To me, it's never a good sign when a business has to shout so hard to get you in the door. Yes, they exchange money. But they also will take you for a ride if you're not watching. Use a bank instead.
Exchanging Money in Prague
To me, it's never a good sign when a business has to shout so hard to get you in the door. Yes, they exchange money. But they also will take you for a ride if you're not watching. Use a bank instead.
Summer Puddle in Prague
We've had our share of rain this summer, that's for sure. This pigeon on Wenceslas Square doesn't seem to mind though.
Statues on Buildings in Prague
Is it just me, or seemingly every building in Old Town has some sort of statue on it? Okay, I exaggerate, but these urban details definitely set the city apart from others.
It's just too bad modern buildings can't be constructed with personality like many of the older buildings. Even the early 20th century buildings seem to possess a depth and stature that isn't remotely noticeable in newer buildings. Ah, I digress... anyways....
Water's Edge
Last week the Vltava River swelled with our warmer temperatures. Spots on Kampa Island were quite high as well. Of course, it wasn't a flood - but eerie nevertheless.
In this photo you can see the water at the wall's edge. This is the embankment with Manes gallery in the background. This is actually a great place to walk, feed the swans and see the river at a different perspective. You can also see Prague Castle through the trees. And, if you have time, by all means check out the PLAY exhibition at the gallery. It's intended for children, but it's fun for all people. It's a wonderful blend of exploration, art and imagination. It's been extended to 20 Feb 2011. Manes Gallery.
If you walk along the embankment you can see plenty of other sights too including Prague's famous Dancing House nearby.
In this photo you can see the water at the wall's edge. This is the embankment with Manes gallery in the background. This is actually a great place to walk, feed the swans and see the river at a different perspective. You can also see Prague Castle through the trees. And, if you have time, by all means check out the PLAY exhibition at the gallery. It's intended for children, but it's fun for all people. It's a wonderful blend of exploration, art and imagination. It's been extended to 20 Feb 2011. Manes Gallery.
If you walk along the embankment you can see plenty of other sights too including Prague's famous Dancing House nearby.
Sidewalks in Prague
I don't know about you, but it's a great feeling to have sidewalks that look like this in the city where we live. Yes, I'm talking about sidewalks! But, c'mon, the sidewalks in Prague are fantastic, no?
I love to stop and watch when workers are on hands and knees doling out the sand and little cubes to set this magic in place. This particular pattern seen above is one of the more ornate ones in the city. This is just between the National Theatre and Charles Bridge opposite of the Vltava. Wow.
Winter Scene
We've had a pretty cold winter thus far and someone said that January should be snowy. Yeah!
Prague Christmas Markets
It's that time of the year again - Christmas Markets are open all month with lots of goodies for your belly. Oh, and some neat stuff for stockings as well. Unfortunately this was taken just after the new wave of snow. It looks like it's going to be a long and white winter here in Prague.
Autumn in Prague
The best place to get take in some greenery in central Prague is Petrin. It has great views of the city and lots to see and do from its Little Eiffel Tower and the Stefanik Observatory to the Bludiste (House of Mirrors).
Wenceslas Statue
One of the most common photos (and meeting places) is the impressive statue on Wenceslas Square. Meet me at the statue the inevitable t-shirt will say one day, I'm sure of it. Anyway, after walking Wenceslas Square your eyes start to glaze over and seek an oasis from the din of traffic and fellow pedestrians. Yes, even in Prague this can happen. When it does, head over to the Lucerna Passage which near the Mustek metro station. (It's about halfway down/up the square.)
Here, you can check out a few shops, a movie, sit for a coffee or just check out the very interesting take on the famous statue of Wenceslas on the main square.
This version is by the "controversial" artist David Cerny.
Prague Posters
I love watching the seasons turn just as much as watching posters go up and down across the city. Here's a look at a few from this week...
Prague's Municipal House - Obecni Dum
The first two scenes are exteriors. Thankfully the sun was shining on a glorious fall day. The light especially in the mornings is remarkably different than the summer. It always surprises me. Anyway, the window here is of the building's cafe on the ground floor.
The stained glass is just above the door to the main entrance. There are two faces on either end of the windows facing each other.
The grumpy faced guy here is on the building's facade. There are a variety of animated faces out there - actually they are across Prague - watching over us silently (at least from what we can tell).
Here are two shots of the city's own design/logo. It's pretty prominent throughout the building - after all, the building was commissioned by the city.
The next few photos are interior shots of the stairs going down to the American bar, the tile works on the walls downstairs and the entrance to the American Bar.
The last photos are of Prasna Brana (Powder Tower) that's located just next to the Municipal House. This tower is a wonderful and almost comical contrast to the Art Nouveau madness of the Municipal House.
Lamps on the Square in Prague
I've always been enthralled by these lamps that are in a few squares in Mala Strana (Lesser Town). They have such strength and beauty that I like to just stare up at them.They once served such a basic purpose and today they have become more decoration that tourists just hustle past on their way to other destinations. But, these lamps are destinations of their own - well, at least I like to think.
Anyway, if you're in Prague stop by one of these huge ornamental lamps. To call them lamps almost doesn't do them justice since they are certainly more like wonderful huge street sculputures.
This "lamp" is just off of Charles Bridge in Mala Strana, just in the shadow of the bridge tower. There are two others above Prague Castle in Hradcanske namesti.
Prague's Metronome
One of the more interesting spots to take in a grand view of Prague is from here, Letna. The infamous place that was once home to a looming statue of Stalin.
Aside from the weird history of the place, there are some incredible views from here overlooking Prague's Old Town and the Vltava River. Now the place is a bit run down with the eerie sound of the metronome keeping time with skaters whizzing around underneath. Then of course, not far away is the big lazy beer garden that is home to many outdoor tables and a few beer stains.
You can see what Letna used to look like here.
A Bench and Much More
Anyway, when I took this shot I thought of all the series that this could fit into: benches, romantic spots, views, picnic areas...
This comes from one of my favorite spots to just sit with a book. Of course, the view doesn't allow for much productive reading. These benches are just across from the Rudolfinum near the Manesuv most (bridge).
Prague's Contrasts
This scene is in Prague 2 below Emmaus Monastery. I mean, who doesn't want to have an old tennis court on the grounds of a 16th century chapel?
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