It turns out that I had misread the map so instead of meeting underneath the clock tower in Old Town, the tour started in Wenceslas Square, a shopping area in New Town (while newer than Old Town, it was still founded in the 14th century!). The boys weren't in the square by the clock so I figured they had realized the mistake and gone to the actual meeting point. So I walked through the little streets of Old Town and past all the shops along the avenue leading to Wenceslas Square but by the time I had arrived, the tour was gone and they were nowhere to be found. I found out later that they had arrived late to the clock tower and I just missed them. So instead I decided to explore the city by myself. I walked through New Town and Old Town and then crossed the river and ascended the steps to Prague Castle. The temperature today was the hottest it's been on my trip so far and I was uncomfortably sweaty by the time I reached the top. However the view over the city was well worth it! I thought I had made it to the spot where the changing of the guard takes place but it turned out I was at the back of the castle. So I relaxed in the shade for a bit, walked around the area and then back down the steps. Right below the castle is a beautiful area called Malá Strana (or Little Quarter) that I strolled around in. I met an Asian couple that I talked with for awhile (oddly enough, I ran into them 3 times later today) and then found another set of stairs up to the front of the castle. I had already missed the changing of the guard ceremony so I walked around this side of the castle and peeked inside St Vitus Cathedral. I made my way back down into Little Quarter and explored the streets and shops before walking across Charles Bridge back into Old Town. I walked and walked and walked some more and everywhere I went I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of this city. By the end of the day, I managed to see almost all of the downtown area and I was exhausted by the time I returned to my hostel for the night.