Perfect Prague

This entry has been delayed because of, well, school. Yes, I know, that thing that I am here to do always seems to interfere with my European experience! Kidding completely, parents. Amidst my packing for my early morning flight to Istanbul, Turkey, tomorrow morning, I am trying to get this entry out to keep a running account of each trip I take.

Seven hours duration brought us from Budapest to the beautiful Czech Republic via a bus that served us hot chocolate (that was a very integral part of the story). Once arriving at around 2 pm, we made an unusually long trek to our hostel to check in, and in doing so we passed through the majority of old town Prague. It was in this short journey that I was able to distinguish that Prague has a very large tourist market, as souvenir shops are seemingly on every corner. Also, however, this massive amount of tourism was due to Prague's "Festival of Europe 2009," which sampled amazing food, live music all over the former Eastern Bloc, sideshow acts, and did I mention crowds, and crowds of people? In all honesty, you could have been there and I would have missed you. After touching down in the hostel, we decided to start walking around. The main square, where there was cheap food, incredibly old buildings, and Czech culture that was accessible to anyone who carried enough Korunas ($$). The best part of the main square of old town had to be the atomic clock, which at every hour, on the hour, would have a skeleton come out of it and ring a bell, while statues of the 12 disciples rotated between two windows on the top of the clock. I say this was the best part because so many tourists would wait for at least half an hour to see this anomaly, cameras drawn, and ready to shoot the amazing Czech atomic clock. However, once the show was over, 'awww' seemed to be the general sound of let down, and the laughter of the native Czechs at the stupid tourists shortly followed. Just listening to the laughter was great.
Next came further foot searching, and crossing the Charles' Bridge, which was constructed in 1357. This bridge is lined with Christian (eastern greek orthodox) statues and angels, and offers an amazing view of the city from the middle. Next came a stop in a pub, and the annoyance that this festival was actually going on. This pub we entered would only allow big groups in, and was catering to a pub race, if you will, where groups of predominately Americans that wished they were still in college went pub to pub, drinking, and drinking, aaaaannnd drinking. Needless to say, the enjoyment of relaxing with my first Czech beer (Budweiser Budvar. . . copyright?) was shortlived. From there came the visiting of the peace wall, which people put graffiti on as a protest to Soviet occupation (http://www.flickr.com/photos/customfun). This was again one more sign of the aftermath of communist occupation, and the effects it had on people. The wall was decorated with John Lennon quotes and charicatures, and powerful slogans [ the most being, "I was born to tell you I love you" - to their oppressors....this was empowering]. After this incredible sight, the night ended with a pub for some food where we were clipped on a huge tip - 20% for their handing out beer and hearty food, oh and not to mention that Czech restaurants don't charge tip. Ever.
The following day was our trek to the castle. This seems to be a habit of every place we visit; to hike up to the one castle. Since Prague's castle complex is the largest in the world, there was plenty to see - from old buildings and the district itself to the absolutely stunning St. Vitus (Veetoosh) Cathedral -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Vitus_Cathedral -, which is a gothic cathedral dating back to 1344 that is located in the middle of the Prague castle. The construction of this cathedral was absolutely incredible, for the amount of detail that went into creating such a structure is phenomenal. After this, we ventured a pizza joint for a rest. From there we visited the Andy Warhols traveling exhibit from the NY MOMA that had a select few of his 16mm films, and for just over $3 US, it was quite a steal.
From there, we went to visit something I have always wanted to see: The Dancing Building. The Dancing Building is a building that was designed by LA architect Frank Gehry (Disney Concert House, Guggenheim in Bilbao, Univ. Cincinnati Health Center). Just to see something in person that was so abstract as that was really amazing. Surprisingly enough, it fit in quite well to the surroundings even though it had very contrasting shapes and materials. Google 'Dancing Building' and look at the pictures, it is impressive in pictures but was incredible in person. Following this was more sightseeing, dinner, and then back to the hostel, when our group decided to go to the largest dance club in all of central Europe.
I passed.

The following day, Maryann and I arose early (while no one else did, because it was the largest dance club in central Europe) to go to a great bakery to get some tasty treats to end our stay in Prague. The bus ride back consisted of more hot chocolate, a showin of James Bond in Hungarian, and some Czech chocolates we got for the ride.

For pictures please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/customfun. I apologize for making this entry so brief, but I must pack for Turkey. That entry will hopefully be put up next Wednesday.

Thanks for reading.