Howells in a Castle

Friday 26^th August 2016

Woke this morning to another day of clear blue sky. Temperature expected to be 28° with no cloud or breeze.

As it was going to be very hot we decided to catch a taxi over to Prague Castle. We had to queue for about 20 minutes to go through security before we could get into the Castle precinct. The Guards asked is I if I had any weapons, guns or knives. Asked Lynne to same, but also if she had any dynamite.

We didn’t bother with getting tickets into the castle, just walked round the lovely grounds. Saw the changing of the Guard, the outside of St Vitas Cathedral, which is quite magnificent, and walked round various other parts of the central castle precinct.

Stopped for a quick lunch then went to see the Royal Gardens. On the way there were some birds of prey on display, Eagles, Falcons & Owls. I held a female eagle, which weighed 5kg and has a 2m-wing span. They are amazing birds, which can reach speeds of up to 350kph and can spot their prey from 1klm away.

Exited the Castle through the main entrance and out onto a large square which had excellent views over the city. From there we went down a long and rather steep set of stairs back into the old town to find the John Lennon wall, which was created in the 60’s as a protest by the young people as they were not allowed under the communist regime to listen to pop music. The government would whitewash the wall each day and the youth would graffiti it each night with messages about John Lennon. It became even more decorated with John Lennon comments after his death.

Walked back across the Charles Bridge and through the Old Town Square, where we sat for a while to rest our legs and have a beer, which was very refreshing. Lynne even had a taste of mine and found it good.

On the way back to the hotel Lynne and Heather had Tradelink, (a donut cooked round a mandrel over a gas burner and filled with ice cream, cream and chocolate topping.

Headed back to the Hotel for a cuppa and freshen up before heading out to dinner at the La Republica Beer Bar, Music, & Dance Restaurant directly across the road from the hotel. A great place with fantastic food. I had a 250 g veal schnitzel and Lynne had grilled salmon. The dark beer was very good so Mick and I had two just to make sure. Lynne and Heather had a glass of Rose. There was also a 4-piece band playing ragtime style music, which made for a great atmosphere. Also saw a lady on the table next to us who had the biggest hair we have ever seen. Took a photo. The waiter was also having a laugh about it and said he thinks it is Arnold Schwarzenegers’ mother.

Another great day in Prague, which saw us walk 11klms. Now back to the hotel to pack ready for our trip to Salzburg by train via Munich.