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!!!
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