29/12/2011: And on to Prague
we go. Weather is absolutely gorgeous for the trip. Even the sun is
shining (now where did I put those sunglasses?). Crossing into the Czech
Republic we went through a series of hills which showed traces of
recent snow falls. Snow in Prague maybe?

No snow in Prague. Cold enough for it though. Temp is about 4-5 degrees, but clear
and sunny. We found our way to the hotel without too much difficulty
(once we deciphered the traffic light system that is - a bit different
to other places: apparently a flashing red arrow means you can turn).
We're staying at the President Hotel,
right on the river and just a short walk from the city centre and the
"old town". It's a 5 star hotel which we were lucky enough to get a
great deal on. The room is located on the front of the hotel overlooking
the river and distant hills - liking Prague already.

Slight hiccup, well not for us though. Getting our luggage out of the car we
discovered Callan's passport. Unfortunately Callan is still in Berlin.
He and Sam are planning to go to England in the New Year, and they'll
need passports for that (not to mention getting home again). Tomorrow
we're going to the Australian Consulate here in Prague to see if they
have some way of returning it to him ASAP. Luckily the Consulate is just
500m from the hotel (thank heavens for Google search).

Stowed our luggage (and errant passport) in our room and set off to explore a
bit before it gets too cold and dark. Prague is really a magnificent
city!! Words can't describe the architecture, the culture, or the
people. Found a wonderful cafe/restaurant to grab a bit of late lunch.
Had the best goulash and dumplings I've ever had, Julie had a futtucine
with tomato and basil pesto, absolutely delicious. And .... wait for it
... they know how to make excellent coffee too!! Did I mention that
we're liking Prague already?

As we wander the streets I can see Julies shopping finger get itchy - it starts to twitch
whenever we pass a shop selling silk scarves, or homemade chocolates, or
Czech crystal. "Here dear, let me hold your hand".

We came across some Xmas markets in the middle of the old town (they
really do mean 12 days of Christmas here!!). Even better than the ones
we saw in Berlin. People everywhere just eating, drinking, and talking.
Choirs are singing. The whole place is filled with wonderful smells of
food, and sounds of people enjoying themselves.

I think Prague just became our favourite city.

Made our way to the Australian Consulate this morning to sort out
Callan's passport. A very helpful young lady soon gave us all the info
we needed to get the passport to Paris where he can pick it up - we just
had to find our way to the Post Office to send it via registered mail.
Found the Post Office ok, even managed to get a ticket for the right
queue. Got to the booth to send the package but were told we had to pay
for it with Czech Koruna (about $2 AUD). So, back outside we went to
find an ATM or Money Exchange booth, changed some Euros for Korunas,
went back inside the Post Office, got another ticket for the queue, and
finally sent the passport. Hopefully it gets to Paris in time for Callan
to pick it up.

OK, its official - Prague is our favorite city. Spent the day sightseeing, even did a river cruise on the Vltava River. By the time we sorted out Callan's passport, it was too
late to do some of the more extensive city tours, so we opted for the
"River & coffee" tour - about an hour of river cruising with coffee
and cake, and a very informative guide. As well as giving us the facts n
figures about the various sights, he gave us a slightly editorialised
commentary as well (Rupert Murdoch would have been proud). He had no
hesitation in pointing out how some aspects of Czech life had
deteriorated since the end of communist rule in 1989 (rise in crime,
homelessness, unemployment etc). It was clear though that he spoke of
Prague and the Czech Republic with a great deal of pride. And being here
and experiencing what it has to offer, one can't help but agree with
him.

Went walking tonight in search of supper.
Decided to cut through the back streets as a short cut. Well, I decided
at least. Got lost. Well, not really lost. I Knew where we were,
roughly. "Honest dear, its just up here a bit, then to the right". Ten
minutes later, and Julie has relieved me of the map, with a look that
says "You're an idiot", and soon we are back on track (turns out we
weren't TOO lost, just a little disoriented - that's my story and I'm
sticking to it). Turns out we should have stayed lost. The restaurant we
picked turned out to be a dud. To be fair, the inside looked like it
was the real deal - chandeliers, marble floors, a raised platform at the
end where a string quartet might have once played. The food wasn't real
flash though. Tasty enough, but nowhere near as good as what we have
experienced so far. Win some, you lose some.

Wasn't enough to dampen our experience of Prague though. Thoroughly enjoyable
couple of days. Prague is a truly magnificent city. A "must see before
you die" city.

Heading off tomorrow for another European classic city - Vienna. Hopefully the experience there will be just as enjoyable.