In Prague
A few interesting notes from Praha:
- The currency here, the Crown, is great. There are currently about 27 to a dollar. It costs only 5,- Kč for a postcard 12,- Kč for a stamp. I got a piece of apple strudel and two danish-like things for 20,- Kč at a little bakery. Yes, beer is cheaper than water.
- We visited two castles today! One was Hrad Karlštejn (Carlstein Castle) and the second was called Prague Castle, but is really the government center for the Czech Republic. The President gets his govern on from there, as well as the Parliament and various Ministries. There also happened to be a building which housed a sample torture chamber, an armor museum and a crossbow practice franchise. (This may sound strange, but I hear there’s a bowling alley under the White House. Dealing with a 7-10 split is not my idea of fun.)
- Our guide is Gabriella, and she is the sweetest woman you have ever met. She unfailingly refers to us as either “my darlings” or “dear friends.” When say her name to get her attention, she says “Yes, please.” She has a very cute Czech accent, and she knows a great deal about Czech history. In short, she’s the perfect guide. She even beat most of our group to the top of the hill at Karlštejn. (If you look at the picture on this page, you will realize what a feat that is.)
- The weather here is cold! The BBC says the high/low was 7 °C/2 °C, but it felt more like 2 the whole day. Like an idiot, I left my gloves in London, so I may have to get a new pair. My beanie is a little too short to cover my ears, too; I have to keep pulling it down. I may get another hat here — it’s all pretty cheap, as long as you shop around.
- There are classical concerts practically every night here. Some people were talking about going to see some Gershwin tonight. They also apparently love W.A. Mozart. (“Amadeus” was filmed here.) I’m planning on seeing a marionette opera of Don Giovanni.