To Prague and Back Again - DAY 7:

I'm leavin' on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again...

I was up late last night carefully packing all my souvenirs and didn't get a lot of sleep for fear of missing my flight. I'm on my way back shortly and can't wait to see you all and tell you about Prague and show you my photos.

See you soon! :)
Lisa

To Prague and Back Again - DAY 6:

So, I decided not to take a side trip and just continue exploring the city. You can't see the entire Czech Republic in a week but you can get a pretty good idea of the city and see a lot of it. My goal today was just to soak it in and set in my mind the places that have become my favorites over the past week. These are the new photos for today.

I wandered around near the Castle Quarter (Malostranske Namesti) and the Lichtenstein Palace, St. Nicholas' Church and stopped in shops. Today was my day to shop for souvenirs and just take in the city, meandering about it's streets which remind me of Boston between the cobblestones but mostly because none of them go very straight.

I walked along the Charles Bridge again easily my favorite sight in Prague and took in the view walking over the Vltava River of the National Theater on one side, Prague Castle on the other. At the gate on the right bank, there were medieval-dressed horn players playing Christmas music and got a little homesick when they played "White Christmas". Continuing onto New Town on the far side exploring the stalls at the Christmas markets, I bargained for gifts (you know how good I am at that...), sipped hot chocolate and tried a great treat of hot bread with cinnamon. Watching as traditional dance, music and Christmas music was performed with the Tryn Church and its twin spires, a 40 foot Christmas tree and the Astronomical Clock for a background; it was a bit overwhelming for my last evening in Prague.

I will miss the beautiful architecture, expansive vistas from the many bridges, sculptures, Mucha's art, classical concerts every night, friendly people, and the challenge of a new language. Someday I'll explore more of the Czech Republic but will definitely return to Prague.

To Prague and Back Again - DAY 5:

I walked around New Town, the Christmas Markets, Wenceslas Square, saw the Mucha Museum, beautiful art nouveau drawings of women from the late 1800's, and then saw The Barber of Seville at the Prague Opera house. Definitely worth the money and much better than Carmen. The music, set, singing and acting were all great.

Today is my last day and I'm going out to enjoy what I can while the sun is out. The weather has been pretty good. Mostly sunny days with a couple of cloudy ones and only some rain last night. Today is sunny but cold. I decided not to take a side trip because it is 3 hours each way by bus but rather really continue to walk around and explore the city.

I've really enjoyed the city and if I ever come back to the Czech Republic, I will certainly take some trips outside of the city to see the beautiful countryside, towns and sights.