The Czech Republic has only been enjoying self government since 1989 after a long period of Communist control since the end of WWII & the city is really like a butterfly just stretching its beautiful wings. We started walking towards the City Square from the outskirts of the city. This is one of the many eateries we came across.
They have a lot of street stalls with craft, food, refreshments & souvenir crap. The kransky sausages were wicked & these delights are a type of donut rolled onto large metal rollers & cooked over an open flame then rolled in cinnamon sugar..perfectly healthy & not fattening at all...blah, blah....
The Czech Republic has its own currency & what fun it is...but they take Euro as well. Nick caught on pretty quick what the exchange rate is & we stopped being ripped off very early. For example, below is an alcoholic slushy machine & you can buy a drink for 50 Korun or an extra strength one for 70 Korun. Converted that is 2 & 2.8 Euro or $2.80 & $3.60 Aus respectively. I was tempted but it's only 10am.
For a different type of driving tour we found Vlasska & his jalopy from 1928 & for 900 Korun (36 Euro) he gave us a full tour of the City & the Castle with commentary on all the points of interest with very good English. He also told us where to get good food at the right price...oh, & beer!
This will give you a good idea of how narrow some of the streets in the old part of the city are & some of these are 2 way so you have to either pull off the road into a side street or back up until you can pass. By the way, of all the countries we have visited, Italy has the narrowest streets & the most interesting drivers...very interesting!
I have 2 photos of the Town Square but I decided to use this one because our Guide's hand looks very Leonardo Da Vinci with the pointing finger thing happening.
This is a very pretty city with fine examples of architecture from every period of history.
This building is one of the many that make up the Complex that surrounds the Castle on the hill. I have been told that it is a classic example of the Renaissance period...impressive detailing.
We are looking at the Palace Spires in the background & in the foreground are numerous buildings, all with different architectural styles. The last ruling Royalty was in the 1920's & since the fall of communism, the Head of State is the President who resides in the building directly in front of the Palace. A raised flag signifies if he is in house or not...& he was.
We were able to watch the changing of the guards...they are the soldiers in blue with bayonets affixed to their guns.
Our driver took this so we could show you the great car we got to ride in. He's quite tall & had to change the gears under his legs...there was not a lot of room in the driver's seat.
This island in the middle of the river is accessible by a small bridge & has a restaurant & small water craft you can hire. I was not keen at all on any of this as I have seen how fast flowing the river is & watched large vessels struggle in the current. In fact just near our campsite is a very well set up Olympic style kayak water course with very fast flowing rapids.
Just a couple of photo's of the many beautiful doorways we passed walking around the city.
I took this one late in the evening...I hope you can see it alright?
Punnets of fabulous fresh berries for the grand total of .20 Euro or 30 cents Aus.
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