czech-republic – Colledge Adventures

For our Prague visit, we stayed in an apartment that was walking distance from the Christmas Markets and center of town. It was nice to have a bit space and love the walkability.

Day 1 // Breakfast today was a traditional Kolache – particularly traditional for William (plum and poppy seed), fruity for the boys (strawberry and blue berry) and savory for me (Brie and pear).

We walked around Wenceslas square and the old town square — the Christmas market setup is magical here. Much more involved than those we came across in Budapest and expect we will keep revisiting them for snacks and treats during the stay here. The boys loved seeing the Astronomical clock.

We met Paul for lunch at an interesting spot, Kantyna. It is a “nose to tail” butcher shop and dining spot — setup like a communist cafeteria in terms of how the food is served. We got our trays of food and the boys lovvvved their meals. Rawls esp loved the brisket. S didn’t want what we’d initially gotten so he picked up a tray and worked with the surly server to come back smiling with a plate of mashed potatoes and sliced rare beef. I loved the pickled cucumber salad

We left lunch and visited the Grand Museum of Natural science. The mineral section was very well done as well as the evolution area

Rawls took many pics of the animals presented throughout // he composed this and wanted us to share

Last stop- the cupola at the top of the museum. We loved visiting the roof for great views of the city.

We rested for a moment and then met Paul for a tasting menu at a very traditional spot u Modre – great menu for the boys and v fun time. Back at the apartment to ring in the new year momentarily!

Day 2 // Visiting Prague Castle and seeking out Music

We had a slow start this morning which everyone enjoyed. We started our day with delicious greens and smoothies after all the meat yesterday! But the boys very much wanted to try the mini pancakes at the markets so we did make our way there

We walked from the old town square over the Manes bridge to Prague castle – with a bit of a trek up to the castle and surrounding area. We visited golden lane, starting with the armor area. Rawlings enjoyed visiting the home of the fortune teller at 14 golden.

We had tea at a beautiful art deco lounge at Hotel Paris and the boys, intending to split an apple strudel benefitted from a happy accident of two arriving (S was thrilled even if doesn’t look it here)

We followed with a chamber concert of the Prague music orchestra at Obecni dum one of the most significant art deco building in Prague

And wrapped back at the markets to see everything lit at night – beautiful!

Day 3 // Prague Clock Tour

We started the day at a great bakery and breakfast spot, Eska in the Karlin neighborhood of Prague. Really interesting and delicious onion eggs and the boys enjoyed their pastries.

We visited the Astronomical clock from here which involves walking to the top of the clock and along the way visiting a number of official spaces that are part of the tower.

At the top. S didn’t love the heights

Afterwards we met Paul for a late lunch at the best vegetarian spot in town, Maitrea. Great to catch-up with Paul and we (I? 🙂 enjoyed a break from the meat.

We came back to the apartment for a bit and William and I ducked out for a brief date around the corner from where we’re staying. We came back and met the boys to go to a Vietnamese spot for dinner “Ngo” – continuing mixing up the food options today. Great spot. Vietnamese food is quite prevalent in Prague as many Vietnamese came to the country during the communist occupancy.

After dinner, Rawls still needed a snack so we found him one.

Day 4 // For our last day in Prague, we joined one of Paul’s official tours. We didn’t go to the one yesterday as we’d visited Prague castle the day before to avoid yesterday’s weather. Today looks great and this is the official old town tour of Prague. We weren’t expecting to get some of our favorite pics from the trip today but one of our favorite days. Rawlings proclaimed this the “best trip yet.”

The tram setup here is great with apps to purchase tickets for specific routes and identify exactly when the tram will arrive.

Our meeting spot was at the Rufolfinium, directly across from the mass shooting that took place shortly before our trip. The candle offerings stretched around the block and many stopped to pay respects.

Here Paul is gathering the group. He was so informing and entertaining- we were all very impressed. We met a couple from San Diego who said, as they were starting, they were wondering why an American was leading the tour – but as it went on they realized he’s very much legit and appreciated the history major background.

We went to the metro where a portion of an old bridge was uncovered as the metro was under construction.

Boys trying the best melted chocolate beverage.

Can you spot the coronavirus pastry?

William and Paul in front of a bar they visited in ‘99

Visiting the Jewish quarter synagogues a cemetery where rows of people were buried on top of one another (over 100k burried and only 12k tombstones)

The most “unique” sculpture in Prague. The artist depicted this as the Czech Republic considered the prospect of the European Union and felt the county was treated this way by its European neighbors.

Walking into Paul’s pub where he has officially become a regular. He essentially came here for 18 months straight before being given a seat for lunches. He gave Rawls a pin indicating the “regular” status at Lokal. Rawlings loved the Pork chop specialty, shepherd tried the beef with spinach (delish!) and potato dumplings and William and I split a beet and goat cheese salad, mushroom soup and a sausage.