When travelling my constant companion is a notebook and pencil, where I can jot down thoughts or observations about what I see or feel. This Travel Diary is a cleaned-up version of some of the notes that I take during my travels. Oftentimes, they are posted while I am still travelling. Their purpose is to give a sense of travel apart from a more structured article.
Finally home!! After flying from Prague on Czech Airlines, with an overnight stay in Amsterdam, and a long flight on United to Houston and then to Phoenix. It was a long exhausting day, but full of memories and warm feelings for friends who have also gone home. This trip was a little different as I generally travel alone, but this time had friends who accompanied me for part of the trip.
My last day in Prague and last day in Europe (on this trip) began with a hearty breakfast in the hotel, followed by a walk in the old town. Afterwards, one of my travel companions and I made a last walk over the Charles Bridge, to a Starbucks in the Lesser Town area. On the way back to the hotel, we walked through Kampa Park, looking at an exhibit about famous Czech authors, musicians and actors, who fled to the United States before WWII and their lives afterwards. We made a quick walk among the outdoor exhibitions at Museum Kampa, looking at some of the strange sculptures, took a few "selfies" at the Yellow Penguins, and then walked along the river before crossing back over the Charles Bridge. I should note that the bridge was very crowded.
On the way back a street vendor proceeded to place two birds on my friend (and the third one on me, who proceed to do his business on my shirt :) ), one pink and the other white, asking to photograph her with her cell phone. I knew that he would ask for compensation afterwards, but I was Ok with this. We paid 7 € for this, which I was happy to pay. I mention this, as some may be surprised to be asked to pay without being asked beforehand if they wanted the service. Some people may see this as a scam, but, I guess everyone needs to make a living somehow.
Today, my friends and I spent the day touring the Jewish Quarter of Prague (Josefov). We began with a visit to the Pinkas Synagogue, which is now a memorial to the Holocaust, before taking a walk through the Jewish Cemetery. Afterwards, we visited the Spanish Synagogue (Španelská synagoga), the Klaus Synagogue (Klausova synagoga) and the Maisel Synagogue (Maiselova synagoga). The tickets for all these was a reasonable 350 CZK ($15 US). We did not visit the Old New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga) as it wasn't included in the tickets.
The Spanish Synagogue is the only one where the interior doesn't look like museum, and its Moorish Revival Style is stunning (especially, in a town where the predominant style seems to be Baroque or Gothic). During WWII confiscated properties of members of the Czech Jewish Communities were stored in the synagogue, along with furniture from other synagogues. The synagogue was completed in 1868, making it the newest synagogue we visited. The others were mostly 16th-century.
After touring it was time for lunch and shopping in the old town square.
Ceský Krumlov is a city in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, dominated by a 13th-century castle. The castle has Gothic, Renaissance and baroque elements, an 11-hectare garden and an original 17th-century baroque theater. I had booked the tour with 3 friends, and was looking forward to seeing a part of the Czech Republic I hadn't visited before, and one that I had heard much about. We booked through Viator: Cesky Krumlov Day Trip from Prague.
We began the tour, after being picked up from Republic Square by the tour operator, with a 3 hour bus ride. The ride was comfortable, although I found the bus a bit cramped (it was a small bus, seating perhaps 20 people), but as it wasn't full I was able to find a place to sit comfortably. The tour was exclusively in English, with the tour operator describing the sites we saw along the way. A quick stop along the way for coffee and we arrived just in time for lunch. The tour operator took us through the castle, and to the entrance to the old town, and then we were on our own for the majority of the afternoon. Later, we met up with the tour guide again, for a guided tour of the castle.
The old town of Ceský Krumlov is a beautiful little town, with quaint buildings and plenty of shopping. We found great views of the city from on high and just spend a wonderful afternoon. However, the town was crowded with Asian tourists, which made it more difficult to walk around; as they all had to take "selfies" at every scenic spot.
Would I visit again? Yes, but perhaps with an overnight stay to see the town before the tourists arrive.
The day began with a walk to the Prague Castle grounds, and a relaxing visit to the Czech Senate gardens along the way. We watched the changing of the guard at the castle, then stopped for a quick bite before continuing the walk to the Strahov Monastery.
Today's visit was to see the library at the Strahov Monastery. Strahov Monastery is a Premonstratensian abbey founded in 1143 by Jindrich Zdík, Bishop John of Prague, and Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia. The library is world famous for the extensive collection of prints and manuscripts from the period between the 16th and the 18th century, including the Strahov Evangeliary from the 9th century, with its Romanesque and Gothic decoration.
Photographing in the library, requires an extra 50 CZK fee, on top the admission. You can also arrange for tour within the library by making an appointment, and paying an extra 350 CZK.
