Prague!

In my most recent email from Honza, he communicated the thought from his parents that perhaps I might like to spend my first few days in the CR hanging out with them in Prague so that I could adjust a little to the country while having some people at my disposal to offer guidance and keep me company. I don't know why I didn't think of this myself, and I also don't know why this idea has me so excited, but I am! I know this whole next year will be one big adventure, but knowing that it will start out by being focused on what many people feel is the greatest city in Europe sounds really exciting--like a vacation! I'm so excited. Honza's father keeps a second apartment in Prague that he has very generously offered me to use whenever I like and I will spend those early days there as well--I can learn the environs a little and get ideas for future adventures in the city. For those of you, like me, who have never been to Prague, here are some photos to help you understand why I'm so excited!

These two photos were taken from the balcony of the apartment I can use when staying in Prague. The first photo shows Bekov Tower, which is some sort of media tower that people can also climb for views of the city. There are statues of small children seemingly crawling up the tower as an added touch. Several people have told me that the art scene in Prague is spectacular and that I might want to budget generously for purchases of unique and fantastic artwork. The second photo is St. Vitus' Cathedral, all lit up obviously.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

I think this is the most visited site in Prague--it's the Charles Bridge, spanning the Vltava River. Another suggestion that was made to me is to get up really early to walk across the bridge, before the vendors get set up and the tourist "hordes" take over. Knowing how I feel about getting up early, we'll have to see if I take this suggestion to heart, but I suppose I'll have to try at least once.

This is Prague Castle, as seen from the river--another of the most popular tourist sites in the city. What I really hope for is a day as beautiful as the one Honza experienced while taking these photos to tour the city myself!