Prague Part 2

We spent the morning of our third day in Prague across the river in the Little Quarter and the Castle District. The first stop in the Little Quarter was the Lennon Wall. When Lennon was killed in 1980, this large wall was spontaneously covered with memorial graffiti. Each night, the police would paint over it and each morning the wall woud be freshly painted with lyrics and quotes about freedom. It was a symbol of hope during communism and is still covered with inspiring thoughts today:



Well, maybe not all of it is inspiring:


After this we checked out the Church of St. Nicholas. While this was one of many breathtakingly beautiful churces we saw, this was the only one that allowed photos, so hear are a few:


Built in 1703, it isn't the oldest, but is probably one of the most beautiful churches in Prague.


Next we headed up the hill to the Castle Quarter to check out the famous Prague Castle. Czech leaders have ruled from this castle for more than 1000 years. It is huge and offers amazing views of the city.

Me in front of the castle gates:


Since Peter knows how miserable it is to stand watch from his days at The Citadel, he can never resist a fun photo like this one:


The Castle area was extra crowded because everyone was forced to wait for the end of a very important mass where the new Cardinal of the Czech Republic was introduced. We think this is him.


This is an example of the guys that were everywhere while the crowd waited impatiently for the Mass to finish and the new Cardinal to march out.


When we finally worked our way through the crowds, we were able to check out some of what the castle has to offer. Here is Peter in front of the President's office:


Here is St. Vitus Cathedral: (from the back)


And Basilica of St. George which is over 1100 years old:


And here is Peter on "Golden Lane." This street of medieval building was once where the goldsmiths worked and sold their products. Today its charm is somewhat trampled by the souvenir shops that are now housed here. The look on his face is a great description of how much Peter loves souvenir shops.....especially crowded ones.


The veiws from the Castle Quarter are amazing:



After the castle, we checked out the famous "Charles Bridge" which dates back to 1357 and was the only bridge in Prague until the 19th century.

Here is the Charles Bridge in the background:

Here is the veiw of the Little Quarter and Castle District from the Bridge:

Here is an example of the statues that line the bridge. Apparently half of the statues are replicas, as the originals are now housed in various museums to protect them from polluted air.


And finally, to end our Prague trip on a random note, here is a phot of their famous "Dancing House" building. Designed by famous architect Frank Gehry, this building was inspired by Fred and Ginger and is a Prague landmark:


Next stop: Bratislava and our wonderful stay with the Miklas family.