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Autumn 2016 Travels in Europe: The Largest Castle Complex

Prague, Sunday, October 9, 2016

Going up to the castle high on a hill overlooking the Vltava River and Prague was easy since our tour included the bus ride up. We certainly can testify that this is the largest castle complex in Europe. We walked 3.6 miles on the castle grounds! There is much to see–courtyards and village houses and castle rooms and churches. St. Vitus Cathedral is exceptionally beautiful. The stained glass is bright and inviting. The remains of saints are housed in wonderful sarcophagi; a silver sarcophagus of one of the saints features flying angels and lanterns. St. George (as in the dragon slayer) Basilica was built in 950 AD. Going out the exit of the castle complex on the extreme opposite side as we entered, we expected to find our bus waiting, but, no, it was down, down, down the hill we walked toward the famous Charles Bridge that unites the lower town with the old town Prague.

Then we walked some more as we strolled into the Old Town to watch the astronomical clock strike six o’clock. The clock is at the entrance to a major square where we viewed the ornate and colorful buildings and towers that outline this large space. By the time we got back to our hotel we had added many miles to our daily total, but our minds were filled with the beautiful sights of the day. WEG

Autumn 2016 Travels in Europe: I Couldn’t Wait

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We had a long travel day from beautiful Budapest to iconic Prague. We changed the Danube River for the Vltava River. Our train was comfortable. The first class seats were minimally more than tourist class, and we had reserved seats in a comfortable car. Being able to move around and go to the food car kept us from becoming weary.

Upon arrival in Prague, we unloaded our gear in our hotel located just off the old town. We walked to the 14th century pedestrian Charles Bridge with its large statuary positioned upon the low rise walls on each side. Spired towers, the unique architectural style for Prague that dot the city, guard the entrance to the bridge. As we walked into the old town from the bridge to find an authentic Czech restaurant, we passed what I had been waiting for–trdelnik stalls. I love trdelnik–soft bread on the inside, crispy cinnamon and sugar on the outside, all shaped on rollers that bake the bread over charcoal fire. I’ll be eating it often! WEG

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