had really good English, and we commented on this. It turns out he can speak at least 6 different languages, and that driving the taxi for the hotel is not his real job, probably just a bit of extra cash on the side as he works in the French Embassy. A really interesting and obviously intelligent man who was fascinating to talk to.

Our next problem was negotiating the train station, it was huge to say the least.

We bought our tickets to Berlin, and just as we were leaving the desk the ticket seller piped up and said " Remember to take the train that says Hamburg, and not Berlin". Thank goodness for this as we would have spent the day waiting for a train to go to Berlin!

The next hassle was trying to find the right platform, because due to the number of trains coming and going, they only announce the platform 15 minutes before the train leaves, which means a big rush of people stampeding from under the timetable display once the platform is announced.

A similar thing happens at Heathrow, which can be a bit concerning at times, especially if there is a long walk to the platform or gate.

On the train safely and ready to relax for the next four hours.

Our little cabin had 6 seats, and after Jen turfed out a bloke who had parked himself in our reserved seats we were settled. Another couple just a bit younger than us then came and sat in our cabin, and quickly started up some discussion.

They were from Israel and were basically doing the same thing as us, having a holiday minus the kids!

They were just fantastic to share the ride with, we learnt so much from each other in sharing stories about everything from work, families, travels and anything else to mention.

We were mindful of the current political situation in Israel, but they were very open in talking about it, especially in regards to how the Arabs viewed Israel. What was particularly sad was when the man said how his brother was shot and killed a few years ago, so we could understand his feelings towards the Arabs. They were great company and they really made the train trip so much more enjoyable.

Along the way there was even more snow, and amazing scenery of the Czech countryside. There were were so many little villages scattered along the way, and the sizes of the houses was something else- just so small, and built on the smallest pockets of land perched on steep mountainsides beside the river and railway line.

Okay, so it may not be state of the art photography, but Mr IPhone did the best he could under the circumstances.

As we crossed into Germany it became obvious how much they use wind power, hundreds of towers throughout the countryside, often with large banks of solar panels taking up acres of land nearby.

Could be something for Australia to learn here, especially with our reliance on fossil fuels when we have so much natural energy at our fingertips.

The rest of the day has been very mundane, a quick trip down to the nearby supermarket to stock up on some food for tea and a quick stroll around the streets before dark.

As I write this I'm in the lowest level of our digs waiting for the washing machine to finish its cycle so that I can load the drier.

Yep, you guessed it, I'm on laundry duty.

But even that has a story. Jen came down at the start as well, and for the life of us we just couldn't get the washing machine to work. We even swapped machines, all to no avail. We twisted the dial to heaven and back, still no luck, so I suggested that I go up to the front desk, and as a male they would expect me to ask how to use the washing machine.

To my relief the young girl said she would come down and see what the problem was. 

Imagine our embarrassment when all she did was press the dial that we had been turning!!! DER!!!

Rather than watch us splash around in our own embarrassment, she stayed and chatted for a while and was just great.

She's probably up at the front desk right now rolling around laughing telling her colleagues about the two nuffs from Australia who couldn't operate the washing machine!

So our first afternoon in Berlin has been somewhat eventful, if not for the right reasons.

The weather is not expected to get any better at all over the next few days, with snow expected on Thursday. They did say they had some also this morning.

Tomorrow's plans are the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Wall ( we hear that the latter two are not the attractions they once were, but I'd still love to see them).

 

And also trying some German beers.

Day 9 - Last day in Prague

It was up early today, but as Jen has come down with something we are just staying in a little later before venturing out, as today is a cold one here in Prague.

We eventually headed out, despite my suggestion that Jen needed rest, but she insisted we get out and about.

What a Trojan!!

We spent the morning exploring the Jewish section of Prague, and learning about hundreds of years of their history and persecution under different regimes. We also visited quite a few synagogues and churches, but I must admit I'd seen enough churches by then.

The thing that struck me most was how many synagogues and communities were destroyed by the Nazis in WW2, and then also the destruction that continued under the Communist regime after the war.

