Prague – January 2016

It's raining!  No it isn't.  It's just the melting snow falling off the rooftops. It's a dangerous activity just walking along pavements beside tall buildings.  Some of the lumps of ice are big.  Almost as dangerous as sliding around on the ice in pumps. As soon as we landed yesterday it was clear that I had not brought suitable footwear.  Fortunately, the shops in Prague are stocked up with boots especially for stupid English tourists like me.  We have a long walk around the Old Town shops, traditional Czech shops like M&S, Next, Debenhams and of course Starbucks. Everyone here speaks English which is just as well because our Czech is a bit sketchy.  I find some nice boots which are inexpensive and will do well for skiing in March. Mrs K insists she needs some too and finds a pair which are marginally more suitable than the ones she is already wearing.

This morning we have a clear blue sky but it is still very cold. Our hotel is a converted monastery and brewery. There is a glass of homemade ale waiting for me in the bar but that is for later. We are on the west bank of the river and so the impressive Prague Castle is just a short stroll up the hill. 

At the castle Mrs K has her second run in with officialdom. The first one was at Gatwick. Having squashed her new Coach handbag (Xmas present) into her holdall she decides she can now take it out. At the gate the Easyjet staff member ushers us through but then we hear "Excuse me!". Mrs K has her head down and keeps walking. But then I hear the quick paced click of heels behind us and Mrs K suffers the humiliation of being told off and being forced to squash the handbag back into the holdall while the rest of queue looks on.

At the castle we have booked a tour which means we get to enter four sites including the cathedral which is our last stop. Unfortunately by then, Mrs K has lost her ticket with the bar code that is recognised by the machine. We explain that it is lost but we have the receipt for the tickets and the audio guides. But Mrs K is refused entry. We go back to the ticket office to hand in our audio guides and ask if we can get a replacement ticket. One has been handed in but mine has been used already (I went in and came straight out again when Mrs K was turned away). Basically the computer says no. We leave a bit annoyed. So petty.  But we find a place nearby for lunch. 3 course set menu for 8 euros. A bargain and a nice place with cosy vaulted corners.

Back to room for round 2 of scrabble. I am one down but only technically. Last night’s game was drawn but according to the rules, I lost somehow. Mrs K is pleased. But normal order is resumed as I take the 2nd game comfortably. I also manage to write this blog in between Mrs K’s very long turns.

My ale is calling.

Part 2

On Saturday our plan was to tour the Jewish quarter of the city. But of course everything there was closed. Great plan. So we visited the National Gallery (which was a disappointment) and then walked round the Old Town shops again starting at Wenceslas square. Mrs K wants to buy a vase but there is no way miss clicky heels from Easyjet will allow it on the plane. 

We visit an old church/convent called Loretta. Mrs K’s breath is taken away when we see a bearded women crucified on a cross. Apparently the girl in question was a bit confused about her sexuality and grew a beard to repel men. That would work for me. But then they crucified her for it..literally.

In the evening we enjoy a nice supper in the small pub next to the hotel. I am feeling full from 3 days of hearty eating but manage to force down a tasty Czech sausage. And of course the customary apple strudel. It's another 3 course meal for just €10. Such good value.  We waddle back to the hotel making sure we check both ways when crossing the road. We have noticed that the trams travel in both directions on the same track. And segways can come out of nowhere.

We manage to see the Jewish quarter on Sunday morning which includes a museum, a cemetery and about 3 synagogues.  It's a tale of persecution and suffering over many centuries.  It's a miracle they are still around. But the Jewish quarter, once a ghetto, is now full of smart buildings and designer shops.

Back at the hotel we face a choice. To get to the airport. Taxi or limo?  We opt for the vastly cheaper option but our taxi smells like the driver has been sleeping in it, or worse.

I would recommend Prague as a very affordable and pleasant city to visit for 2 or 3 days, especially if you like a bit of history and culture. ...and of course hearty food.

P.S. Scrabble finishes 3-3, though one of my losses was actually a draw