A Short Visit to Prague

(This was written in 2014, but I forgot to publish it til 2017!)
It's sabbatical time again. The plan was to spend the fall in Switzerland again, as we did in 2009. A few months before we were due to leave, Kim was invited to participate in a scientific meeting in Prague, which coincidentally, was just before we had planned to arrive in Switzerland. So our flights could be Boston-Zurich-Prague, then Prague-Zurich-Boston, with a 3 month layover.

NOTE: Click on any photo to see it larger, definitely worth it with these gorgeous views.

It was impossible to resist, even though it was going to be very difficult for us to be ready to leave a week earlier than planned. So, we arrived in Prague fairly exhausted.

When I first looked at the city map, I got a sinking feeling. A. I would never find my way around with these crooked streets and B. I don't understand a word of the language. But it turns out to be a very easy city to walk around in. I had done a little research and I knew what I wanted to see in the 3 days we were there.

Old New Synagogue - Europe's Oldest Active Synagogue (1270)

Unfortunately, the number of large tour groups was stunning, and it was almost impossible to even walk on some of the old narrow streets, particularly in Josefov (the Jewish Quarter), and on the Charles Bridge that leads to the castle. I had to stand in line for about 30 minutes in an overheated office to buy a ticket to the castle, and by the time I had it, I was soaked in sweat.

Tiny house in "Golden Lane" at Prague Castle

In some cities, you see the famous buildings and then that's the end of it. In Prague, there are hundreds and hundreds of beautiful buildings. You can walk around all day with your mouth hanging open!

Here are some photos of the St Vitus Cathedral, which is at the top of the hill with Prague Castle