Just part of the Jewish cemetery.

In the heart of the Jewish sector.

The next part of the day was the most expensive we'll see on this trip. Jen loves her rings, and we have always bought one on special occasions, so today we sought out a particular shop we had researched about. There are so many jewellery shops here selling similar stuff, but up to 70% of it is fake. This shop is rated highly for being original, which is why we went for this one.

So, while I sat myself down on a chair, she prowled the cabinets like a cheetah stalking its prey. Occasionally I'd get up and have a progress check, and she was surprisingly quick in choosing just what she wanted, which I think does look nice ( as if I know what good quality jewellery looks like!!) 

So if you want to check it out, grab her when we get back (I don't know what finger it will be on though!!)

I actually felt a tad guilty lashing out on a pair of shoes yesterday, that were still way cheaper than what I'd get in Australia, so today lessened the pain somewhat!

The next part of the day was trying to see some last minute attractions as this is our last day here, so it was off to see the Lennon Peace Wall, a place where people add to a wall dedicated to peaceful messages inspired by John Lennon.

Just some of the shots at the Lennon Peace Wall.

As we were walking through the streets today, I heard a really strange bird, so I looked up. The bird was gone, but this was what was hanging above the street. I'm so thankful for the bird, as I'd have missed seeing this altogether otherwise.

All the while this figure just swings in the breeze, with no signs about it at all.

Now the most amazing part of the day.

We often hear that Melbourne gets four seasons in one day, but it has nothing on Prague. 

In the above photos there is nothing but clear sky, but a few minutes before it was dark and overcast.

The same thing happened about an hour earlier when we were on the Charles Bridge and could see some dark clouds coming. 

In the time it took us to walk 500m the skies went from blue to black, to strong winds to snow, so we rushed to the tower at the end of the bridge to get under cover.

We were actually on the way to the towers, so it just meant we bolted the last 50m to get out of the weather. No sooner did the wind, rain and snow come, and then it was gone and the blue skies were back.

The photos tell the story...

As you can see, I'm putting my pano shots in early now!

Just starting to cross the bridge.

A couple of minutes later and the clouds are rolling in. The stalllholders are by now covering up their stalls, but not packing up. They are staying.

By now the wind is howling and the snow is falling.

The next photos were taken just a few minutes later!

People are back on the bridge and everything is back to normal, until the next flurry, and there were a few of these this afternoon.

Apparently there is more snow predicted this week, and it is meant to be heavier than today's. Even though it has been cold, we just loved experiencing this weather and it has not stopped us from doing anything.

Perhaps this is an omen for the opening match on Thursday against Carlton, or even for 2015??

While walking towards the Jewish sector this morning, we had to pass through a few blocks where all the top fashion brands were based. It really looked out of place after days spent wandering through streets dripping with history, and then within a block of the Old Town Square we strike Gucci, Prada etc.

Hats off to the Czech beer makers, as I have only had the same beer twice on one occasion ( Bernard beer of course!) as every beer I have taste has been excellent. There is always the temptation to have the same beer again if it is so nice, but I figure that I am reducing my chances of then tasting even more beers. Thank goodness for the gyms at each place we have stayed at, otherwise Singapore Airlines will need to place me in the cargo hold for the flights home!!

Prague has been such an inspiring, interesting, historical and beautiful place to visit. In just over 3 days we have only explored a snapshot of it, but have loved every part of it.

Thank you Prague, we love you!

Day 8 - Prague

We got a little shock this morning as we couldn't figure out the time, as our watches showed one time, but our devices showed another.

It turns out that daylight saving starts today in Prague. We had planned to go and watch the Astronimical Clock at 9.00 this morning, but it suddenly became 8.50 in our lives instead of what we thought was 7.50, so our plans will change a bit now.

We managed to get our act together and headed down to the Old Town Square for a coffee and to see the clock do its 10.00 thing which was great.

Apparently, after the clock was made, the rulers of the time had the creator blinded so that he wouldn't be able to make another one. Harsh we thought.

The more we learn about Prague, the more we learn about how brutal life was back in the day.

