i can now say that Prague is most definitely my 2nd favourite city in Europe behind Paris and that the Czech Republic is my 2nd favourite country in Europe behind France. even the persistent inclement weather that has dogged Prague - and p much the whole of Central Europe apparently in recent days - hasn't failed to stop Prague from grabbing my heart.. whether it's Prague Castle with its wonderful St Vitus Cathedral - possibly the most beautiful church building in Europe until you see the inside of St. Nicholas Church down the hill - or the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock - i still can't quite understand the intricacies of it despite getting a booklet on it, quite explanative with the usual Czech/Slovak-English translation problems.. (forgot to tell ya abt this exhibit abt Slovakia's greatest musician in the distinctly average bar the Treasury, Slovak Museum, 'he always had misunderstanding with his teachers, i was born a composer which my parents didn't like' must have been translated too literally or on one of those free translation websites)
anyway it's my last night tonight.. and what a night it was.. had the meal from heaven.. have to say that Czech food has been a bit of a wonderful (and v affordable too!) surprise on this tour.. went to one of those Pilsner restaurants they have, serving traditional Czech dishes.. this place was quite cheap.. ended up getting a St Martins roast goose with potato dumplings, vegies and a great sauce for like 8 euros and it was quite a decent meal for that amount of money (when u compare with France, Italy or Britain where u have to spend at least 10 euros and even then it may not be the most filling or greatest meal you maz ever have).. for me it was the equivalent of that Bledisloe Cup game in 2000.. Restaurant Rustika on Wenceslas Square is the place if u ever want a good Czech meal but dont want to bust the budget.. think it was 10 euros at the finish plus a Pilsner, by far the greatest beer ever..
then went to see my third concert in a row (gotta live it up in Prague, the Czechs unlike the Mozart and Strauss producing Austrians seem more interested in preserving their classical music heritage, and there are plenty of concerts in churches, old palaces and of course concert halls like this one in the Smetana Hall in the Municipal House.. i believe the Czech Philharmonic is still the greatest orchestra on earth atm.. just missed them by one night).. was great.. my interest in classical music is back.. after that did the ceremonial final sojourn of historic Prague at night from the Powder Tower to the Old Town Square to Charles Bridge, Lesser Town and then up to the Castle and back to see the clock for the last time.. with a Velvet on the way..
have to say my stay in Prague has been the most enjoyable and highlight of my European tour.. wonderful city with all its history and still p good value for money for tourists.. only Paris could be better but even then u still have to pay a fortune at times to see most things..
so off to start my 2 week excursion into West Germany - i purposely say that coz unfortunately or fortunately depending how u see it, decided not to go to Berlin and p much not seeing the former East Germany; have had enough of big cities, i.e. London and Paris and always wanted to see this part of Germany, plus there's always a next time.. i'm staying with mum's friend in Nurnberg for a few nights before hitting Munich and Bavaria..
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