A Crash Course in Prague
The Old Town
Nobody died from last night’s dinner. So I guess all those years spent eating and helping Mom cook paid off... mostly eating Mom’s cooking...
I made roasted chicken with onions, green beans, and pasta. As a whole it came out pretty darn good.
Today we continued with intensive Czech. Only two more classes and I’ll be fluent.
Fluent enough to make a complete moron of myself when I do open my mouth...
I picked up a sandwich from a French place in the Old Town Square, and sat down on a bench behind the statue that sits in the middle of it. The sandwich consisted of brie, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Needless to say anyone who has seen me actually eat a sandwich, I pulled it apart and ate it piece by piece. The brie and bread were excellent... cucumbers tasted more like carrots and cucumbers... and the tomatoes... well, I’ve never been a big fan anyways.
I’ll be going back to this restaurant to pick up some French pastries... they smelled amazing.
After that I walked to the photo store to pick up the copies of my passport photo to have a tram pass made... and then went to the station to have it made up. Again the line was painfully long, so I opted for tomorrow instead.
I then went on an NYU lead tour thru the old town. It was quite amazing the history that is contained within the old town. The two highlights for me: the buildings around the old town square were hotels for the merchants who would sell their goods around the perimeter during the day. Most of the buildings are original 14th/15th century construction, but have had many facelifts through the years. The second highlight was in this particular church (I don’t remember the name). It had beautiful gothic architecture, and a really beautiful pipe organ. They have mass (in Czech) there on Sunday mornings at 8:30. Needless to say, I’ll be making an effort to go this Sunday to experience this church in all its glory.
Pictures have been posted on the photos page of today’s excursion, as usual with my commentary.
As for tonight, I’m still trying to figure out dinner, again. Later on we may be going out... But I’d rather not blow my brains out the first week here. I have 3 months of going out to experience the Czech night scene.
I’m also planning to go to the castle sometime this week to photograph it. Maybe Friday night, or Sunday. We’ll see.
I’m really beginning to feel comfortable in the city... at least in terms of finding my way around the Old Town Square, and still getting home.
Finding your way home is a good thing...