AmyHuang
Czech Point: Prague
The beautiful view from Petřín Hill with Prague Castle on the hill in the distance
Its castle is where Tom Cruise flaunted his spy skills in Mission Impossible II, and many legends and myths lies behind its many ancient walls and spires. Known as the 'City with 100 Spires' it is recovering quickly from its Soviet days as well as the occupation of the Nazis (surprisingly largely undamaged during the WWII) and is swinging its arms wide open for the world to see.
Prague is undoubtedly a beautiful city, Gothic and mystifying. Unfortunately due to mass tourism it is extremely crowded and dirty, which greatly depreciates its beauty and potential.
The old Charles Bridge is now lined with artists trying to sell their work
One of its famous attractions is the Charles Bridge. Once upon a time (for I know you all love stories) the river that flows through Prague was so rapid, that no bridge can survive more than 3 months. The bridges get washed away and the people had to build another one. It was costing too much for the King. One day, the King of the time gathered all the best architects and his advisers and spoke of building a bridge that will not fall. The advisers told him, that the astrologers says on a certain night at a certain hour, if they could lay the first stone foundation for the bridge, the bridge will never fall. The King took his advice. He ordered men to watch out plan the day, and at a certain night as the clock struck on the certain hour, they laid the first stone foundation for Charles Bridge.Time went by and the bridge stood through floods and rapids, until today. The statues on the bridge each tell a story of their own. Some of them even brings good luck. There must be something about touching brass statues all over the world, funny how we all fall for it and not realising the rumour might have been spread purposely so that we the tourists can 'polish' their statues for them...
Prague Riverside at sunset
Beyond the bridge and on the mighty hill is the Prague Castle. As mentioned Tom Cruise has graced it with his presence, but it was also home to a glorious empire throughout its 1100 years old history. A visit is a must and admission into the garden area is free. Other areas in the castle such as the Royal Palace, the Powder Tower, St George's Basilica and special exhibitions will attract a fee. Something really exciting to see is the Changing of the Guards ceremony by the Castle gates each hour with a fanfare and the flag ceremony in the First Courtyard at noon time.
The Old Town Centre has a world clock that does its tune once every hour. The centre has been the heart of Prague since the 10th Century and is surrounded by many of Prague's monuments. Cafes and restaurants are aplenty here.
The Gothic eponymous chapel overlooking the Old Town Square, the heart of Prague
Prague is proud of its Opera/Concerts and Theatre culture. Search around and you'll come across flyers advertising free concerts at churches, or opera and theatre performances for as little as 10Euros. It is great value. I managed to score three free church concerts in one day!
Food glorious food! Grilled chicken with potato and cabbage salads, and the duck with dumplings dish
Another thing you are guaranteed to fall in love with in Prague, unless you are a vegetarian, is the Czech food. I ordered the duck on the menu and out came half of duck! The servings are extremely generous and the flavour to die for. The Goulash served for 4Euros at the hotel was just divine, not to mention its only-so-little price tag. Word of advice is to leave the tourist areas of the main square and venture a little outside the main attractions to find delicious friendly and authentic food without the foreigner's price tag, even though they are cheap in European standards already.
Beautiful Prague streets and its buildings
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Great title, great post!
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