Following more of Prague.

 My blog has to be done in broken parts, as the new IOS updates does not support blogger and the blog can only hold so many photos, so bear with me, whilst my trip will be shared in parts.

I would like to point out some monuments and places that were of an interest to me.

This place on Charles bridge where St John of Nepomuk was thrown in the river in the year 1393, is connected with a legend, touch the brassy cross here and whatever you wish will come true.

We walked across the bridge into Lessertown, called as such because traditionally it was the smaller

Half of Prague, where the King lived. Lessertown is a maze of cobblestone streets, winding their way between historical monuments.

Ornate buildings in Lessertown.

This building is just near the Charles Bridge, great etchings

In 1683 The Jesuits placed a statue of Nepomuk on Charles Bridge as part of a campaign to create a bohemian Catholic martyr. He was made a saint in 1729. Legend says that if you rub the bronze plaque, you will be sure to return to Prague one day. As you can see countless rubs are done everyday by tourists.

On our city tour we visited Schwarzenberg castle.

From a distance the facade appears to be clad in projecting pyramid shaped stonework, but it is an illusion, it is painted on a flat wall. This style is a mix of Czech and Italian Renaissance.

We also visited, the old Jewish quarter, known as Josefov, their are eight synagogues in this compact area, which can become quite packed in peak season. 

All the designer shops are located here.

You need to look up, when walking the streets.

Franz Kafka statue. Kafka was a Czech Jew, born in Prague, July 3rd 1883, he wrote novels, The trial, America and The Castle. He worked as an accident insurance clerk and died of tuberculosis at the age of 40. This statue is meant to represent, although weak in body, he was strong in spirit.

Our three days in Prague was very active with our tours and sightseeing, a city that I have loved to visit.

We visited St Vita cathedral, gorgeous stained glass windows.

Tulips in full bloom.

I even got in a fabric fix, whilst out and about sightseeing.

And of course some glass Czech buttons were purchased.

Oh well Prague that is a wrap, time to go and explore Poland. We are travelling to Kraków overnight by train.

The Baltic Countries in Eastern Europe.

Friday the 20th April, saw us depart for our 7week adventure O/S, we chose to fly Korean air for the stopover in Seoul, then fly onto Prague the next day mid morning. 

I must say it was a very civilised way to travel to Europe. The first leg was 10 hours, three movies, two meals and quite a bit of sewing. Korea is only 1 hour ahead of Australia, we arrived at 5.30pm in the evening. 

We got picked up from terminal 1 and transported to our hotel in Incheon for the night. This is our first visit to Korea.

Only an overnight stay in Incheon 

Our Oceanside Incheon hotel.

After a restful night and morning we flew to Prague mid morning and arrived 10hrs later, 45mins to clear customs and we were on our way.

Our Hotel Leonardo is in Old Town, close to the Charles Bridge and river.

This monument is on the Main Street along the river, I cannot explain the statues or monuments as they are not in English.

Walkway along the river in Prague.

Charles Bridge

St Vita, catheradal in Prague Castle.

Prague has the most amazing architecture ranging from the 13th century and over the years transcends from gothic, baroque and Renaissance.

In Cesky Krumlov where the Czech Republic second largest castle is, there is a good example of these three styles. The castle was originally owned by The Rosenberg family.

On our second day in Prague we took a 10 1/2 hr trip and 200ks south to go to this historic town, so charming.

The viewpoint overlooking Cesky Krumlov.

Renaissance style.

Very historical town, the tower in the centre 

The castle resident bear, there was three, but now only one left.

The Rosenbergs crest, entry into castle.

Good example of gothic and baroque style.

This Cross with Christ is on the butchers bridge, up above was the castle where Julius Caesar used to live.

The theatre room in the castle