A few more pictures of Prague

Monday 16 July 2018, returning home

One of the open taxis around the city. 

We enjoyed our short visit to Prague, in spite of all the walking around the cobbled streets. We had our last nice breakfast at Three Storks, and managed to complete our packing. We checked out and had a drink on the terrace.

The hotel booked us a taxi, which took a tortuous route and charged more than when we came. However, we checked in our bag in good time and enjoyed a glass of red wine and some minestrone soup before going to our gate.

The flight left slightly late but took under an hour to reach Zurich. We just had time for a Moevenpick chocolate ice cream. Back in Zurich, we got the S2 train back to Thalwil, and Richard fetched the car while I sat in the shade.

It was quite tiring but a successful long weekend to the Baroque capital of the Czech Republic. I still haven't learnt any Czech words though.

Sunday 15 July, Matthew's birthday

Outside Strahov monastery - we couldn't take interior shots

I sent Matthew a message on Messenger for his birthday, and he replied. We had breakfast again at 9am. They had a nice selection of fruit. I had a hard-boiled egg and toast as well. We could get freshly squeezed orange juice as well as nice coffee. Today was Laura's last day.

The monastery brewery and bar

Strolling around Prague was quite difficult due to the cobbled streets and uneven pavements. This morning we decided to visit the Strahov Monastery with its large book collection and brewery. We took an Uber there again. The place closed for lunch so we had a quick look inside the monastery and the old book collection. We decided not to pay extra to take photos.



We found a table in the monastery brewery which had a good selection of beers and wine. I just chose wine and the others had beer and a snack. There was a relaxed atmosphere.

The walls of Art and Food were covered with colourful art

Walking back at sunset

Then we walked back downhill into the town centre. Laura and I found a very nice jewellery shop selling designer earrings and necklaces. We both chose some lovely silver ones shaped like butterfly wings.

We went back to the hotel for a rest, and Laura got ready to leave. Richard and I had dinner booked at Art and Food, a great place where we seemed to be the only diners.We had a sparkling wine aperitif, and a taste of three red wines. We chose one, the Chilean Volcanos. Our meal was accompanied by a pianist and we recognised all the tunes! We also enjoyed looking at the brightly coloured paintings covering the walls.

I chose a main course of lamb with vegetables with a rich sauce, and Richard had venison. We also had a pre-dessert of strawberry ice-cream with, meringue, and then I chose the rhubarb dessert. It was all delicious.

Richard wanted to walk back and enjoy the atmosphere but I found it very tiring.

Saturday 14 July 2018, in Prague

The castle courtyard with its elegant buildings

We enjoyed a plentiful buffet breakfast at Three Storks. About a dozen families were staying there. I had some nice muesli with berries and yogurt followed by a boiled egg and toast and coffee. Laura joined us. We discussed our plan for the day.

Laura called for an Uber up to the castle. We had to do the last stage on foot up the steep steps. On a hot day, it was tiring. First we went to the cafe for a shady drink and to catch our breath. We walked around Prague Castle outside on the cobbled streets, but didn't pay to go inside to see the rooms.

The Gothic cathedral nave

Then we entered St. Vitus Cathedral dating back to 1344. There were lots of tour groups visiting on this busy weekend. We saw the splendid nave, the modern stained glass windows, and the external south wall with its colourful facade.

Modern stained glass windows

After that, we strolled down to see the gardens and the view of the Vltava River and the TV tower in the distance.


We descended the steep steps and cobbled streets again and found restaurant Cihelna by the river. It was very pleasant on the terrace. We shared a bottle of Czech Riesling and I had Caesar salad for lunch. Laura had chevre chaud and Richard chose the baked pike-perch, with breads. Then we returned to the hotel for a rest.




At 4.30 we ventured out again and got tickets for a boat trip on the river. It was very restful and we went up to the weir and back down under the arches further down-river.

On our river boat trip

After the pleasant interlude, we walked over the bridge to the Hemingway Bar. We had to wait a while before they opened and it was lucky that we had booked - a very popular place. We all chose cocktails. Excellent service again.

In Hemingway's we tried several cocktails before dinner

Then we took an Uber again to Milada, where we enjoyed great food and service.  They gave Laura and me little bouquets of lavender and marigolds. I had trout with pineapple and peas, forest mushrooms and celery root, and gooseberry with yogurt ice-cream. We also chose a bottle of Czech Sauvignon Blanc. We returned to our hotel by Uber again. It was very useful as you can see the cost in advance and pay by credit card.

Friday 13 July 2018, off to Prague!

Up early to finish packing - always a bit stressful. Then I had an 8.45 doctor's appointment in Zurich and the traffic on the Seestrasse was rather busy. All well though, and we are just finishing our last-minute checklist - water plants etc. before getting the bus and train to the airport. Our Swiss flight leaves at 12.35.

View from the bridge

I'll finish this blog when I get home on Monday. I have packed a new holiday diary! And will take lots of photos.

Later on. In spite of rumours to the contrary, there wasn't a very long queue at checkin or security at Zurich Airport.  We went to one of the bars in gate C and enjoyed a glass of German Riesling and shared a small foccacia sandwich. While we were sitting there, I saw ZIWA member Benthe Trueb and her man friend, and we had a good chat about her famous Christmas tea parties. She was heading to Scandinavia with her friend.


Our Swiss flight was on time and quite short; but we

Boat traffic on the Vltava

only got a dry bretzel to eat. At Prague airport we had a very long wait for our suitcase. But we quickly got a taxi and headed to our hotel, the Three Storks. It was in the Mala Strana or Lesser Town to the west of the river. The receptionist there was very friendly and also keen to sell us lots of tours. We declined. The hotel had been modernised and we had a very nice room, but I wouldn't say it was 5 Star. We did have WiFi but the TV stations left a lot to be desired.

We walked down to the famous Charles Bridge, a pedestrian bridge crowded with locals, tourists, vendors and musicians. We took pictures of the view over the River Vltava. We noticed that many of the statues and towers along the way were very black and sooty although a few had been restored to their yellow sandstone colour. We noted that there were many passenger boats offering river cruises as far as the weir, as well as pedalos and small boats.

Laura and me at Augustine - a great find

Later Laura arrived and we met her in the hotel bar where we enjoyed a campari soda. Then we enjoyed a very delicious meal at the nearby Augustine restaurant. We sat outside in the courtyard until it started to get dark. We tried some Czech wines which were very good. Back at the hotel, I slept badly though.

Thursday 12 July 2018, preparing for our trip

Today I looked at the guidebook to see where our hotel is in relation to the airport. I think we will take a taxi. We don't speak any Czech. It's not far from the river and the Charles Bridge. I would like to see the old city, the castle, gardens and bridge.

The weather there just now is slightly cooler than here, surprisingly. I still have the usual dilemma about packing. We checked in online and got our boarding passes. I programmed the recording of a few TV programs for when we are away.

Tomorrow morning will be a bit of a rush.

Wednesday 11 July 2018, Getting ready for Prague

Today I created a new blog for our planned weekend visit to Prague. I have never been there before, but it's only a short flight from Zurich and everyone says we will love it.

I have a small guidebook and have made a list of top sights - the castle, cathedral, the Charles bridge etc.

We have collected some Czech Koruna for our three-night stay. We are staying at the Three Storks hotel. I need to check out where it is. There is a metro system in the city but we may also use Uber.

I'm not sure what the food will be like but I hope we can get some healthy salads and not too many stodgy things.

Everyone says the weather will be hot. Today the doctor said we shouldn't be doing too much walking. We will plan carefully.