June 11 – Leaving Berlin, we had one of the most non-stressful taxi rides to the train station. Simple solution, ask the driver to take it easy. If they don’t comply, no tip. Easy-Peasy!We left Berlin this morning to catch my first real train ride. Subways don’t count. We continually saw ever-changing scenes to keep us entertained from rivers, to mountains, castles, farms, tiny vacation homes and a few workers waving at us from train depots as we flew by. I myself had a difficult time sitting in our reserved firstclass seats, as they were traveling backwards. Fortunately the train was fairly empty so I was able to change seats. It became much easier after exchanging seats.
I loved the signage that explained what way the toilet paper should roll. You know, the only way, the correct way. See photo. : )
As soon as we crossed the border, it began raining and I was hoping it was not an omen for what may coming. Just kidding, I don’t believe in such silliness.
We went into the elegant dining car and had a scrumptious lunch of pork roast, roasted zucchini and new potatoes. Yes, it felt lovely and romantic like in years gone by. Where was the film crew? Nothing like eating and watching the world leisurely float by.
We were on the train five hours, so we were a bit tired by the time we arrived in Prague Central and then had to pull WAY too much luggage for a million miles until we reached the taxi stand. Okay maybe not a million miles, but damn I think I pulled my arm out of joint. The taxi driver was much better than the one on our arrival in Berlin, but the streets are even more narrow with more cars. Fares are all metered, ours was about $10 to the hotel.We arrived at our hotel, checked in with reception (which was detached from the actual lodging area, which when quickly looking around made me go “hmmm.”), handed our keys, walked next door with keyed entry and door man (started getting the warm fuzzies), took elevator to 5th floor, unlocked our “room” and it knocked our socks off by the size and decor. Huge apartment, especially by european standards and was equipped with everything from utensils to a washer/dryer combo. We were both like “hip-hip-hooray”. Even had a balcony.
The massive entrance door was fitted with approx. eight deadbolt slides, like in a bank vault. No one was getting in there and by the feel of the place, it seemed a little over the top.
If you are ever in Prague I highly suggest a stay at “Aparthotel Angel”, very affordable, beautiful, safe, lovely customer service, clean, great area, very close to subway station, tons of restaurants and excellent ratings.
Only negative were the many muffled sirens day and night, but that is anywhere if you stay in a large city.
We quickly made ourselves at home, Han walked to the nearest grocery store, at about 150 meters and we ate dinner in. It was just perfect.
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June 12 – The next day after sleeping in and enjoying our coffee, we set about exploring our neighborhood and search for a restaurant. You do not have to go far because of so many to choose from. We chose Andel and fed our famished bodies with delicacies beyond our tastebuds imagining. I enjoyed a crock of fine pate with fruit, accompanied by a salad, marinated pears and toasted bread and I also ordered a side (which was large) of roasted vegetables. It was more than I could eat. Not even Han could help me finish it all after his appetizer and salad. I felt almost like a criminal leaving even a speck of the pate behind.
After lunch we walked around, getting the layout of our area, snapping photos and enjoying the beauty and serene surroundings. After we touched the banks of the Vlata River, we went back to our room for a little siesta before continuing our way into Old Town Square via the subway later in the afternoon.
Learn the subways and train systems. It is actually quite easy and very inexpensive. A three-day all inclusive public transportation system ticket that runs throughout the city was only $13 dollars.That is trams, busses and subway. It makes traveling so much more interesting, satisfying and fun. Where else are you going to see or possibly meet people from every walk of life? See an interesting building? Get off the tram or bus, take pictures, walk the surrounding and get back on the next tram or bus, 5 minutes later.
Be forewarned about escalators into the subway below, they are the longest I have ever seen and if you don’t lean backwards on the way down, it feels like you will topple over. I stepped on, not expecting the oddity of it and just about had a panic attack. It became easier with time but I would never get used to them enough to walk down them, as many locals do. So stand to the right and leave the left area open for passersby.It is by far the oddest sensation and difficult to describe accurately. I told Han it felt like I was descending into the depths of hell in more ways than one. LOL
The second time I sat down until the ride was over, then by the third time I was able to breath somewhat normally. Han tried to get a photo of me in my own personal hell, but it is too blurry to use thank goodness.
We had to purchase umbrellas the moment we arrived at our destination. It was pouring cats and dogs. We had two very nice ones back at the hotel purchased earlier in Berlin. Yeah, no good if they are not with you.
Note: carry at least one umbrella at all times. Showers are sudden but do not last very long most times.
There is a street in Old Town called the “husbands nightmare” but the actual and is accurately named “Paris Street.”
A long elegant street of designer brand EVERYTHING! Since a small Louis Vuitton purse is on my bucket list, I walked in to take a peek. For some reason it always makes me feel like an imposter walking into such expensive stores. I mean I “could” buy it, but I just cannot justify it enough in my mind to actually go through with it. It was lovely to take a look and pretend though and the service was impeccable.
One of the first stops in Old Town was to choose which “chimney cone” (Trdelník) I wanted to dive my face into. They are even more delicious than they look and very unique in how they are made. I had fudge, strawberries and ice-cream in mine.
Get lots of napkins. http://mashable.com/2016/02/29/donut-ice-cream-cone/#EDA7B9oiFZqt
How to describe “Old Town Square?” There is not a description in the world that could even begin to. If you don’t stand in the center and slowly turn around without your mouth gaping open, then you have seen too much and are jaded, just kidding, but for real it is truly magnificent. Just know that every corner and curve in the road is something even more majestic, breathtaking and inspiring.
Prague is an architect lovers paradise.
There are many performers in the square but only one spoke to my soul and it was a harmonica player because in my heart it added to the beauty of my surroundings. I gave him some coins (not sure how much), told him thank you and walked off, but something made me go back and ask for his photo. He sweetly obliged and it appeared to make him happy, I know it did me. Right then I became part of the city and at home in the world.On the way back to the hotel, we did some more grocery shopping, decided to eat in again and get rested up for our purchased guided 6 hour tour tomorrow. The bread in the supermarket called Albert, is freshly made all day and placed in huge bins for you to choose what you want. When picking the bread up, you are supposed to put the plastic bag on your hand, pick them up then turn the bag inside to hold them. I suppose I appeared as a heathen because I was not aware of the ‘protocol’ and I picked them up with my hands to place in the bag. Now I know. Face palm to myself. LOL
Cannot wait to experience more of the city tomorrow. Very excited.
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