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Family Reflections:
Knowing that I'm 1/2 Czech, so the kids are 1/4, this was fun to explore some of our ancestry.
We learned that the Czech Republic is one of the highest atheist/agnostic countries in the world, but that everyone believes in BEER!
It's very pretty and everyone was nice. We fell in love with this city too!
Pork knuckles are HUGE! Bigger than B.C.'s head.
Food is delicious...sausages, potatoes, pickled vegetables, and beer! Way easier to not eat red meat or pork these days!
Beautiful wood creations by local artists. The marionettes (string puppets) are crazy cool and feats of movement.
Amari and Waylon were enamored with the train track view in Prague...the number of tracks and all the switches.
Prague Coat of Arms
Out and About in Prague...
Prague Uprising 1945 Memorial (above) and Franz Kafka statue below (known for works such as The Metamorphosis, which I read in HS).
St. James Basilica, which was protected by The Guild of Butchers back in the day.
And this is the mummified arm (to the right of Amari's pinky) of an attempted thief that they made an example of...still hanging!
Because why not be detained for a few minutes so a Czech film could get some footage in the middle of Prague.
Most synagogues were destroyed, but this is one of five reconstructed in the Jewish Quarter.
Much of Prague was destroyed through war and battles, but remnants were integrated into modern architecture when possible.
Prague is known for eclectic building styles all mixed everywhere (baroque, gothic, art nouveau, neo-gothic, etc.)
Technically from Mozart's Don Giovanni opera, but totally a premonition to Harry Potter dementors too. It cast unworldly curses on the kids! Luckily, I've some mighty mom power.
Found we liked Urquell Pils, but love Kozel beer. And the kids loved Kofola (the communist version of Coke that was created during Cold War times).
(Left) Krtek (Little Mole) is everywhere. He's the communist version of Mickey Mouse, created by a Czech animator. During the Cold War, western creations weren't allowed in society, so people created their own. It's a sweet little show you can find on YouTube, but watch the old ones. We were warned by locals that the newer ones have actually been taken over by a Chinese media company who has changed the show.
The Astronomical Clock...crazy busy, but once you get the low-down of all the parts, it's insanely amazing! From the time of year zodiac clock, to day length, to time in numerous cultures, etc., this clock is doing 20x more than an Apple watch. And it has an apostle show to boot!
Rotating Kafka head. A 15 minute show where each layer moves to create different waves of movement and contortions. It's captivating!
The Gallery of Steel and The Museum of Fantastic Illusions
(Took a break in Prague from the traditional museums and sought out a couple of random ones that piqued our interest. Both really fun!)
This gallery exhibits creations using only recycled steel scraps. The figures are huge and, as you can see, you can climb all over them. Very impressive works!
Let the illusions begin...
A little pre-Halloween fun!
Waylon's grown a ton since we've been gone!
Across the Charles Bridge and Around the Prague Castle Area
Prague Castle across the Vltava River. A gorgeous fall morning!
Charles Bridge Tower (Old Town Side)
The Castle (found in Lesser Town, but not because it's Lesser in status)
Changing of the Guard at the Prague Castle. Not quite as intense as Buckingham, and they are only on guard until 6pm, once the president goes home from the office.
Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia after independence in 1918 (like the George Washington).
St. Vitius Cathedral
St. Vitius is interesting because it was built over many different time periods, which is reflected in the many different architecture styles that it beholds.
And this is our relative! What?!? Go cousin Todd for the lineage info!
A loving view of Prague from the castle side.
One of many interesting art installations found around Prague. 😅
A small-ish wall of free expression under communism in the 60s, then became a larger symbol of freedom after Lennon's assassination when someone painted his face and lyrics there in 1980. It then became an area of back and forth messages of freedom and the painting over those messages by the communist government.
And another...the faces were not babies.
The return to Old Town via a river island (Charles Bridge behind us).
(Left) That's what locals call a "water rat" under the tree trunk. Think of a small ROUS from The Princess Bride. Cute, but deadly.
Vyšehrad (Prague Neighborhood)
After a splendid morning at the Saturday Farmer's Market, we walked up to Vyšehrad (an old fortress), for awesome views of Prague and a relaxing walkabout.
Beer Garden in Czech Republic too! Na zdraví (Naz-draw-vee = Cheers)!
Finished off our Prague time with an amazing septet orchestra in the Hall of Mirrors!
Even had a soprano join in for some songs. The acoustics were unreal!
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