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!