Prague, Czech Republic
 

I posted about my desire to see a bit of the world through becoming an English teacher a while back. I finally grew enough of a spine to make it happen. During winter break I will be going to Prague for about 15 days to make sure it's a place I want to spend a significant amount of time. If anyone has been or knows someone who has been I'd love to hear about any must see sights in and around the Czech Republic, in particular something within day-trip range of Prague.

On my must-see list are:
Prague Castle
Wenceslas Square
Jewish Quarter
Charles Bridge
Astronomical Clock
<a href="http://www.kostnice.cz/">Kostnice - aka Bone Church</a>
(and a handful I can't recall at the moment)

I'm also going to spend a day or three in Český Krumlov.

Remember to post pictures! My old colleage went and the pictures she brought back was magnificient.

I'm going to borrow my father's digital camera for the trip so I'll be able to easily post pictures. I'll just have to get used to snapping pics, I've never been much of a photographer.

For fun I did some currency conversion:

1 USD = 23.5 Koruny

Entrance fee to Sedlec Kostnice is 35 Koruny - $1.50. Average price in a hostel 350 Koruny - $15.

I forgot to mention that I'll be near Budvar(real Budweisser) and Pilsn(origin of Pilsner brewing process).

<a href="http://www.dexterhorn.com/country/europe/czech.htm?1020635421">Hmmmmm....</a>

The cheap sex rep. is putting a bit of a tarnish on Prague's image:
http://alaskanabroad.typepad.com/an_..._paradise.html

I was in Prague 17 years ago. It was commie back then and a bit run down, but the buildings were amazing. I felt like I had stepped back in time. It was a fun city to wander around in. I was a little nervous walking past some government buildings guarded by Soviet troops, but it was a safe and fun time.

Here's a picture of a plain old alleyway that gives you a feel for the city in 1988. These amazing old ornate buildings that had fallen into disrepair after a few decades of being neglected. A lot of filth and drearyness, but the buildings were gems underneath.

I wish I could give you tips on what to see, but it was so long ago, I don't remember a lot of details. Plus, I don't know what may have changed.

Enjoy your time there. It's a nice city.
http://static.flickr.com/32/42772416_f9c9b6163a.jpg