Prague

Capital of the Czech Republic, it is popularly known as the Golden City and the Heart of Europe.

Prague boasts of ancient, traditional architectural aspirations of olden Europe.
It is here that you can feel the thick history and culture so majestically coined.
The only regret we had was that it was such a short visit after coming in from Berlin with half a day gone. You can imagine the rush we had to make to conquer the city in 5 hours ! So sad. It surely needs more justification; you need to stay there for at least 2 days to get the most out of the place.

The local guide spoke good English. You can see she is a good organiser; only five minutes here or I will be gone; she said! With the touch and go visit it's either you make it or you don't.

The entrance to the Prague Castle walk.

I could not resist a shot with the guard. He was stern.

The onset of the famous Castle Walk. It closes at 4 in the evening. We were there at 2.45pm. Oh the great rush.

Yes it was a real walk. Everybody walks here. The spacious place is like a town by itself.

It has the largest ancient castle in the world with 5 courtyards. Czech Kings, Holy Roman Emperors and Presidents of the Czech Republic used to have their offices here.

There were so many tourists and many sat around for rest.

Located at the 3rd courtyard of the castle, the awe-inspiring facade of St. Vita Cathedral can be entered through the cathedral's western door.

The elegant domineering French Gothic structure is clearly seen and appreciated by the tourists.

The stained glass panels captured many of us.

Outside, the castle with its many courtyards are a sight. How can anyone finish in less than 2 hours? We had to. So it was indeed touch and go. How does one describe this building? When I used the term awesome, the guide told me that this commonly used term is too commercialized.
No. It is majestic, regal, resplendent, grandiose, stately, magnificent except awesome...

The tourist guide told us that the Saint seen in the figurine was executed because he refused to reveal to the then Emperor who the Queen's lover was. So tradition and belief says if you touch him; you will be blessed and have a chance to visit the place again.

Before we made the trip, we were told and informed that Prague is famous for her crystals. So one of us had wanted to purchase a set of chandeliers ; but alas the size was not right. So it is not that easy to get what you think you can get.

Gems and jewellery were the pick of many tourists.

This was what created the ethos of the place. Dance, songs and fun. I wish I could also let go like them.

The place for shopping souvenirs for friends and family.

How often does one have the chance to stand at the summit and look down into a view like that? Yes, breathtaking view.

When I watched the TLC channel at home; a week before I traveled here I told myself I must see this place. My wish granted.

There were hundreds of steps to climb because the landscape was undulating. But every step was worth taking because they led to panoramic scenes.

The Vltara River seen from the famous Charles Bridge. Nobody leaves Prague without crossing it. Apparently one can dine romantically in a cruise along the river in the evenings.

We watched the boats, barges and ships pass by.

Strolls along the the cobblestone lanes and bridge are commonly practised with comfortable shoes or sandals. I had the greatest laugh when the guide told me that she had a client the previous day strutting the cobbled roads on 5 inch high heels for 3 hours! She wondered if her client had broken any bones... and massage service is expensive here unlike in Thailand.

As you walk along Charles Bridge you will notice the display of about 30 statues; all solidly structured.

Guess what. This is the figurine of the same Saint that would you bring back to Prague if you could just touch him...Many flocked to do that; they want to come back to Prague again.

The number of tourists here far out beat any of the European Cities we visited the last week. Surely it was huge.

The Old Town Square. By hook or by crook you must see it to make your visit here complete.

So many people even when evening came.

The attraction of the square; the astronomical clock. When it chimed, it shook the town.

Filming was a common sight; everyone takes a shot here and there.

Here... time for dinner.

We were taken to a traditional local restaurant for the last dinner before we go home the next day.

We were treated to beautiful local music...

... and folk dancing.

Some of us were invited to be partners of the dancers and all in good steps with each dance ending in this note...eeeew.

Amidst all the travelling, fun, sight-seeings, food, drinks, songs and spectacular views, I would always look at my watches to take stock of the time back in Malaysia and imagine what my loved ones were doing each day and hour. I missed them awfully. It's time to be home.

Prague; maybe I will see you again.