Prague Underwater

Before we knew we were moving to Poland, Chris' parents planned a trip to Ireland. Once we told them the news, they decided to extend their vacation and visit us in Prague and then to Wroclaw - and start the celebration of Chris' 30th birthday. We are so happy they did!

Chris and I rented a car and drove from Wroclaw to Prague. Who would have thought, the Czech Republic twice in a week. It is a fairly easy drive - most of it highway but between the borders, there are some smaller roads. We are first to arrive at the Sheraton Hotel where we are all staying so we check into the room and scope the place out. They are pretty sweet rooms - his dad booked joining rooms which worked out perfectly.

While waiting for them to arrive, Chris and I go for a little stroll. We decide to celebrate with a bottle of some absinth.

Absinth from Prague

When his parents arrive - we hit the streets. Our hotel was about 5-10 minute walk to the historic square. We make our way there, then over the Charles Bridge and on to the other side, we take a taxi to what we think is a where we want to go to dinner "The Monastery"  - only to find out - it wasn't. So we headed back into the historic area and went to a local brewery which we passed on our walk it. It was perfect.

Prague's weather while we are there is making international news because of all the rain and flooding. While it isn't a down poor, it is steady and the river is pretty rough and definately flooding out some stores and restaurants along the water. We didn't let it get the best of us and our vacation though.

Flooded restaurant - owners trying to remove everything to dry grounds

Kafka Museum in Prague - Flooded

Vltava River

Vltava River

The next day, we opted for the "Hop On - Hop Off" bus tour and as we called it - the "Hop On - Stay On". We do a whole loop around the city and then jump out at the Prague Castle. We watched the changing of the guards which is what we would call uneventful - but hey at least we saw it! We also loved seeing the church and the grounds.

View from the top of Prague Castle

The church

The church at the top of Prague Castle

The Guard

Anne and I

 Our walk back to old town, we took a stroll through the vineyards.

Old Town is beautiful. You can see a lot of similarities between Prague and Wroclaw. Here are some of the sites:

Astronomical Clock

Theater

Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge Tower

Old Town Square

Ham - lots of ham - Chris can't help himself

Tyn Church

Old Town and the Astronomical Clock

The Astronomical Clock (it goes off every hour)

Streets of Prague

St. Nicholas Cathedral

Inside the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Old Town

Chris and John in Prague

Center of Old Town

We wrapped up the day with dinner at Il Flekil. It was a great dining experience. There was music, signing and beer flowing. They walk around the treys of beer (1 kind) and replace empty glasses with full ones. They have wine too for those who enjoy the vino.

 

Each morning Chris spoiled us with breakfast to the room and a little happy hour each night before dinner.  Great time to just sit around and talk.

Our last day there, the Hop On and Off bus shut down because of the weather. There were some areas that they couldn't go and bridges were closed so we just walked around the old town area. They say it was the worst flooding in over 50 years. They even shut down the Charles Bridge. Anne got her trinket shopping in with John and Chris and I went off to some other parts of town for a few drinks.

For our last night in Prague, we dined at Kalina Restaurant. Everything we ordered was made to perfection. It was a great way to end a great getaway to Prague.

Lobster and Peas - these flavors burst in your mouth

Mashed potatoes à la Joël Robuchon

Green Beans