Thursday, March 31, 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Prague cats




I have been hunting for some artwork that I bought last year. They are just inexpensive copies of watercolors of the city, with these color-blocked cats sitting in the foreground. I bought three last year and framed them and hung them in the living room at Mom's house, where they look great. I'm moving into my own place in a couple weeks, so I wanted to buy copies for myself so Mom can keep the others. I did not expect this to be difficult, since I remember exactly the store where I bought them.

However, they are proving to be elusive. I have found two, not as pretty as last years', and with the wrong color mat, but at least I won't return empty-handed. I think I have walked through every tourist souvenir shop in the city. We did find these figurines in a store window last night, which gives me hope that I might still find the paintings.




Orchestra




On our way across the bridge earlier in the day, we walked past this cathedral with people outside selling tickets to an orchestral concert in the evening. Happily, we decided to buy tickets. The music was gorgeous and we had absolutely the best seats in the house.




Another return to the sherbet cave

For the Husketeers.











Descent

The pictures don't accurately portray the amount of steps we descended on our way back from the castle. And yes, we ascended these on our way there!








Nap

We didn't go inside the castle gates, but since the weather was just about perfect, we found a spot in a nearby park to rest. One of us may have dozed off a bit.





I spent the time writing in this blog, and then I admit I sat back to just enjoy the day. I had a wonderful view from my spot on the ground.



Charles Bridge and castle




After lunch we walked across Charles Bridge and towards the castle.



And we stopped for gelato!




Municipal Library




Yesterday we met Tomáš, the director of the municipal (public) library in Prague, for a tour of the library and lunch. I met Tomáš last year during the library course, and I am so glad that we've kept in touch. He is a very innovative and forward thinker about libraries, and we had a great conversation about their future, mission, marketing, etc.






Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Vyšehrad 5: lunch; evening in Wenceslas Square


Lunch was in a wonderful little room full of books.





After lunch, we walked along the river and then back to our hotel where we were given the sad information that my luggage had been returned to the United States. This was a low point for me, and I admit to some whining and swearing. However, after a short rest I collected myself, googled a place to buy a power converter and some inexpensive clothes, and Deborah and I ended up having a fantastic evening in the Wenceslas Square area, running into Luli, finding converters and a new outfit for me (thank goodness, I had been in the same sad clothes for nearly 4 days by this point).

We had pizza and wine at this strange but fantastic restaurant I had found last time I was here, where the staff dress like pirates. Our waitress loved that I spoke Czech with her, and after dinner brought us lemon-flavored becherovka.


Vyšehrad 4: more views












Vyšehrad 3: views











Vyšehrad 2: cemetery

(I am breaking my posts up into smaller pieces because my blog app does not seem to want to load more than 3 pictures at a time.)







Composer Dvořák's grave. We are going to a concert featuring his music tonight.





Vyšehrad




Yesterday Richard met us on his lunch hour and took us to Vyšehrad, which was first built in the 10th century as a stronghold for Prague, then a seat for sovereigns and royalty. There is a cathedral with a cemetery for important Czech politicians, writers, artists, etc., and lots of grounds and paths with views over the Vltava River and the city.


On the way there, we walked past Richard's childhood home and school. Here he and Deborah pose outside his school.


Right outside the walls of Vyšehrad is this building, an example of Cubist architecture from early 20th century, by architect Josef Chochol.

A Prague miracle!

When I came down to breakfast this morning, this was waiting for me at the foot of the stairs:




I must give major props to the entire staff at the Hotel Hastal, especially Kristian, who drove to the airport before his 7am shift today to track this down and bring it back for me.

We are off now to the Municipal Library, and I'll try to find some time to post yesterday's adventures. It is a beautiful sunny day so I may find a nice grassy spot to sit and write.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Prague day 2

I will post a full update tomorrow. We did a lot today. For now, a few pictures. And, in "it's a small world" news, we ran into our Taiwanese friend, Lilu, from the airport, in Wenceslas Square today. She has not received her luggage yet either. That's her on the left.














Prague: arrival

Just a quick post to share some pictures on the day of arrival. It was a stressful travel day - our entire plane's luggage was lost from Munich to Prague. I helped four women from Spain translate Spanish <--> English <--> Czech so their luggage would get to their hotel, and we rescued a Taiwanese student who was crying and lost and got her to her train. Deborah's luggage is here now, mine not yet, but she serendipitously packed a Haiti libraries tshirt for me so I am all good with something to sleep in.
Making the best of a bad airport situation.
The view from our hotel window.
The bar/restaurant in our hotel.

Becherovka!

Richard came to meet us! We walked around and then got dinner at the same restaurant we went to on our last night last year.
And we walked past our old home on the way back to our hotel (which is just down the street).
Here are some other pics from the day.