Thursday, March 29, 2012

Birthday weekend in Prague

Last year, it was Amsterdam. This year, Prague. The trend lately has been to celebrate Paul's birthday in fabulous European cities. Lucky for him! ;) We love wine, and we've been trying to visit as many wine regions as possible during our time here but we wouldn't find much of that in Prague. Beer was born in the Czech Republic. So, why not visit the capital of the country whose people consume more beer than anyone else in the world? That fact was a bonus, but not our main reason for going. Prague is an amazing place steeped in history, full of winding cobblestone streets and very old, beautiful buildings. The majority of the city is well-preserved since it was not heavily bombed during WWII. I had visited years ago and wanted to visit again with Paul since he had never been. To top it all off, we were meeting our friend Matt there, and we had a blast. As the Czech would say, "Na Zdravi" (cheers) and enjoy!

first night, walking on Charles Bridge

the Vlatava River




 



Paul and Matt are a bit in awe of the place....

looking up at the ceiling





 a marionette shop

walking up towards the castle

 absinthe shop


 Paul and Matt walking towards the castle

me and the Paul-dubbed "chande-lamp"
not sure what this was for?



St. Vitus Cathedral

close-up of windows inside
such detail! picture does not do it justice

throngs of people inside



looking in amazement at the outside of the church
the back of the church
line to get inside...no thanks!
love the candid shots



classical concerts everywhere....


Paul prentending to shoot an arrow through the slit in the wall


gypsy band!
view over the city
living statue

eating big dogs!

under the original Budvar (Budweiser) sign


these were the best! fresh baked by fire then dusted with cinnamon and sugar
beer tour!
host of our beer tour
brewing tanks

the guys with their beer diplomas

with our beer tour guide

the square at night
checking out the bbq

astronomical clock in the square

Charles bridge again at night


Matt is touching the monument-many people were doing this-
for good fortune?




serious faces

more yummy "bread rolls" being made





fantastic live music

gorgeous restaurant with Art Nouveaux details


Louis XV champagne with a diamond in the bottle

old currency

watching these guys make candy

finished product



original Budvar

statue...

Paul with his birthday cards and party streamers

I made him wear it to be more festive...happy bday!