Prague!

Wenceslas Square

Prague was always going to be a highlight for us on this trip. We have week on our own now, split between Prague and Berlin. Getting to Prague was interesting - the journey was completed via 4 trains and a bus. The quality of the trains deteriorated markedly across the Czech border, along with the availability of English, but we made it ok.

Old Town Square

It is colder here and there is more snow. Today we went on a walking tour of the city with Radek, our guide. It was a great way to see things and hear some of the more interesting history and stories, to take our minds off the snow that fell most of the day and the subzero temperatures. It's clear that Czechoslovakia has had a history peppered with takeovers, communism that didn't work, and latterly a rejuvenation of the economy and the infrastructure with the move to capitalism. The historical buildings have all been restored and are wonderful.

Jewish cemetery

The city is very beautiful, even in the snow. At least in the city area, all the buildings are ornate, with lots dating back to early centuries. Our walk began in Wenceslas Square - yes the one we sing the Christmas Carol about, but apparently he was a duke (not a king), he wasn't particularly "good", and the Czechs don't have a carol about him! There is a Jewish Quarter which has a tiny cemetery with gravestones all jumbled together, higgledy-piggledy - apparently they ran out of room and just kept putting down more layers of clay, then burying the next lot on top. Altogether there are 12 layers of bodies!

We got a taste of things to look at in more detail in our tour today and as we have three days here before we leave we have plenty of time.