Pondhoppin': Eastern European Adventure

Wow, what an adventure we had a few months ago over the Easter holiday! We managed to fit in four countries in 9 days, and enjoyed every minute of it...the different currencies (yes, they each had their own currency), languages (again, 4 different languages), food & alllllllll the history. And Kim & Scott were along for the ride as well, which made it that much better!

First stop...Prague!

We definitely lucked out in Prague...one of my sister's friends from college lives in Prague, and her and her family graciously agreed to take us around on the first day. It was the perfect way to begin our adventure, accompanied by three locals. We were fascinated by their stories of growing up under communist rule, and knowledge of the sights and history of Prague. And most importantly, we got the inside scoop on what the best meals were - both in Prague, and in the other countries we were about to visit as well. It was such a wonderful day, and we thank Petra and her parents for being such wonderful hosts!!!

We absolutely LOVED Prague! It had so much to offer...the colorful and beautiful architecture, great (and very cheap!) beer and food, and friendly people.

Our first traditional Czech lunch at Restaurace Mlejnice ("The Mill") - off to a great start!

Powder Tower - the Gothic gate of the town wall, built to house the city's gunpowder. This is the only surviving bit of wall that was built to defend the city in the 1400s

Municipal House - "pearl of Czech Art Nouveau"

Walking across Charles Bridge:

Views from the bridge:

Old Town Square - this has been a market square since the 11th century:

The crew in Prague's beautiful Old Town Square...since it was Easter, they had a huge Easter Market set up in the Square. I think the mulled wine stall was definitely our favorite :)

Astronomical Clock - installed in the early 1400s...apparently created by a Hanus! To say my Dad was excited about this is an understatement!

Views of Prague from the Clock Tower:

Prague Castle

Tyn Church

Another pit stop...hot honey wine - surprisingly tasty!

Tyn Church:

St. Vitus Cathedral inside Prague Castle:

Post exploration of Prague Castle:

Walking down Golden Lane

It was a tad bit chilly

Basilica and Convent of St. George

The beautiful streets of Prague!

Walk down Wenceslas Square:

St. Wenceslas Statue in front of the National Museum

Someone started a fire in one of the trashcans along Wenceslas Square...we definitely got in on this! It was SO cold!

Mucha Museum: Slav Epic; Alfons Mucha - the Art Nouveau poster artist and illustrator who created 20 large canvases celebrating the Slavic history

Old Jewish Cemetery - from 1439-1787, this was the only burial ground allowed for the Jews of Prague. The tombs are layered seven or eight deep, and number close to 100,000