Prague, The Capital of Bohemia

With a few friends in tow, we finally made it to Prague, Czech Republic, only a 4 hour drive from Wiesbaden.  Since I am told I have Bohemian blood, it was a necessary right of passage to visit. This gorgeous city has only really been seen by foreigners since the fall of communism in 1989.  Prague is the only major city in Central Europe to escape WWII bombs - and it shows.  Everywhere you turn, you're met with a beautiful view like the picture above of the Old Town Square. 

What a history - on May 8, 1945, the Nazis left town.  The very next day, the Russians "liberated" them.  Between then and 1989, Czechoslovakia was part of the USSR and closed off to the world. It is now the second most visited city in Europe after Paris! 

On our February visit, we awoke on Saturday morning to a full on snowstorm that eventually left over 5" of snow.  It did not seem to deter the tourists and made the city look like even more like a fairy tale. 

An example of the architecture in the Old Town Square

The famous Charles Bridge built in 1357

A couple of German tourists in front of the Vltava river.   In the distance is the Prague Castle and church.

Prague castle without tourists standing in front

St. Vitus Cathedral in a driving snow storm



This amazing Art Nouveau stained glass window is in the cathedral, completed in 1931 by a Czech artist





When John Lennon was killed in 1980, a memorial wall filled with graffiti appeared overnite.  Every night the police would spray paint it and every night, Lennon's words would reappear.  During the dark days leading up to the fall of communism in 1989, this wall stood for freedom for many Czechs



I don't leave home without my leopard-print umbrella.

When the snow finally subsided, Heidi and Marcus found this little hut with gluhwein and a great fireplace.

Here's the whole gang on the Charles Bridge (Pete, Mary, Sue, Chris, Heidi, Marcus

A view looking toward the city from the Charles Bridge

We found this great photograph of the bridge from a local artist and tried to find the exact location where he took the picture.

Look at the detail on the side of this building.  The river runs underneath it.

Marcus talked us into getting a drink in the Ice Pub Prague.  Awesomely cool silver jackets!

The Last DJ



So many Russian dolls, so little time.  How would you like to setup this window every day.



More than 500 years ago, the Old Town Hall Astronomical Clock was built.  It's really complex with signs of the Zodiac, Bohemian time, modern time, and even the time of tonight's sunset.  I have no idea how it works.

Another view of the Old Town Square with the fairy tale spires



And a final look at the Old Town during the daytime from a rooftop restaurant
Tschus!!