Prague

Last Friday 20/04/12 my longtime pal Sue and I flew out to Prague for a long weekend! Up quite early then taxi to the station we were on our way. Jet2 left on time and at 1230h their time we touched down in the Czech Republic where it was quite a few degrees warmer than Edinburgh. Jumped into a cab then off to our Hotel 'Residence Agnes' a super wee hotel on the edge of the Old Town.
We had a lovely attic bedroom with very comfy beds!
Out to eat in the Old Town Square loved the windows and the artwork on the buildings in Old Town Square.
Started to explore, amazing rooftops--got tickets for a recital in an old church fantastic acoustics. Out to dinner with Sue's chum Colleen who she knows from Canada good to meet her. She has a lovely apartment and has worked and lived in Prague for about 20 years. Went to a wee bistro for supper.
Saturday awoke after a great sleep, lovely breakfast then out on the town! Discovered a wonderful Marionette Theatre this afternoon on our travels, todays performance was Don Giovanni. We decided to purchase tickets and were held spellbound throughout the show. The theatre was in the eaves of a very old building which added to the drama somewhat:)
Walked through Prague Old Town over the Charles Bridge that goes over the River Vltava to the Castle and St Vitus Cathedral. Weather warm and sunny Bridge full of vendors selling their various wares.
Dinner with Colleenat at a lovely Riverboat restaurant on the River Vltava. Thanks Colleen!
Sunday a visit to The Old Jewish Cemetry today. It was established in the first half of the 15th century. Today it contains around 12,000 tombtones but the number of persons buried here is over 100,000. Jews were not allowed to be buried outside the ghetto so the dead were placed on top of one another up to ten layers.
Also visited the Pinkas Synagogue.
On the upper floor one can find the exhibition of children's drawings from Terezin concentration camp 1942-1944. Only 242 children of the 8000 under the age of 15 years deported from Terezin remained alive in 1945.
Sadly I cannot put into words how this affected one.
Meandered around the town had strawberry dumplings at a cafe by the river delicious, kept wandering finding lots to see in our walk.
Monday last day in Prague! Remembered to visit Wenceslas Square. Saw the statue of the Good King, then in a side street found a market selling amazing fruits for pennies!
For the last time on this visit saw this amazing clock working just before 1600 h.
Known as The Astronomical Clock.
The owner of the hotel said he would take us to the airport we accepted! Arrived at the airport, not too long to wait for our flight two and a half hours later we were in Edinburgh!
Graham had prepared a lovely curry for dinner, Sue too tired and went to bed I really enjoyed my dinner!
Tuesday back to normal today, morning constitutional with The Wonder Dog in the woods. Lots of bluebells, wild garlic still in abundance, daffodils fading.
To the station with Sue who will be heading West to British Columbia tomorrow. A great few days spent with her:)
Wednesday was meant to be allotment day however the heavens opened and the rains came down. The girls, Ruaridh and I went to Nom de Plume for lunch and enjoyed same. Later went to the supermarket to get messages, picked up G then home!
Thursday Late constitutional today as the Gas engineer came this morning to do the annual service. Interesting conversation -- he knew the Glen, relatives had a cottage there--then the talk continued with discussions on politics and religion. He also explained to me in a simple way what work he had carried out!
By the time I had made the bread dough and had lunch it was raining 'cats and dogs', however the boy needed out for a walk.
Donning wet weather gear off we set, the paths in the woods were very muddy and the male mallard in the photo (if you can spy him) was surely saying 'Gimme Shelter'.
Bella and her mum arrived this afternoon as we are looking after Bella this evening as mum and dad both have appointments.
Took the Wonder Dog for a walk and Bella had time on the playpark. Grandpa, Bella and I had fish and chips for dinner which was delicious. Then we played. Layla came had her fish and chips then they were ready for home--Goodnight!
Friday down to the beach lots of debris on the beach--stormy weather ?
The sun shone for the morning walk, we met a Border Terrier pup called Archie he and Ruaridh had a great time running into the water for stones, the Wonder Dog shwing off and his skill as he jumped for a stone.
Busy day, attempted to do some gardening but the raindrops came down--ah well another day!
Saturday In the afternoon to the 'Pink Olive' for Jean's Special Birthday celebration this afternoon. Lovely to see her and all the guests, the fish and chips in a poke (bag), were delicious, as was all the food.
This evening out with our good chums G & G to the Mussel Inn as always great company and the mussels were delicious.
Now to bed. Goodnight.
Sunday Wet and windy was the order of the day as the Wonder Dog and I walked through the woods. Wild garlic and the daffodils are fading, carpets of bluebells still adorn the woods.
Up this morning with Ruaridh, back for a another sleep then breakfast in bed with a good read!