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.

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.