Day 2: Prague - the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral

While I couldn't convince my travel companions to join me, I climbed the south tower of St. Cathedral.   It was a bit of a hike but the views of central Prague, the Vltava River and the spires of the cathedral were breath-taking.  Shoulda joined me guys!

Day 2: Prague - Prague Castle

Prague Castle is a huge fortress built on a hillside overlooking central Prague.  Smack dab in the middle of the castle grounds is St. Vitus Cathedral which, after touring both inside and outside, made me think, "Notre Dame de Paris has nothing on this place."  Of course, I'm not a student of architecture so I can't tell you if that's really the case or not.  But, it was pretty impressive.

Day 1: Prague - Parental discretion advised

I love public art with a message.  So, you can imagine my delight with the 'Piss' sculpture by Czech artist David Cerny.  The sculpture consists of two animatronic figures piddling in a puddle the shape of the Czech Republic.  Presumably, they are politicians having a p***ing match over the direction the Czech Republic is taking which is a particularly poignant message given the current state of  US politics.  BONUS:  You can text a message to the sculpture which it will then "write" in the water for you.

Day 1: Prague - Charles Bridge

While there are several bridges that traverse the Vtlava River in central Prague, the Charles Bridge is most prominent.  It's a pedestian bridge lined with statues and shrines that reflect the rich history of Prague.  One shrine of note commemorates the death of a priest, St. John of Nepomuk, who was thrown to his death for refusing to reveal the queen's confusions to King Wenceslas IV.   You all remember that from European History class, right?  I've thrown in a photo of another statue on the bridge.   Not sure who it's of but I thought it was pretty cool.

Day 1: Prague - I'm feeling moved.

Little known fact:  The Prague metro system has some of the fastest escalators in the world.  OK, maybe it's not a fact but they were pretty darn fast.   As you can see, they could be fairly long and you'd step on and it felt like you were already half-way up.  I mean, they were quick!  The Prague metro also had some of the best poster ads which, coupled with the fast escalators, is a bit of shame because this was stuff you did not want to miss!  There was this awesome condom ad I kept trying to get a picture of but couldn't 'cause....the escalators were just too dang fast!   My consolation was this fantastic Euroawk ad.  I hope you can make out through the glare the kitty head superimposed on the pair of dancing jeans.

Day 1: Prague - the astronomical clock

Prague is charming!  Don't let anyone tell you it's not.  Take for instance the astronomical clock in Old Town Square that springs to life every hour on the dot with assorted disciples traipsing out in a miniparade while a skeleton rings a bell.   As my guide book says, you may hear the crowd mumuring "Is that it?"   But, who cares?   It's utterly charming!

Day 1 - Prague - The Cathedral of Travel Companions

My  2011 pictorial tour begins with a couple themes:  cathedrals and travel companions.   First, cathedrals: It's Europe so of course there are churches everywhere each of them nearly as lovely as the last.  However, they begin to run together after awhile so most will remain unnamed.  This lovely example is somewhere in Prague and has the distinction of being the first photo I took.   Second, travel companions:  I had the pleasure of making the trip with Justin and Brandon Nee old friends from the call center at Nationwide.  Starting out, we had an even larger group as we met up with the Nees' friends Dena and Brian who have been living in Prague for the past two years. Pictured in front of the National Museum from left to right are:  Dena, Brandon, Justin and Brian.