There are lots of reports of scholars being thrown off the Charles Bridge for their 'heretic' views, which would be commonly accepted nowadays. Others just got thrown out of windows, which helps to explain why every building is a few floors high!!

It was just beautiful walking through the streets all rugged up as it was only a few degrees and taking photos and just admiring everything about this amazing city.

We were heading towards the Petrin lookout tower, which stands on a hill overlooking Prague.

Back in about the 1890's, a large group of Czechs went to Paris and were so amazed by the Eiffel Tower that they wanted something similar back in Prague. Hence, the Petrin tower, which is more or less a smaller replica of what they saw in Paris.

This is the hill where the tower is.

The view from the rail car that took us up the mountain.

This tower mightn't go down in history as one of the tallest, but from someone who gets scared standing on a bath mat, it was high enough for me! We went up in a lift which was fine, but coming down we decided to take the stairs. I was leading the way, and was going slowly (naturally, as it is hard to maintain terror and descend simultaneously!) and at some stage I got held up by a lady in front of me who was going even slower, due to suffering greater terror than me. Bingo!!

Now I couldn't be hassled by the backlog behind me, because of course it was the lady in front of me holding us all up wasn't it??

When we got to the bottom, Jen was about to paste me for going so slow and holding everyone up, but I just said "There was a lady in front of me holding us all up", and all was well in the world again.

Or at least in Prague!

The Petrin lookout.

The beautiful city of Prague, from the Petrin Tower.

The locals love to chug a few ales as early as they can, this was no different at 11.00.

We even saw blokes walking across a bridge yesterday at 9.00 a.m. and into the cans already.

Wherever we go there are steps going up...

And more going down.

After such a vigorous walk to and from the tower, we were both fairly tired and hungry, so I coerced Jen into detouring via the Old Town Square, as I had my heart set on trying out one of the sausages I had seen being cooked in one of the many stalls in the market.

There was so much food to choose from I just didn't know where to start, so I just went up to the first one I saw, pointed to the picture of what I wanted ( I've given up on trying to ask as I'd probably end up asking some 70 year old cook out on a hot date!!) paid up and walked away insanely contented.

This sausage did not disappoint, it was unbelievably beautiful, and Jen must have been sick of watching and listening to my commentary as I devoured it, as she could not eat them as they were not gluten free. As for how healthy they are...who knows.

I'm going back for another tomorrow.

While walking through the narrow streets we were accosted by a bloke who was sewing designs into aprons. Hoping to make a sale, he beckoned us in and asked us if we'd like to buy something. Upon hearing our accents, he said " Oh, you're English", to which Jen replied "No, Australian".

As quick as a flash he replies with "Oh I was close, just a 30 hour plane flight the difference"

He then asked Jen her name and said he would give her a freebie, and quickly whipped up this little number on his sewing machine on a piece of card.

"Thanks", and off we went. No sale, but a nice memento!!

After a fairly busy day, and because it was starting to rain we decided to have an early night in and cook at home. Our digs are so comfortable, and I have found a tv station that plays non stop music clips ( really good ones too!), so I was happy to cok tea and have a beer, and listen to the music at the same time...Bliss!

As you can see, not only do they make the best beer in the Czech Republic, they also reserve the best names for the best beers.

Our last day in Prague tomorrow, hoping to explore the Jewish sector. Snow expected here on Thursday, but also in our next port of call. We are actually looking forward to it.

Day 7 - Prague

Today we were up and about early as we wanted to go and visit the Prague Castle, a towering structure on a massive hill that overlooks the city.

To get there we needed to cross the Charles Bridge, which is always a great experience, not just for the scenery, but in watching and listening to people from all over the world.

Apparently rubbing this statue means that you will come back to Prague again.

Let's wait and see how that one goes.

From there we began the ascent up a very steep hill. It is saddening to see the plight of others as there were many beggars along the way kneeling with their hands out seeking money.

The craftsmanship on display wherever we go is outstanding, whether it be the cobblestone paving here, or the stone carvings that adorn buildings everywhere.

