Prague. Part 2 20.09.2015


Image for Prague. Part 2

I was told that weather in Prague changes quite fast. So it happened with me. Gray weather which was in the early morning turned into unpleasant drizzle. Then after lunch time it was cloudy and sometimes even sunny, though still a bit grey. Though after rainy Japan it was just nothing (:

Photo 697
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 697
(cc) by Rushan

I didn't reach the part of Prague on another side of the river in the first day. So this was my plan for today. Sightseeing places are located really close to each other in the city centre. Therefore I didn't use public transport at all. And the city itself is not that big, just around one million citizens. So it was OK just to walk.
So the other part of Prague on the other side of the river is also called "New city". A long time ago there was a central part which was called "Old city" and it was fenced. The time was passing and city grew. So the fence was removed as there was already a new city which protected the centre.

Photo 698
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 698
(cc) by Rushan

This part of the city is located on hills and it’s easy to find a perfect place to observe the city. From Petrin Tower the view is like from bird eye. It’s quite high and it’s possible to go there by funicular, but I was too lucky for that and during my visit it was closed. So I had to walk up. In the tower I also decided to save some money and also walk up instead of using lift. In the end of ladder I really was in doubt if I did the right choice to save the money (:

Photo 699
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 699
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 700
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 700
(cc) by Rushan

Somewhere in the courts you can find German embassy. Looks beautiful.

Photo 701
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 701
(cc) by Rushan

Prague Castle is located a bit higher. It is the oldest castle in Prague, which was built in IX century. There lives the president of Czech Republic, though Czech people do not really like him.

Photo 702
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 702
(cc) by Rushan

If you arrive in the right time, you can watch Changing the Guard. Here it is a bit strange and too tedious. Half of the time soldiers are just waiting for something and you have no idea for what. Though it’s still interesting to watch it at least once.

Photo 703
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 703
(cc) by Rushan

It was quite crowdy there. It reminded me the show at Astronomical clocks. One loud guide who was there next to me said that the clocks show was the most disappointing tourist attraction in Europe (after Mono Lisa portrait). A lot of people are coming just to show how a few figures are moving around the clocks. And nowadays some figures are already missing.

Photo 704
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 704
(cc) by Rushan

Street performers are trying to earn some money in every possible way. Just as usual.

Photo 705
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 705
(cc) by Rushan

You can enter into churches or King houses within Grad with your ticket, though you are no allowed to take pictures in some of them. To be more precise you have to buy a special indulgence for that (:

Photo 706
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 706
(cc) by Rushan

It was really beautiful in place where it was allowed to take pictures. For other places where you can’t take pictures you definitely can survive :)

Photo 707
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 707
(cc) by Rushan

Saint George killing the dragon is a popular thing in Europe. I’ve seen the same symbol in Trier, Bulgarian colleagues told me that it’s one of the most important religious events in the country. And here I am. The same symbol in Prague.

Photo 708
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 708
(cc) by Rushan

According to legends alchemics lived at mysterious Golden street in ancient times. They tried to find the way to turn any metal any gold or just to find Elixir of life. Which fits the street: small buildings, home interiors (if it was untouched).

Photo 709
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 709
(cc) by Rushan

In 1980 John Lennon was killed. After this sad event Lennon wall appeared in the city. It looks beautiful. Sometimes you can even hear here live songs from street musicians.

Photo 710
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 710
(cc) by Rushan

Anyone could draw something on the wall. Though not all who wants can produce a nice looking picture. Though the wall itself is really cool. I like it.

Photo 711
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 711
(cc) by Rushan

I already mentioned Franz Kafka yesterday. So if just a monument is not enough, you can visit museum. Though it is too much for a cultural program, you can make a deal with sailor and have a ride on boat.

Photo 712
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 712
(cc) by Rushan

In every big city there is a place for some politic demonstration. All who wish can support our Slavic brothers. I had an impression that was the only purposes why they placed this demonstration here (:

Photo 713
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 713
(cc) by Rushan

By the way about Slavic brothers. There is a legend, that a long time ago there were three brothers: Lech, Czech, and Rus. They decided to make their own countries. So Rus went to the East and founded Kievan Rus’, Lech also headed East (or a bit North) and founded Poland. And Czech simply stayed in the same place and founded Czech Republic. So all are related.
Unfortunately 2 days is not enough for Prague. May be I would come here one more time one day.

Photo 714
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 714
(cc) by Rushan