Thursday in Prague

Well the day didn't start off well - as while I was uploading photos between 1-2am, Jon was regurgitating Wednesday's meals/liquids with a vengeance. I personally believe it was the chicken he had for lunch in Kutna Hora, or else I would certainly have been ill as well. I was paranoid about our tubed mayo, but I guess it wasn't the problem!

Here, however, are some pictures we took last night:


So I figured I wouldn't set the alarm. Indeed it was 11am when Jon finally stirred. The trooper that he is, dragged his exhausted butt out of bed. We stopped at the bakery next door (location, location, location!) on our way to the tram to find the tower on the hill that resembles a mini Eiffel tower. While a LOT smaller, because of it's placement on the hill south of the Castle it has nearly the same vantage hight as the tower in Paris.

To get up the hill there are three options - climb (30+ minutes), tram it to a few blocks north, or take the funicular (!?) up the hill. I am sure I've been on one before, but can't remember, so being on a tram that is literally built at a 45 degree angle and has sitting areas layered like stairs was a cool little ride. It came included with our metro ticket (a godsend getting the 5-day pass, btw). Once at the top of the hill, we strolled through some gardens to the tower itself.

From Old Town Wednesdy Night & "Eiffel" Tower Thursday afternoon

With Jon being so wiped out, we didn't climb the 400 steps to the top of the tower. So, we sat initially outside at the base of the tower to have a snack (I had cut up some apple and brought nuts/raisin mix)but then moved inside when the wind piked up. Wanting something hot and yet not too intense, I ordered us a couple of teas. The experience of ordering these two teas reminded me that occasionally customer service is a lip-service concept here, as I received two mini (thin) beer cups of boiling water, two strawberry cream tea bags (I didn't get a choice), and a lot of grumpy looks when I paid with what equates to about a $30 bill and didn't have anything smaller.... the cups teetered in their unhealthy plastic thin-ness, the tea was fruity (neither Jon and I really like fruit teas), and the atmosphere was limited.


Maybe if I had said 'Dobre-den' first thing I might have been able to crack a smile out of the depressed looking 20 yr old girl at the cash, but I've got my doubts. I have, however, noticed improved service overall if I make my attempts at hello, please, and thank you in Czech.

Jon barely lasted. I escorted him home, took his money, and went shopping. :-)

I got some fantastic flat/lightweight souveniers, and a couple of trinkets for friends/family. I found the fruit/trinket market and was able to barter my way into a few extra things too.

My priority for the souvenirs has been to try to get Czech made goods. Some are German, but the coolest stuff is Czech. I've noticed that it's a Canadian/American thing to keep the 'made in China' stickers on things, so I've made special effort in light of a different 'made in' system here.

My stroll around the old town by myself was made a little more intense/exciting by witnessing a small riot by some Croatian soccer/football fans. Someone told me initially they were Nazi's, so I was thoroughly intimidated by the 200 drunk men that were being followed/watched/cordoned by riot police including full gear/helmets/rifles. It was only once I got back from the dinner run (Greek for me, McDicks for Jon) that I found mention of it all on the internet news. I saw at least 100 of these guys getting processed/arrested, which I found silly for them as those guys are bound to miss their precious football match ;-)

So while I was nervous, especially when some Prague Sparta fans tossed firecrackers into the group (and bolted SO quickly down the street right after) it was just football. Thank goodness. Still - what a weird thing to get so violently passionate about. As Jon said, at least it wasn't politics or Nazi's that were causing the ruckus.

I rather enjoyed bopping around with my ipod as a bit of a solo tourist today. I do wish Jon wasn't so wiped out (he's spent the whole day sleeping except for early this afternoon) and am hoping he's up for the last day of full out tourism tomorrow.

And now I go to switch the laundry out...

-Rea


PS - here's a shout-out to the office, and Nicole as it's her birthday today. Yay Nic!