We had a good look through the Cathedrals up here, but as there were massive queues to get into every building, we were happy to just visit the two main ones. 

We are quickly learning that one does not have to be nice when walking around here, as people just barge through everywhere, giving scant concern if they whack right into you. So, rather than succumb and be meek and mild and ultra polite ( within reason of course) we tend to hold our ground and not let them push us out of the way. Not nice I know, but sometimes necessary if one needs to get around.

A light dusting of rain makes the streets look like this...beautiful.

The Charles Bridge from the opposite side to where we are staying.

The stalls everywhere sell this traditional mix of potato dumplings, cabbage and bacon, all cooked up in massive woks. I just had to try some and wasn't disappointed, while all Jen could do was watch as it wasn't gluten free.

Cooking the ham for the dish I am eating in the previous photo.

You can just see the cook stirring the food in the wok.

The rest of the day was spent exploring Wenceslas Square, and this was where our day became exciting and scary all in one.

We have read all about the proliferate of pickpockets here, but hadn't seen any.

As we were walking towards the end of a street, we saw this bloke ( about 20) standing to the side of the footpath. We both said to each other that he looked a bit shady, and kept walking.

Unknown to me until Jen told me later, at the same time she saw this dodgy looking girl walk towards her and keep going, then the girl doubled back and came past Jen again. Jen thought this was odd to see the same girl walk past her in less than a minute.

Anyway, after we passed this bloke we went about 5-10 metres, and for some reason that I can't explain I spun around quickly as I sensed someone close to me, only to find myself face to face with this bloke. We eyeballed for a split second, then he cut for it, giving me daggers. At the same time, the dodgy girl appeared and was giving him a spray, then us as well, then they both took off quickly.

From what we can make of it, we think they were working together and had picked us as a target, but were caught out just before they could do whatever they had planned. The way the girl ripped into the bloke it seemed that he had stuffed up somehow, and she was letting him have it.

Because I caught him so close to me we weren't sure if he was going to try and cut my bag strap, which is apparently one of their tricks.

It was pretty frightening when it happened, and the more we talked about it the luckier we felt that we had come out of it safely.

I've heard lots of pick pocketing stories and have thought (unfairly) "How could they let it happen". Now I know how easy and scary it is, I won't doubt others again.

And all of this was done with police really close, as there was a big protest happening in the square at the same time.

Our next mission was to explore Prague by night, which didn't disappoint.

We also went out for tea at a place that has a large gluten free menu. Yesterday Jen was talking about dumplings, goulash, strudels and cream and beer, and I'm proud to say that I scored well with each of these tonight!!

The meal started really well as we had been walking all day and were dry and hungry. Pretty soon we realised that traditional Czech food is very heavy and stodgy, but still nice. It didn't take long for us to be chockers, so after waddling out into the crisp night air we decided on a night stroll to work off some of the meal.

I'll let the photos tell the story...

Believe me, she was excited to get a GF beer. Maybe it was the name that disappointed her!!

After so much walking today, plus a session in the gym, I was ready for a few cold ones, and this one didn't disappoint.

It doesn't look big, but it filled me very quickly! And it was just beautiful. Goulash and dumplings.

The Castle at night.

Charles Bridge by night.

Where would we be without a selfie??

The Old Town Square.

The night market.

People chilling at tables with hot wine and hot cider.

An Easter tree in the square.

This is NOT the gym that I have been using, although it is very close!!

And now my pano shots from today...

Overlooking the city from the castle.

Another view of Charles Bridge.

These are just a few of the hundreds of photos we have taken.

I remember being in Canda a few years ago and wanting to take a photo at every turn, as the place was just so photogenic. Prague is in the same league, I could take a photo in every street in every direction.

So, what does tomorrow hold?

If all goes well, we are going up another mountain to check out some museums.

We also plan on looking at some of the museums that look at the Communist era here in Prague which should be interesting.

It is safe to say that there will be no goulash, dumplings or whipped cream, but I am prepared to put myself out for the cause of beer though!!!